Porno-history -- it works, but there are problems

Rating: 8/10 (10 March 2007)

First the good news. The movie looks every bit as good as you would have hoped. The performances are surprising effective, with Gerard Butler doing an outstanding job holding the film together. If he had faltered, the 300 would have been in big trouble. Butler brilliantly conveys the impression of a first-rate leader, a man whose men would follow him anywhere. This is acting that never gets nominated, but it is still great acting. Note to casting: every time you are thinking of George Clooney, get this guy instead. You'll have a much better movie.
Finally, while people can and do complain about the historical accuracy, it's actually close enough so that the essence of the story comes through and to be fair (this movie must have just missed an NC-17), and there's no reason to be squeamish about it -- the real battles and atrocities must have been every bit as gory.
And yet, for all that, I was disappointed. The subject is so inherently dramatic, I have to wonder why Miller felt compelled to put in so much pornographic imagery, including his signature composition -- the beautiful girl being ravished by the hideously ugly creature(s). Psychologically, I think I understand the gimmick -- the readers of such graphic novels being mostly adolescent boys or such "at heart" that they are eager to have it both ways: being "shocked and indignant" at such repulsive actions while at the same time wondering: "How can I get such a deal?" A little bit of this stuff goes a long way, but it seems that Miller piles it on. Admittedly, I kept hoping the Oracle would return. She (an enthralling Kelly Craig who really needs to get more work) was awfully cute and her advice couldn't be any worse than what your broker gives you.
But the bigger issue may be that these images are so overpowering as stills, that they impede the movie's flow. This is a serious problem for a movie like this where flow and movement is everything. It is a credit to everyone involved, and I am especially singling out Butler again, that they keep the thing from stumbling upon the grotesque. 300 was often like a meal with way too many spices. Palatable, but it could have been better.