Movie review: Phaedra

While pretty, Phaedra has very little to say, whether about its own plot or the myth the plot is derived from. When it comes to European movies from the early 60s, there are certainly much more interesting ones.

I didn’t really dislike anything about it, though I found Tony Perkins’ performance as Phaedra’s young lover / stepson to be simply weird. The mildly erotic, mostly flat melodrama eventually crescendoes into a confusing and sad climax.

Raf Vallone’s dynamic performance as Thanos (aka Theseus) remains the most memorable from this film for me. There is a strong sense of Greek pride in Phaedra, and that’s my main takeaway.