300 - First Impressions
This is also posted on the MAMM (Mad About Mads Mikkelsen) board.
We all take away something different from any film. Here are a few of my drifts on 300.
I knew going in that the filmmakers had no intention of making an historically accurate film. They never said they were. So I wasn't expecting the History Channel. They did say they were staying true to Frank Miller's graphic novel. I haven't read the novel, but by all accounts they did just that.
I was curious about the fantastical elements. They did seem out of place at first, but then I realized that Dilios is telling this story. How can any storyteller resist a few embellishments, especially in an age where the fantastical is accepted. And Dilios must raise a new army quickly because Xerxes wasn't going away. How better than to tell his new recruits a rousing story about true and brave Spartans who fight outnumbered against an "evil other" and a demon-like horde? We need only recall our own current events to see how effective a tactic this is.
The dialogue seemed to be in keeping with the style of a graphic novel. No erudite thoughts. Lots of physicality and shouting and posturing. Thrilling action. Blood and guts. And yes, more naked women than naked men. Although the men were hard to ignore.
The cast seemed to take it for what it was and brought their talents to bear with notable effect. I thought that Gerard Butler and Lena Headey did a good job of conveying a love wrapped up tight in Spartan society. Wrapped tight, but not wholly smothered.
I'm a big fan of swordplay and fight sequences. I love choreography that shows the skill required of the performers and especially if the performers do their own stunts and fight scenes. The slow motion in these sequences is a wonderful way to see the style, grace and proficiency of the actors and stunt performers. I was totally floored by the sequence with, I think, the actors playing Stelios and Astinos. It is one of the most beautiful and awesome fight sequences I've ever seen! I loved the movement, the athleticism, the choreography. It showed not only power and skill, but grace and sensuality and conviction against all odds and the trust each had that the other would protect him. To me that sequence epitomized the Spartan ideal.
The look of the film is unique, even from Sin City. It's scope is epic, yet focused. It remains true to the novel and the genre in, I think, a very Spartan way - moving ever forward, working as a disciplined unit, giving no ground, and protecting one another.
As I left the theatre I found myself standing a little taller, stepping with more confidence, holding my head high and looking at the other person in the eye as I walked passed them.
And a whole host of thoughts and ideas whirled around in my head; war, devotion, indoctorination of the young, intolerance for those who are different, culture clashes, sacrifice, love, grace in the face of terror, death, ideals, misplaced faith, corruption, and the list goes on.
So, I found the movie satisfying on several levels. After only one viewing I remember scenes and dialogue from it. And I'm still forming my opinions about it. For me that's a sign of a great movie.
We all take away something different from any film. Here are a few of my drifts on 300.
I knew going in that the filmmakers had no intention of making an historically accurate film. They never said they were. So I wasn't expecting the History Channel. They did say they were staying true to Frank Miller's graphic novel. I haven't read the novel, but by all accounts they did just that.
I was curious about the fantastical elements. They did seem out of place at first, but then I realized that Dilios is telling this story. How can any storyteller resist a few embellishments, especially in an age where the fantastical is accepted. And Dilios must raise a new army quickly because Xerxes wasn't going away. How better than to tell his new recruits a rousing story about true and brave Spartans who fight outnumbered against an "evil other" and a demon-like horde? We need only recall our own current events to see how effective a tactic this is.
The dialogue seemed to be in keeping with the style of a graphic novel. No erudite thoughts. Lots of physicality and shouting and posturing. Thrilling action. Blood and guts. And yes, more naked women than naked men. Although the men were hard to ignore.
The cast seemed to take it for what it was and brought their talents to bear with notable effect. I thought that Gerard Butler and Lena Headey did a good job of conveying a love wrapped up tight in Spartan society. Wrapped tight, but not wholly smothered.
I'm a big fan of swordplay and fight sequences. I love choreography that shows the skill required of the performers and especially if the performers do their own stunts and fight scenes. The slow motion in these sequences is a wonderful way to see the style, grace and proficiency of the actors and stunt performers. I was totally floored by the sequence with, I think, the actors playing Stelios and Astinos. It is one of the most beautiful and awesome fight sequences I've ever seen! I loved the movement, the athleticism, the choreography. It showed not only power and skill, but grace and sensuality and conviction against all odds and the trust each had that the other would protect him. To me that sequence epitomized the Spartan ideal.
The look of the film is unique, even from Sin City. It's scope is epic, yet focused. It remains true to the novel and the genre in, I think, a very Spartan way - moving ever forward, working as a disciplined unit, giving no ground, and protecting one another.
As I left the theatre I found myself standing a little taller, stepping with more confidence, holding my head high and looking at the other person in the eye as I walked passed them.
And a whole host of thoughts and ideas whirled around in my head; war, devotion, indoctorination of the young, intolerance for those who are different, culture clashes, sacrifice, love, grace in the face of terror, death, ideals, misplaced faith, corruption, and the list goes on.
So, I found the movie satisfying on several levels. After only one viewing I remember scenes and dialogue from it. And I'm still forming my opinions about it. For me that's a sign of a great movie.