Review of Alexander (2004) by Static M — 07 Apr 2009

Oliver Stone went epic with this one, he faced alot of criticism for it too. But, he decided not to do it like a conventional epic, it looks visually stunning and the battle scenes are well done. But everything else just seems odd, from the casting and even the dialogue feels stodgy, but this does not get in the way of it being a very good film.

The film follows the life of Alexander the Great (Colin Farrell), Macedonian son of Olympias (Angelina Jolie) and Philip (Val Kilmer), who conquered half of the known world after he came to power in 336 B.

C. He conquered Egypt, Persia, Maracanda and all the way to India, he was a mighty leader yet conspiracies within his own kingdom clouded his own judgement and he would die young after a short illness in 323 B.

C, he was 33. It is a grand film, topped off with a warm narration by Anthony Hopkins, who plays the Old Ptolemy. The film does reek of folly though, and having half the Greek army sound Irish is a bit odd, Jolie hams it up and Kilmer looks slobbish for a king, the dialogue leaves alot to be desired.

It is an unconventional historical epic, but that's what Oliver Stone wanted, and he's succeeeded. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it's an experience.