(Untitled)

[cobalt_violet]

So, this is one piece down - two to go. And I'd better make them pretty quick given that I'm off to Egypt on Wednesday. Again. Ignore the references to various members of the Classics Department in the following piece - they're only relevant to those that know them.

Now, as promised, hot off the illustrious Classics department press:

Comments

[dimestore_romeo]

This, this is why I am going to do a course in screenwriting when I get to university. There are so many wrongs that need to be righted. (I put up with Alexander because I must. My love is too strong. I just wish Oliver Stone would actually give us a full cut of the movie - I think that Hephaistion gets more screen time, even if he does cry a lot and wear mascara.)

And OF COURSE the Macedonians were Irish. Obviously. Because it makes so much sense.

(I have been re-reading The Persian Boy today. Do not hold me accountable for my words.)

[cobalt_violet]

And when you do your screenwriting course and finally get to kick a director's head and make a proper Alexander film, I will be the first standing up in the peanut gallery screaming and cheering for you, because my god, we need some good classics films soon! (Like I mentioned in the article, I don't think Stone necessarily did a bad job from the POV of a Classicist - although it wasn't a great film - it was just that he tried to hard and failed because of it. Although I really do have my doubts about his Hephaistion, the more I think about it.)

The Irish accents were apparently to show the Macedonians were 'rustic' in comparison to the apparent upper class English - and therefore 'educated' - Athenians. I'm not sure if this is more insulting to the Irish or the Macedonians, now that I think about it... XD

Ohh, TBP - much love for that book too. Although I still harbour a mild dislike for Bagoas, I do love how brilliantly Renault wrote, so I can forgive her anything. :)

[dimestore_romeo]

Same here. I was juse browsing around, and Oliver Stone released a final cut of Alexander last year (I've only seen the director's cut). Which is around 40 minutes longer than previous versions. I think I'm going to have to get my hands on it, just to see how it compares.

(And the screenwriting thing? As soon as I started watching adaptations of Wuthering Heights, I knew that it had to be done.)

Mmm, I wasn't overly fond of Bagoas either. I enjoyed Fire from Heaven a lot more, especially because Bucephalus gets loads more screen time, and I love Renault's portrayal of that horse to bits.

[cobalt_violet]

To be honest the final cut doesn't have much more in it, save an extra couple of scenes with Bagoas. (Much to my disappointment.) Quite honestly the best cut was the original theatrical release, which covered everything in a timely manner, and wasn't unnecessarily weighted down.

(Oh, amen to that! I've only seen two adaptations of WH and both came nowhere near to capturing the essence of the book.)

Yes, I will confess Fire was my favourite Alexander book from Renault. Unlike you it's for the obvious reason that I enjoy reading about Hephaistion and he was a main player in that. If you like Bucephalus (and haven't read this already) take a look at the Greek Alexander Romance. It's wonderful. Bucephalus eats people; is extremely intelligent and can talk!

[poisonousintent]

I'm so glad you posted this! It's a wonderful paper; you make a strong argument (for both Pat and Heph), back it up with primary sources, and still manage to infuse humor into it!

"Hephaistion cries. A lot. He makes eyes at Alexander. A lot. He wears increasing amounts of kohl. A lot." was the probably the point were I broke down laughing (in a good way, of course.)

P.S. I'm jealous you're off to Egypt soon. Again! You must regal us with a very detailed description of your Classicist adventures. I imagine them to be a bit like Indiana Jones. XD

[cobalt_violet]

Lol, thank you! That's not what the journal editor said when she took a look at it. The conversation may have gone along the lines of: 'you've written HOW much?! I only wanted two pages from you! Damnit, not again!' Luckily she caved and it got published. True to form though, I believe next month we're having the Roman side of Boyfriend Blues which I have escaped writing. (The Romans aren't my strong point

[cobalt_violet]

Oh yep. I think they even managed to bring it to the attention of a high court judge. They claimed it was slander, there was no proof and it was desecrating Alexander's good name. It obviously hadn't been pointed out to them that all the ancient Greeks were - theoretically at least - bi.

The film is ok. As I said, I think the problems arise from Stone trying to hard and, yes, from characterization issues. At first I was so overjoyed someone had finally acknowledged Hephaistion, that it wasn't until I'd watched it a good few times that I came to the uncomfortable realisation that he's a little...well, like a stereotypical (and fictional) beaten wife. Hard on the heels of that realization was the thought that I really didn't approve of girly gay stereotypes either.

Aw, thank you me dear. Yes, pictures this time, I promise. And if I don't post them: kick me. I'm doing all the tourist-y bits again this time around so it should be all the pretty temples. :D

[katewonder]

I have nothing intelligent to say, except that this was really, really interesting.

I'm still amazed about the Alexander anime. :D

[wolf]

I'm so glad that you've decided to share with us! Not only is it well-written, but you have backed up all your very strong points with valid sources, as well as incorporated a good amount of wit! You said, "So, this is one piece down - two to go." -- does this mean that this is only one part of the article? Either way, I'm happy to read what you have to say! It is true that the sidekicks are often overlooked and downplayed.

Hephaistion cries. A lot. He makes eyes at Alexander. A lot. He wears increasing amounts of kohl. A lot. But does he do anything useful? Not really. -- This made me laugh so hard (your amazing wit, once again!). Though I did enjoy the movie for the most part, this is depressingly true.

We need more Classical films! I'd also really like to read A Conspiracy of Women.

I hope you have an amazing time in Egypt! (Lucky!) How long will you be staying there? You must tell us all about it when you return. :) ♥