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What problems would arise from trying to make a modern film version of Oedipus Rex? 

In the original play, a lot of the action takes place off stage.  Laius is murdered, Jocasta hangs herself, and Oedipus rips out his eyes, all out of sight of the audience.  Others come out and tell us about the gore and the blood and the death. But modern audiences are not patient with "off-stage" action, and would want to see the action.  But in this case, the action is so gruesome, particular the part where Oedpius uses his wife's brooches to rip out his own eyes, that it would be really difficult to watch... at least for most people.