Socrates (1971)

A false accusation leads the philosopher Socrates to trial and condemnation in 4th century BC Athens.

Director:

Roberto Rossellini

Writers:

Roberto Rossellini (treatment), Maria Grazia Bornigia (treatment)

Stars:

Jean Sylvère, Anne Caprile, Giuseppe Mannajuolo

Cast

Credited cast:
Jean Sylvère	...	Socrate
Anne Caprile	...	Santippe (as Anna Caprile)
Giuseppe Mannajuolo	...	Apollodoro (as Bepy Mannaiuolo)
Ricardo Palacios	...	Critone
Elio Seraffini	...	Prete
Julio Morales	...	Antistene
Emilio Miguel Hernández	...	Meleto
Emilio Hernández Blanco	...	Ipperide
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Paco Catalá	...	Lisyas

Storyline

A false accusation leads the philosopher Socrates to trial and condemnation in 4th century BC Athens.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | socrates character | reference to zeus the greek deity | 4th century b.c. | 400s b.c. | 

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Genres:

Biography | History

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Did You Know?

Trivia

He reconstructed Athens with the use of a mirror/prism, with the Schufftan effect (Metropolis). He also used the Pacino telephoto lens, remote controlled and it had a monitor, so he could control, view and create very intense long shots.

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Quotes

Socrate: I simply trust an inner voice of my own in the same way that you believe in omens borne by birds.

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Connections

Referenced in Rossellini visto da Rossellini (1993)

User Reviews

A Masterwork

THIS is a masterpiece. JEAN SILVERE was a revelation. Also, ANNE CAPRILE, his wife, was superbly wrought. So perfect was SILVÈRE's portrayal, that for me, he became SOCRATES.

I was wary, however, in the beginning, because the conversations went by so quickly. But now I understand what was going on and, as the story progressed, I became absolutely engrossed in this great, tragic story of one of history's great martyrs of truth.

I was moved, and I am not ashamed to say, literally to tears, during the last somber scene. I must now praise ROSSELLINI's direction. It gave me a more solid understanding of those times.

Also, the serious and unobtrusive musical score, which pulsated on had a drone-like quality which disappointed me at first, but again, as the story progressed, I understood why it was composed in this manner. It gave this work of art, the final touch of perfection.

This needs to be seen by a wider audience. I hope it will, in time, be required viewing in all the halls of education, everywhere.

I shall never forget it.

Details

Country:

Italy Spain France

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

17 June 1971 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Socrates

Filming Locations:

Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

Orizzonte 2000, RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana, Televisión Española (TVE)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min (Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1