It's a shame that this movie will most likely attract an audience that looks it up for the novelty-value of seeing La Divina Callas 'play' at movie-actress. I would almost wish she never got famous so that people could get bowled over by what must be one of the best unsung performances ever in movie-history (rather than a new trick for an old pony). Just as in the theater, every single gesture, every word is carefully measured for all its worth before being made or spoken. She seems to create the role as the movie proceeds, diverting attention away from the sometimes painfully low production values and the hesitant acting of the first-timers. Add to this one of Pasolini's most assuredly directed films, and stunning scenery (the locations indicated by the original play), and it seems as though you had never even heard about the play (let alone seen or read it). That's how fresh this movie comes across a couple of decades later.
Get over that fear of foreign language and subtitles and enjoy!!
Get over that fear of foreign language and subtitles and enjoy!!