MEDEA (1970)
PIER PAOLO PASOLINI
Plot
A cinematic retelling of Greek myth. To win the kingdom his uncle took from his father, Jason must steal the golden fleece from the land of the barbarians, where Medea is both royalty and a powerful sorceress. Medea sees Jason, falls for him and enlists her brother's aid to take the fleece. She then murders her brother and becomes Jason's lover. Back in Greece, the king keeps the throne, the fleece has no power, and Medea lives an exile's life, respected but feared, and abandoned by Jason. When she learns he's to marry the king's daughter, Medea tames her emotions and sends gifts, but her anguish overwhelms her and she unleashes a fire storm on the king, the bride, and Jason; 'Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned'. 'Medea' is a visually stunning tale of tragedy and, cine-pseuds take note, it contains Freudian themes through Marxist eyes.