Mythological Moviedom!
What happens when you mix the cast of Braveheart with the cast of The Lord of the Rings and then toss in a bunch of out-of-work Shakespearean actors? Why, shiver me timbers, it's Troy! And I've got the skinny for you, my fantabulous readers. So sit back, grab "The Iliad", and read along!
Troy
The very important phrase buried deep within the closing credits of Troy is "An adaptation of The Iliad by Homer." Adaptation. As in, not completely in line with the source material. This makes sense when you understand that they wanted to make a "historical reenactment" of the Trojan War. Obviously there weren't any real gods or superhumans fighting. But part of what makes the Trojan War so epic and tragic is the fact that the gods are involved, that it is a war more on divine front, and that the humans are simply pawns put into play by the gods above. That was the major concern I had going into the movie. I like the original. I like mythology. Historical reenactments shouldn't apply here. But they did anyway. More on that in a moment.
The plot: How many funny Trojan jokes can you put into one movie? A lot, I discovered. Oh, and some Greeks were there too. Everyone had a British accent, though. What's up with that?
The pros: I will give credit where credit is due- although the original mythology is much reduced, the writers managed to include testimony to the beliefs of the people of the age, how Apollo would protect the city, how Achilles was rumored to be invulnerable, how the voyages were blessed by Poseidon, and so on. Eric Bana was the tragic highlight of the cast as Hector, doomed Prince of Troy. Peter O'Toole is old, but still regal and solid as Priam. The battle scenes are intense and well-constructed, probably owing quite a lot to techniques used in The Lord Of The Rings battle scenes. I especially liked Death By Flaming Tumbleweed. That's my favorite new combat strategy.
The cons: Forget the inaccuracy with the original story. I accept that as my own pet peeve. Brad Pitt is a weak deliverer of lines here- his character is well written and motivated, but I don't think he was ideal for conveying the part. No matter- ladies, he's nekkid! Orlando Bloom cannot escape the role of Sissy Elf Boy. His ten minute stint in Black Hawk Down was more manly than every other role he ever played, this one included. ("Yes, all the women and children are escaping down this tunnel. I'll go with them!" PUSSY!!!!) Sean Bean as Odysseus is used too little, I think. But then again, he's just a side character.
The verdict: Better than expected... but nothing really extraordinary.
Disclaimer: It's really not my fault that I shouted "HECTOR SMASH!" whenever Eric Bana came on screen. Really. Blame cleolinda.
Disclaimer: This movie, on the other hand, would have completely ruled.
Troy
The very important phrase buried deep within the closing credits of Troy is "An adaptation of The Iliad by Homer." Adaptation. As in, not completely in line with the source material. This makes sense when you understand that they wanted to make a "historical reenactment" of the Trojan War. Obviously there weren't any real gods or superhumans fighting. But part of what makes the Trojan War so epic and tragic is the fact that the gods are involved, that it is a war more on divine front, and that the humans are simply pawns put into play by the gods above. That was the major concern I had going into the movie. I like the original. I like mythology. Historical reenactments shouldn't apply here. But they did anyway. More on that in a moment.
The plot: How many funny Trojan jokes can you put into one movie? A lot, I discovered. Oh, and some Greeks were there too. Everyone had a British accent, though. What's up with that?
The pros: I will give credit where credit is due- although the original mythology is much reduced, the writers managed to include testimony to the beliefs of the people of the age, how Apollo would protect the city, how Achilles was rumored to be invulnerable, how the voyages were blessed by Poseidon, and so on. Eric Bana was the tragic highlight of the cast as Hector, doomed Prince of Troy. Peter O'Toole is old, but still regal and solid as Priam. The battle scenes are intense and well-constructed, probably owing quite a lot to techniques used in The Lord Of The Rings battle scenes. I especially liked Death By Flaming Tumbleweed. That's my favorite new combat strategy.
The cons: Forget the inaccuracy with the original story. I accept that as my own pet peeve. Brad Pitt is a weak deliverer of lines here- his character is well written and motivated, but I don't think he was ideal for conveying the part. No matter- ladies, he's nekkid! Orlando Bloom cannot escape the role of Sissy Elf Boy. His ten minute stint in Black Hawk Down was more manly than every other role he ever played, this one included. ("Yes, all the women and children are escaping down this tunnel. I'll go with them!" PUSSY!!!!) Sean Bean as Odysseus is used too little, I think. But then again, he's just a side character.
The verdict: Better than expected... but nothing really extraordinary.
Disclaimer: It's really not my fault that I shouted "HECTOR SMASH!" whenever Eric Bana came on screen. Really. Blame cleolinda.
Disclaimer: This movie, on the other hand, would have completely ruled.