“300” (Warner Brothers)
Captures the Look But Not the Emotion
“300” is a visually stunning film that captures the comic book look of the story of the “300 Spartans” but never gives the audience the emotional impact it should have. Director Zack Snyder uses all the CGI equipment at hand to gain the look of Frank Miller’s graphic novel and give a total recreation on screen. However this story of the valor of a “band of brothers” in ancient Greece never has the emotional resonance it should have.
The story centers on King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) who is the King of the Spartans in the 5th century B C. He and his Queen (Lena Headey) know there are countries all around them who want to overrun Sparta and take its treasures. The most deadly are the Persians led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro).
When Leonidas learns of a planned attack by the Persians and their supporters, he gets together three hundred of his strongest and most trusted soldiers. Leaving his wife and country behind he heads for a narrow pass where the numbers of his enemy will not be as effective. Here at the Battle of Thermopylae three hundred stand off hundreds of thousands in a fight to the death.
This event was the Greek equivalent to the Alamo and therefore should have just as much tragic fascination for the world as well as a full emotional palette. In this film however the stress is only on the visual. The reasoning for this self-sacrifice is never captured and the heroism is more a waste than a triumph of valor.
Visually the movie is masterful. The scenes of battle are full of severed heads and dismembered body parts. In fact there is so much blood and guts spilling from the screen that it becomes tiresome and tedious. And how does the killing stop for the day. Does someone just shout time out and the sides retreat to their camps This film does not explain that situation. Why isn’t it all just finished in a continuous battle until it is over
Butler is fine and ferocious as Leonidas. He has the physique and the manly attitude necessary to showcase this stalwart leader. If anyone is going to lead a group on a death march he is the right choice for the role. Opposite him Headey is sensuous and strong as his love interest. Still there love scenes are not as much about passion as strength, and you never get the full range of the emotional bond that had to exist between these two strong-willed people.
Santoro is a strange sight as Xerxes. Through special effects he towers over Leonidas and appears to be a giant of a man. He is dressed in gold lame’ and has painted eyeliner as well as bangles covering parts of his body. This all creates a bizarre creature who seems more interested in partying than fighting.
The rest of the cast is made up of buffed and muscled men who wear leather speedos and long capes. It isn’t a practical outfit for battle but it does make for an impressive display of physical perfection and brute force.
The film is rated R for profanity, violence and nudity.
“300” is impressive for its look. It will capture the hearts and minds of its intended audience completely. Those seeking more of an emotional impact will be well advised to look elsewhere. This is a movie that creates a feast for the eyes to enjoy. The heart and brain will be on a starvation diet for the duration.
I scored “300” a manly 5 out of 10.
