The latest Hollywood blockbuster historical epic has just hit our movie screens. Fans of spectacular swords and sandals extravanganzas like “Gladiator” and “Troy” will be clamoring to see “Alexander”, the latest work by legendary director Oliver Stone.
“Alexander” stars Hollywood man of the moment Colin Farrell as Alexander the Great, the 4th century Macedonian king and military genius who conquered the entire known world by the age of 25. Angelina Jolie plays his mother, and Val Kilmer his father, while love interest duties are fulfilled by Rosario Dawson as Alexander’s Persian princess wife Roxanne. Jared Leto plays Alexander’s influential childhood friend Hephaistion, whose brief love affair with Alexander is portrayed in a subtle, suggestive way. The film also features respected veteran actors Anthony Hopkins and Christopher Plummer.
The scale of the story is truly epic, following the story of Alexander’s rise from ruler of tiny Macedonia, to conquer the might of the Persian Empire, then Egypt and ultimately India. His conquest shaped the destiny of the Western world for centuries to come by spreading Greek culture throughout the known world and paving the way for the expansion of the Roman Empire.
Stunning cinematography, magnificent locations and spectacular visual effects are probably the real stars. The film was shot in locations in Morocco, Thailand and the UK, and the sweeping landscapes and computer enhanced battle scenes are truly breathtaking, even for contemporary audiences jaded by a constant barrage of cinematic miraculousness. At almost three hours, this extravagant marathon of a film places itself decisively within the grand Hollywood epic tradition.
Critics’ reaction to the film has been underwhelming, to say the very least. Most are describing it more or less as a triumph of style over substance, as critics will tend to do with a major release of this type. However, audiences who love good entertainment will be the final judge.
Author: Sufi Fanning
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