The Unseen Movie Review

Alexander

The master of controversial political movies shifts back a few thousand years for his latest – his biggest, most expensive film to date. So, will Oliver Stone’s take on Alexander the Great be JFK-style conspiracies, Nixon-style high politics, or Platoon-style gritty battle sequences?

For a director lumbered with a reputation for controversy, a historically factual tale of a supposedly bisexual political and military behemoth who came to power thanks to political assassination and died in mysterious circumstances at the height of his career is perfect material. Alexander had the personal flaws of a Nixon, his life the political intrigue of a JFK, and he took part in umpteen battles which, although on a grander scale than the jungle conflicts of Vietnam, nonetheless provide ample opportunities for a master of war film direction to go overboard.

And going overboard is precisely the accusation which has been levelled at Stone for this film. With an all-star cast, headed by Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins, a budget of more than $150 million, literally thousands of extras, and filming taking place on three continents, it is Stone’s most ambitious project by a long way. Some have felt that he wasn’t quite able to cope with the pressure, and that the film has suffered as a result.

Coming, as Alexander does, on the back of swords and sandals epics Gladiator and Troy, the novelty of these ancient worlds may now have worn off. The spectacle of vast armies clashing in desert sands, of majestic, near-legendary cities, and well-toned, sun-tanned warriors pirouetting in the glaring sun may not hold as much appeal as it would have done a few years back. The fact that the real, historical battles recreated here are on a smaller, more realistic scale than those of The Lord of the Rings adds to the worry that this may not have anything much new to offer.

The critics have, for the most part, not been kind. Although based on the best-selling biography by Robin Lane Fox, the plot has been lambasted for its confusing complexity, and the script derided nearly as much as the unusual choice of accents on show from the cast – Farrell even keeps his native Irish brogue in his portrayal of the Macedonian king.

In short, this is a disappointing show from Stone – especially as his first feature film in five years. While he was able to cope with a vast cast on Nixon, yet still coax superb performances from all involved, here he seems to have concentrated on the epic scope of the confusing narrative rather than individual performances. While the film seems like it should be focussed more on personal relationships than big battles, it seems that Stone was keener to get his war elephants and long lines of infantry looking good than on ensuring that the heart of his film rings true.

There was supposed to be another film about Alexander the Great coming out this year, directed by Moulin Rouge’s Baz Luhrman and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. When Stone’s take got the go-ahead first, the studio put it on hold. After Stone’s inability to pull it off, will they give it another go, and try and produce the film Alexander immense achievements deserve? Or is this massively complex and fascinating figure simply too big for the screen?

posted by Nosemonkey @ 12:00 AM