[spoilers galore]

Saw Troy a couple weeks ago, but I've finally have a chance to do a review. One day, I'll do a review of a movie RIGHT after I watch it....til then, here's my review...

All in all, it was entertaining. The acting was top notch. The fight scenes were epic and incredible. Everyone in the cast was very easy on the eyes. I enjoyed the movie a lot.

But as with all movies that are based on a book, in this case Homer's Iliad, I have issues. I feel that there was too much emphasis on Brad Pitt's character, Achilles, almost making him too sympathetic. Then again, I'm not complaining that there was too much Brad Pitt time. I could watch him all day. What an amazing body! Whoo! I'm still sweating. But I don't feel that they spent enough time concentrating on the people of Troy. And where are the strong women characters? Helen showed a couple moments of strength, but most of the time just lamented that it was all her fault. The only strong woman character was Briseis. And where were Cassandra and Hecuba? Did they not exist? I guess not. So here's just a couple inconsistensies that I found:

- The Trojan war lasted more than 10 years. In the movie, it's about 2 weeks.
- Agamemnon doesn't die the way he did in the movie, nor did Ajax.
- Achilles was never in the horse.
- I don't think Achilles and Patroclus were cousins. If you'd like to see their real relationship, look it up in the internet. Interesting reading.
- Melaneus doesn't die the way he did in the movie, either...actually, he doesn't die until way after.

I'm also sad that they didn't focus on the gods and goddesses role in the war. I know that this made the movie much more realistic, but I always loved the myths of Apollo's interference, as well as the Judgement of Paris, with Athena, Aphrodite and Hera making Paris choose between them.

I think the most outstanding performance in the movie was definitely Eric Bana. His Hector was everything I imagined him to be - heroic, honorable, torn between being true to his family and defending his country. He was incredible. He took this role and played Hector with every fiber of his being.

Brad Pitt did a pretty good job, too. Well, much better than I thought he would do. Damn, he sure is nice to look at!!! But really, his Achilles was someone I really felt for, I understood where he was coming from, which is something that you don't really catch from the Iliad. He conveys Achilles' inner torment and his drive to do the things that he does. Have I mentioned that he has pretty eyes? And I admit, I even gave into Hollywood's romantic spin on things and even started rooting for the bastard. I never wanted to like Achilles!!! But really, too much focus on him. Especially the part when he's talking to his mother, Thetis, by the water, and the camera pans on his face as he thinks about joining the battle. I actually laughed out loud....I felt like I was watching a soap opera.

Orlando Bloom played a very wimpy Paris, which is just the way I pictured him. And I'm sure everyone thought about Legolas as he brandished his bow and arrow. Poor Orly, getting typecasted.

Brian Cox and Peter O'Toole were awesome in their respective roles. Cox made Agamemnon the bad guy, not caring about anyone and happy to use everyone as his pawns. Peter O'Toole as Priam was regal and cared so much for his country and family, even if he did have a little too much arrogance to believe that Troy could not be invaded. He had an amazing scene with Pitt at the camp, when he begs for the body of Hector to be returned. I loved Sean Bean's Odysseus. I only wish that he had a bigger part.

So, I think it was a great movie. I would have liked it so much more if I didn't know anything about Troy. But the acting and epic-ness of the movie are undeniable.

If this movie entertained you, definitely go to Blockbuster and rent 'Helen of Troy', A&E's miniseries of the war on Troy, but from the eyes of Helen. Still doesn't stick exactly to the book, but it's much truer to the literature than Troy.

Or if you're wanting to see a Troy from a completely female perspective, check out Marion Zimmer Bradley's book, 'The Firebrand'. It's one of my favorites.

Then again, neither have shots of Brad Pitt's ass.

Whoo. I'm still recovering from that.

Posted by Yano at June 2, 2004 05:08 AM

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