Little Alex

[poliphilo]

Do I want to see a film about Alexander the Great?

Not really.

I had the same problem with Troy. Man-killing Achilles, even when airbrushed to suit Brad Pitt's image and sensibilities, is not someone I want to spend much time with.

The 20th century's experience of war and empire has revolutionized our taste in heroes. We no longer favour aggressors like Alexander. We identify instead with the resistance. We want to see Russell Crowe take on the Roman Empire or Viggo Mortensen fight his way to a crown that is justly his.

Being asked to cheer for Alexander is a bit like being asked to cheer for Mordor.

Comments

[catvalente.livejournal.com]

And also, I refuse to see either Troy or Alexander.

I can be pissed off right here in my living room. I don't need to pay someone else to piss me off.

It takes so little effort to just get the damn story right. It's not like it's a secret--go to your library! It's right there!

Who killed Agamemnon?

*buzz*

I'm sorry, would you like to try again?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I don't think there has ever been a swords and sandals romp that has satisfied me. There are always compromises to be made when you're spending that much money.

[catvalente.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but they always make them by fucking up the story as it has stood and satisfied for hundreds upon hundreds of years. That's spelled D-U-M-B.