The Illiac Passion

The Illiac Passion

Throughout his life, Markopoulos remained closely connected to his heritage and made many works that connected with ancient Greek culture. The Illiac Passion is a visionary interpretation of “Prometheus Bound” starring mythical beings from the 1960s underground – [such as] Andy Warhol, who appears as Poseidon riding an exercise bike… Writing about this erotic odyssey, Markopoulos asserted that, “the players become but the molecules of the nude protagonist, gyrating and struggling, all in love, bound and unbound, from situation to situation in the vast sea of emotion.” (Mark Webber)
Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.

Direction: Gregory J. Markopoulos
Cinematography: Gregory J. Markopoulos
Editing: Gregory J. Markopoulos
Music: Béla Bartok
Actors: Richard Beauvais, David Beauvais, Robert Alvarez, Andy Warhol, Clara Hoover
Producers: Gregory J. Markopoulos
Costumes: Jerome Hiler
Format: 16mm
Color: Color
Production Country: USA
Production Year: 1967
Duration: 90΄

Gregory J. Markopoulos

Born in Ohio in 1928 to Greek immigrant parents, experimental filmmaker Gregory Markopoulos began making 8mm films at the age of 12. In 1967 he left the United States for permanent residence in Europe. Gradually, Markopoulos ensconced in self-exile, withdrawing his films from circulation and refusing to give any interviews. While he continued to make films, his work went largely unseen for almost 30 years.

Filmography

1949 Christmas U.S.A. (short)
1963 Twice a Man
1966 Ming Green (short)
1967 The Illiac Passion
1967 Bliss (short)
1968 The Mysteries
1975 Portrait of Gilbert & George (aka Gibralta) (short)