A film by Wolfgang Peterson.
OK, you know the story - the Iliad*. It's an epic (as they like to say), and in terms of numbers, so is Troy. The battle scenes here, and there are several, are on a grand scale, but for some reason, the editing in these scenes here is choppy, in the shades of bad seventies televeision, or one of the endless number of oriental martial arts films. And I saw moments where the fallen soldiers were taking tumbles a la the worst film so far as that goes, Gettysburg. Not quite cartwheels like in that movie, but pretty close. And the level of violence (i.e., goriness) is a matter of personal decision - I didn't think it was that bad.
Brad Pitt actually does a credible job here as Achilles, the original gun-for-hire. Through most of the movie, he has ice flowing through his veins, no more so than his battle with, and aftermath of same, with Hector. Don't understand the surfer-boy looks and blond hair, though.
Peter O'Toole puts in the best performance, though as Priam, King of Troy. He comes up with a Shakesperean-like effort that stands head and shoulders above the rest. If there are any Oscar nominations for acting coming out of this film, his is it.
For its scope, Troy is a very good film. As a film, period, it's good. Not great, but good. It's quite a haul to take in at about 2:45. But there are worse ways to spend your time and money. All three of us - LC, G-pup, and myself have seen Troy, and all agree it is a film you'll like.
* - Assuming you have read this, I won't review the story line. Except to note the gods of the Iliad are not portrayed in the movie. Interesting.
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I saw this movie yesterday. It was very good and I would go to see it again. The storyline concerning Troy throughout the ages has always been interchangeable. It can be seen as a war story. love story, lesson in greed or a dozen other ways. The story has been embellished so much throughout the ages that numerous interpretations are valid.
The character of Achilles (Brad Pitts) wasn't quite as stoic and macho as in most portrayals. In this movie Achilles is much more inclined to have some feelings for his Trojan counterparts and is indeed somewhat more intelligence and reasonable than King Agamemnon and Menelaus. Some of his animalistic tendencies are tempered by a woman he meets.
The only part of the movie I thought was far fetched was the ending in which Hector's wife, child and even Paris appear to escape from Troy and it's aftermath via a secret tunnel. In virtually every play or storyline concerning Troy all of these characters die during the sacking of Troy by the Greeks. But as the legends of Troy are just that - legends, even this ending is possible.
Overall a good movie. The matinee cost me $6.50. The large tub of hot buttered popcorn and medium coke was $9.50. No regrets on the money spent.
The character of Achilles (Brad Pitts) wasn't quite as stoic and macho as in most portrayals. In this movie Achilles is much more inclined to have some feelings for his Trojan counterparts and is indeed somewhat more intelligence and reasonable than King Agamemnon and Menelaus. Some of his animalistic tendencies are tempered by a woman he meets.
The only part of the movie I thought was far fetched was the ending in which Hector's wife, child and even Paris appear to escape from Troy and it's aftermath via a secret tunnel. In virtually every play or storyline concerning Troy all of these characters die during the sacking of Troy by the Greeks. But as the legends of Troy are just that - legends, even this ending is possible.
Overall a good movie. The matinee cost me $6.50. The large tub of hot buttered popcorn and medium coke was $9.50. No regrets on the money spent.
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