
Oedipus Rex(1967)
“Pasolini’s Terrifying… Compassionate… Magnificent…”
Overview
In pre-war Italy, a young couple have a baby boy. The father, however, is jealous of his son - and the scene moves to antiquity, where the baby is taken into the desert to be killed. He is rescued, given the name Oedipus, and brought up by the King and Queen of Corinth as their son. One day an oracle informs Oedipus that he is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Horrified, he flees Corinth and his supposed parents - only to get into a fight and kill an older man on the road…
Director
Pier Paolo Pasolini
Studio
Somafis
Cast

Franco Citti
as Oedipus

Silvana Mangano
as Jocasta, Queen of Thebes (and unnamed Italian young mother)

Alida Valli
as Merope, Queen of Corinth

Carmelo Bene
as Creon

Julian Beck
as Tiresias

Luciano Bartoli
as Laius, King of Thebes (and unnamed Italian young father)

Francesco Leonetti
as Servo di Laio
Ahmed Belhachmi
as Polybus, King of Corinth

Giovanni Ivan Scratuglia
as Sacerdote
Giandomenico Davoli
as Pastore di Polibo

Ninetto Davoli
as Angelo

Laura Betti
as Jocasta's Maid (uncredited)
Where to Watch
Availability may vary by region. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Movie Facts
Release Year
1967
Runtime
1h 45m
Language
Italian
Rating
6.8 / 10
Production Companies
Somafis • Arco Film
You Might Also Like
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Oedipus Rex?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for Oedipus Rex (1967).
What is Oedipus Rex about?▼
In pre-war Italy, a young couple have a baby boy. The father, however, is jealous of his son - and the scene moves to antiquity, where the baby is taken into the desert to be killed. He is rescued, given the name Oedipus, and brought up by the King and Queen of Corinth as their son. One day an oracle informs Oedipus that he is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Horrified, he flees Corinth and his supposed parents - only to get into a fight and kill an older man on the road…
Who directed Oedipus Rex?▼
Oedipus Rex was directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini and released in 1967. It is a drama film.
How long is Oedipus Rex?▼
Oedipus Rex has a runtime of 1 hours and 45 minutes (105 minutes total).
Who stars in Oedipus Rex?▼
The cast of Oedipus Rex includes Franco Citti as Oedipus, Silvana Mangano as Jocasta, Queen of Thebes (and unnamed Italian young mother), Alida Valli as Merope, Queen of Corinth, Carmelo Bene as Creon, Julian Beck as Tiresias and more.
Explore More by Genre
Need a recommendation?
Tell us your mood and we'll pick the perfect movie for you.








