Myths in Music and Cinema
MUSIC
retellings of a myth in song, like opera
Gluck’s "Orfeo ed Euridice" (1762)
or instrumental reflections
Holst’s "The Planets"
Classical example
Handel’s "Acis and Galatea" (1717-1720) See Lorrain and Raphael
Popular example
Connie Francis’ "Stupid Cupid" (1958)
CINEMA
film versions of ancient works, especially Greek tragedies, operas, etc.
The Odyssey. with Armand Assante and Greta Schacchi
Richard Strauss' Elektra
Gospel at Colonus
direct imitation
use of narrative and characters
Disney’s "Hercules"
"Clash of the Titans"
"Jason and the Argonauts"
indirect imitation
Wishbone's "Homer Sweet Homer"
"O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
"Mighty Aphrodite"
"Black Orpheus"
"The Natural"
"Time Bandits"
allusions or use of mythological characters
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"
Disney's "Fantasia"
This material has been published on the web by Prof. Tom Sienkewicz for his students
at Monmouth College. If you have any questions, you can contact him at toms@monm.edu.
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