If you are going to buy the first set, you will need some background knowledge on Greek history, most certainly. otherwise, you just won’t get as much out of it. There is more to his 70’s movies than elegant formalism.
I’d say that all of Theo’s films require a certain level of knowledge about European culture and history. some more than others. Cythera, Stork and Ulysses are very topical films, dealing with issues that are both universal and culturally and/or regionally specific, at a given point in time. But they address them in a far more general way, so they aren’t quite as hard to follow as Travelling Players(although they all have their fair share of cryptic moments).
I say take a risk, because Theo is an excellent director—one of my personal favourites—but i wouldn’t go in blind either.
Just do a bit of reading on modern Greek history, even if it’s only online. Trust me, it helps.
Mathew (sic)
I’ve seen none of his films. Gonna blind buy one of the Artificial Eye collections. Know nothing of Greek politics or history or culture (except that Reconstruction seems based on Agamemnon’s happy homecoming). Seems like his earlier films get more respect but are more esoteric. Should I, could I, enlighten myself before? Should I buy the second (Alexander, Cythera, Beekeeper, Landscape, Stork(?)) or third (Stork(?), Ulysses, Eternity, Weeping, Dust) collection? Ulysses interests me most, but for rather superficial reasons. Guy goes on huge journey for simple object with only a personal significance. Know nothing of it’s substance. Not good at studying beforehand, the films will likely encourage me to fill the gaps afterwards. But they’re long-ass films. Might be many gaps. Might have trouble. Expert advice?