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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
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 Posted - December 01 2004 : 06:11:26 AM
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Has anyone seen this movie? They say it has "bombed" & the reviews are pretty poor.
I went to see it last Saturday with my 3 oldest sons - we completely enjoyed it! Pressed for time right now, but I'll write more of my opinion of this film over the weekend.
Curious, though, of others' opinions ... it is, shall we say, different!
ALEXANDER
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
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 Posted - December 04 2004 : 07:59:44 AM
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Hmmm ... I guess it really did bomb. No one here has seen it?
The more I think on it, the more I liked it! It is an awesome visual spectacle meant for the big screen ... seems every shot was LARGE. I was completely captivated by the cinematography ... perhaps the very best I've ever seen. It was so good, that the soundtrack - something I usually pay close attention to - escaped me completely. At film's conclusion, my eldest son turned to me and said, "I loved the soundtrack," and it dawned on me that I could not recall a single theme, so enthralled was I with the visuals. Worth seeing for that aspect alone!
The movie is quite long, about 3 hours, and there were a few segments where it seemed in danger of dragging, but it would quickly reverse itself and immerse you once again. Wonderful film-making. Two large scale battle sequences are magnificently done ... very different. YOU ARE THERE ... believe me ... see it on the big screen! The second of the two takes place in India, with elephants being ridden into battle by the "enemy" ... first thought that came into my wee little brain was, "the first tanks!"
But, it's not just the battles [and the first large scale battle against the Persians is equally outstanding, much of it shot through dust & haze!], the closeups are fantastic, as are the landscapes & ancient city recreations.
The cast is certainly a bonus ... Val Kilmer's missing eye excepted, the cast is beautiful to look at and do fine jobs. I don't believe I ever saw a movie with Angelina Jolie in it ... I was very impressed with her role as Alexander's viper-loving Mother. Colin Farrell [soon to be in The New World] was excellent, at times, in the lead role, a bit anemic, I felt at others. Toward the end, when his hair was longer, he reminded me a bit of Mel Gibson in Braveheart ... watch the eyes ... almost seemed he consciously patterned himself after Mel. Of course, Anthony Hopkins was his usual stellar, professional self - though his role was reduced to more or less a narration-type role. He portrays one of Alexander's generals, well after Alexander's death, reminiscing for history's sake to a scribe. Rosario Dawson [Alexander's wife] & Jared Leto [boyhood friend and confidant] are also very good ... everybody is.
Oliver Stone crafted a wonderful film. It is a work of art. I went in expecting some weirdness, and at first glance, there was ... The gay population will probably adore this film and Leto might become their new poster-boy. Some of the scenes between Farrell & Leto were downright near uncomfortable to watch for this "homophobe"  ... Now, I'm far from an expert on this period of history, but it appears that there is much historical evidence to support this portrayal, and in fact, 300-400 years before Christ, when this movie takes place, morals were upside down & Generals really did seek out "pretty boys" to fill their ranks ...
Decadence has been the Achilles heal of many an Empire. [Achilles is oft-mentioned in this film, by the way - a much better movie than Troy, though, in my humble opinion!]
Overall, great film!  I need to see it again to catch the soundtrack!
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Fitz Williams
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002
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Posted - December 06 2004 : 11:57:40 AM
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| Rich, I haven't been to see a movie in YEARS! I just wait for it to come to HBO, or buy a DVD. I was at Target the other day, and the Master and Commander DVD was on sale for $10, so I bought a copy. Great movie! And the $10 is less than I would have paid to see it one time at a theatre. Heck, the popcorn would have cost $10! |
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daire
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 17 2002
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Posted - December 08 2004 : 7:56:40 PM
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I saw it last Monday and I really enjoyed it. :) The "close" relationship between Alexander and Hephaestion didn't bother me (I've seen it mentioned that it was accepted in those days, don't quote me on that though), but the sometimes quick change between time periods had me briefly confused a couple times. Otherwise, I thought it was pretty good and will likely buy the dvd...but I think as with other historical flicks, some will have to take it for what it is if not 100% accurate - Hollywood fun. :)
I'm not a fan of Angelina Jolie, but she was tolerable in this one. |
daire
_____________________________________
"I do not call myself subject to much at all."
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Fitz Williams
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002
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DIENSIEG.HSU
Pathfinder
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
June 25 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - February 13 2005 : 4:50:06 PM
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| rich, i totally agree with your opinions about the movie. i think it is up to the level of " Lawrence of Arabia ", Farrell's performance if fresh and stunning just like Otoole's. i would buy it later to keep. |
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