Visual Spectacle

Rating: 6/10 (30 March 2007)

'300' uses amazing visual effects to make you think it's a meaningful and poignant film. But rather, its heavy stylized action covers up its lack of emotional resonance. It is what it is, a visual spectacle. It won't change the way films are made, and it's not the best film of the last decade. What could have been a modern epic is hurt by poor direction and choppy editing. Staged and intentionally over-the-top, '300' is captivating yet underwhelming.
When the Persian Empire threatens the Greek state of Sparta, King Leonidas defies law and order when he leads 300 of his bravest men against the mammoth Persian army of one million. Though in the face of unwinnable odds, Leonidas and his men stand strong in the face of death, refusing to admit defeat and give up hope. They fight with dignity and die with honor, while Leonidas' own decision to lead his kingdom to war divides his homeland. And through the actions of these few fearless soldiers, an entire kingdom will be inspired to rise up and fight for what they believe is right.
If '300' succeeds at one thing, it will surely hypnotize you with its stunning landscapes and visual effects. Filmed entirely on green screens, it allowed filmmakers to create a unique and magical world with oracles, hunchbacks, ravenous wolves, unworldly creatures, and breathtaking cinematography. No doubt, it's the film's true stroke of genius. Yet above all else, what '300' promised us above all else were unforgettable and mesmerizing battle scenes. And despite all the visualization the film provides audiences with, the war sequences fall short. While there's enough blood and detached limbs to satisfy most, the over-stylized, slow-motion capture is problematic. It prevents you from seeing much in the way of fighting at all, when a short clip is stretched out for what seems to be an eternity. Entertaining to watch? Yes. But when 'Return of the King' and its mind blowing battles keep coming to mind, we all know who wins that match-up.
'300' strives for epic status, but with a script and direction that's riddled with problems, you can see how '300' falls short of greatness. With a script that's better at giving us prepared one-liners than a story with depth, director Zack Snyder (2004's 'Dawn of the Dead') struggles when he attempts to make '300' a film with relevant political undertones. In between battle sequences, which are numbered to begin with, the dialogue and dramatic elements drag. And so we're left with a very choppy film. Gerard Butler does a fine job in the role of King Leonidas, whose body alone looks like a god. Rodrigo Santoro, who plays Xerxes, the self-proclaimed god and leader of the Persian empire, gives an interesting yet impressive performance. Though for the most part, the majority of the cast consists of B-level actors. The slim script and story doesn't require much from their part, and they seemingly take a backseat to the film's eye sex.
While '300' is no masterpiece, it's a film worth experiencing in theaters if only for its visual assault. A TV screen just won't do it justice. It's a classic example of style over substance, and in this case, style is all '300' has going for it. But it's just enough, even when the film lacks in almost every other department. '300' succeeds mostly at what it sets out to do, and will probably cause many to tap into their inner alpha male. Your eyes are certainly in for a treat, just be sure to check your brain at the door.