I can't fault the story - it's not Wolfgang Petersen's (director's)... fault... Homer wrote a tragic, life-is-nought, stupid epic. Obviously I have not read it, otherwise I would probably have a good deal more respect for it. Nonetheless, this was not the poem, but the movie. Some good fight scenes, particularly the one between Hector (Eric Bana) and Achilles (Brad Pitt), but otherwise it was all a bit blah.
Epic? I don't think so. Long, yes. Epic, no. I'm not sure, but I've come to my own conclusion that there will never be another epic. I say CGI characters, fight scenes and 1000-ship armadas automatically disqualify a movie. As you can see, my 'epic' is based on a grand scale of people and coordination, not necessarily on the storyline. This may be erroneous but it is my opinion. You are entitled to it.
I can't think of any particular redeeming quality to take from the story either... Love? Stockholm Syndrome maybe. There was a love story but not the one expected between Paris and Helen, and not entirely convincing. Honor? Perhaps, it was an element. It was, however, made quite clear that honor is not rewarded in life, so I can't say it made a point to 'be honorable'. Eternity? Frequent talk of the gods and respecting them, but made clear they, in the end, have no influence whatsoever on the outcome of...well, anything.
So in the end it is, as Homer probably meant it, simply supposed to portray life as futile. It does a good job of that. I can't see you, or anyone else, walking away saying, "I really liked when [x] happened because it makes you think about [x aspect of life]." Unless you enjoy thinking about life as a meaningless journey through nothingness to nothingness.
Annoying things:
I was entirely sick of Orlando Bloom (Paris, brother of Hector, prince of Troy) by the end of Lord of the Rings, and was unsurprisingly disappointed again by his steely glare, pensive sigh and high-falutin' speak. Very disappointed to see how he ends up in the movie as well. [said thus so as not to spoil it for those who may yet go to see it, haven't read the poem and also haven't had someone else tell them]
And Peter O'Toole (king Priam of Troy) making as concerted an effort as I've ever seen towards making his eyes pop out of their sockets of their own accord - disturbing
the earley edition - Posted by Dave @ 5/15/2004 05:04:00 am || ||
