How Does The Movie Iphigenia Compared To A Classic

What would a modern adaptation of an epic poem by Euripides look like? The world would have never known but it is safe to say that Cacoyannis has done just that. Cacoyannis created a cinematic version of the classic in 1977. Even with a few faults the movie still remains a standout for viewers when considering the ethical modifications of to a classic. This movie brought a modern adaptation of Iphigenia when compared to Euripides; there should be examination of the content, cinematics, and overall reception of the movie.
The movie starts off with Agamemnon’s troops acting barbarius. In an attempt to control the blood thirst of the troops Agamemnon allows the troops to kill some pastoral herds. These animals were owned by Calchas. During this

process the troops accidentally struck the a deer. This deer is proclaimed as being the spiritual animal of Artemis within greek mythology. It acts as a prelude to everything else that would happen during the movie. It also acts as the background for the goddess Artemis presumably existing presence throughout this movie.
Calchas comes to Agamemnon’s tent that night decreeing in order for the winds to flow again. Agamemnon must sacrifice his eldest daughter Iphigenia. The troops being in their state of savagery are not aware of the magnitude of the sacrifice that must occur for the wind to begin to blow again. Agamemnon has internal conflict between the person he portrays as strong and brave who would not sacrifice his daughter; versus the timid and cowardly person he really is. Throughout the movie the leadership of the military is frequently conflicted. The chain of command becomes muddied. Odysseus exploits the opportunity for his best interest in finally being able to take down Agamemnon.
The troops begin to act as a mob and Odysseus uses this to his advantage. The mob is strongly being influenced by phusis and eros. Phusis is nature while the eros is the love. The mob was driven by their love for war which allowed for them to find it satisfying to kill Iphigenia. They have no qualms about it showing the phusis. They acted savagely and only had bloodlust. Although Agamemnon has the internal conflict on whether to sacrifice his daughter ultimately Agamemnon summons for her.
In Agamemnon’s cowardly state he calls for his daughter but tricks her by saying that it is for her marriage and that she must come alone. Instead her mother Clytemnestra decided to come as well. The troops of Greece ultimately learn that Iphigenia must be sacrificed in order for the wind to blow and so that they could possibly win the war against Troy.
Once Iphigenia arrives and Clytemnestra learns about the real motive for coming Clytemnestra becomes very upset.

Over the years she has harboured ill feelings concerning her husband Agamemnon because he killed her husband and then begged her father for forgiveness. Eventually Iphigenia decides that she wants to sacrifice herself for glory and Greece. Glory is what stems all of the events throughout the movie. Greece is going to war against Troy because Helena left her husband. Greece wants a glorious win over Troy and are willing to sacrifice Iphigenia for a possible upper hand. Agamemnon is willing to sacrifice his eldest daughter so that he can be the great military leader that he once was. Iphigenia is willing to die with the belief and hopes of being immortal in the history of

Greece.
When considering the production of the movie it had an incredibly long introduction and closure.

The music has rather suspenseful and at times over intensified the overtone of the moment instead of accessing the undertones of the moment. The acts were extremely exaggerated including Irene Papas who played Clytemnestra. During her acting at times it felt as though she was being extra exaggerated making it awkward to watch. That being considered there was never a moment that occurred when you felt as though she did not genuinely care about every moment. The actor for Agamemnon Kostas Kazakos there were times that it would have been more appropriate to add more feeling into his scene. Often was a viewer it felt as if he would not make a decision for himself but instead was constantly waiting for someone to react. The setting was incredible. It seemed as if it was truly taped in ancient Greece. It was beautiful and embodied what I would image ancient Greece would look like. The soundtrack was over exaggerate. It would be nice if there was not as much drums. Often times it made the scene have an increased moment of anticipation when nothing major was really

occurring.
The overall reception of the movie is dependent upon the audience watching it. This film was created for a mythological enthusiast who can intellectually appreciate what it meant during ancient greek times. Although there is an extremely long introduction it helps to fill in the background and set the scene for everything else that happens in the movie. Making it essential to the overall delivery of the movie. This movie also gives people the chance to examine the malicious motives of the troops during this war but it also allows for the observer to consider at what points in modern time do people compromise the welfare of others for the possibility of something better.
What was the original motive for the sacrifice? As progression occurs throughout the movie it becomes more and more evident that Artemis is not behind this sacrifice. In reality Calchas is seeking revenge for his animals being slaughtered. Odyssey used the opportunity for him to possibly get power over Agamemnon’s army. Calchas knows that no one will question his motives. Earlier during the movie when Calchas and Odyssey feels the wind blowing they decide that it is necessary to speed up the process. Odysseus does not play the traditional role of the hero like he does in other stories in this movie he seems to be the coconspirator in the death of Iphigenia. Agamemnon conforms to the mob and sacrifices his daughter.
While Iphigenia conforms to the demand of the mob and what she feels is her destiny.It also shows the experiences that women faced during this time. A distressed mother like Clytemnestra losing her daughter without her opinion being acknowledge led to just accept it as such. A poor young lady never being able to create her own identity instead succumbing to what is expected of her. It is similar to the story of Demeter and Persephone; Demeter lost her daughter to marriage but also death she never got the opportunity to see her daughter flourish into a woman. Clymnestra originally believes she is losing her daughter to marriage but instead she will never get to see her daughter blossom into a mature woman because she will die as a sacrifice.At the end in the last few scenes it becomes very evident that Calchas was behind plan because even though the winds have started to blow at the last moment he snatches Iphigenia and we do not definitively know what happens to her. At least she has to glory that so many people wanted during the movie. Her attendant will always be able to say that all this sacrifice and work was for a woman and that woman was Iphigenia.
This movie gives the watcher an opportunity to examine the difference between free will and destiny. That is if destiny even exists. Overall Cacoyannis does an amazing job of bring a new life to an old epic. He dramatizes the feelings and critical moments while one decided at what cost do you sacrifice what you love for something else. It also provides the audience an opportunity to self assess themselves. What is it that they believe in? Does the means justify the methods used to get there.