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4.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 4.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Wizard of Athens remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
So, you’re scrolling, looking for something different? The Wizard of Athens might just hit the spot if you’re into older, slightly melodramatic films from way back. It’s definitely not for everyone, mind you. If you need fast pacing and modern sensibilities, you’ll probably find it a bit slow. But for those who appreciate a good, old-fashioned love story with a touch of magic, or just curious about Greek cinema from this era, give it a shot. Otherwise, maybe skip it. 🤷♀️
Our main guy, the 'Wizard,' played by Tasos Meletopoulos, he’s a charmer. He’s not doing dragons and fireballs, obviously. It’s more the kind of magic that wins over a crowd with a guitar and a knowing smile. His stage presence is quite something; you can see why the women, and maybe the audience, fell for him. He has this way of looking into the camera that just… holds your attention.
The movie really leans into his musical numbers. They’re these long, almost dreamy sequences. One particular scene, he’s playing for a small, hushed crowd in what looks like a garden café. The camera just stays on him for ages. You can almost feel the warm Athens night air. It’s a nice touch. Makes you feel part of the moment, rather than just watching it.
Then his 'darling' enters the picture, Maritsi Kalligeri. She’s got this elegant, almost untouchable quality. When she first sees him perform, her reaction isn’t this big, dramatic swoon. It’s a very subtle, slowly dawning admiration. That felt real. Like, you see her thinking, ‘Oh, this one is different.’
Things take a turn, as they always do in these types of movies. She leaves him for a richer man. And this is where the melodrama really kicks in. The Wizard's attempts to win her back, they get a little *much*. You see him lurking, sending messages, just generally being quite persistent. It almost feels a bit stalker-ish by today’s standards, but back then, I guess it was romantic? 😅
There’s a scene where he tries to confront her at a fancy party. He’s not invited, of course. He just shows up, looking all dejected but still trying to maintain that noble posture. The way the security guard kind of gently escorts him out, it’s not violent, just… sad. You really feel for the guy in that moment, even if his methods are questionable.
The pacing, for sure, is *leisurely*. Don't go in expecting anything fast. Some scenes just linger. A shot of the city, a quiet moment between characters where not much is said but a lot is implied. It's a slow burn, for better or worse. It gives you time to really soak in the atmosphere, which is a big part of this film's charm. The old Greek streets look wonderful.
The acting overall is… earnest. Some of the secondary characters, especially the rich rival, are a bit one-note. He’s just ‘the rich, smug guy.’ But the lead performances, particularly Meletopoulos, carry it. He makes you believe in his heartbroken magician. There’s a scene near the end, a close-up of his face, where his eyes just tell a whole story without him saying a word. It's powerful.
The Wizard of Athens isn't perfect, not by a long shot. It’s dated, the story is pretty standard melodrama, and sometimes you just want things to speed up a little. But there’s a genuine heart to it. It’s a glimpse into a certain kind of filmmaking, a certain kind of story, that we don’t really get anymore. It's a nice, gentle watch for a quiet evening. It certainly sticks with you, if only for its unique charm and those lingering musical moments.
IMDb —
1921
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