S10 Reviews: Alexander (2004)

Rating: 7/10 (8 August 2005)

Alexander the Great (Colin Farrell  Phone Booth) was a man of great passion. By the tender age of 25 this Macedonian king had conquerored 90% of all the known lands of that time. By the time he died (of mysterious causes) at age 33, Alexander had shaped the very destiny of the world and became immortal like the gods of Olympus.
"Alexander" is probably Oliver Stone's (Natural Born Killers / Platoon) most polished film. A bit flashy at times, it lacks a bit of the manic intensity that be brings to many of his projects. Is it a bad film? No. "Alexander" is an exceptionally photographed film (the DVD really shines) that is very compelling and well acted. The Vangelis score was wonderful and as I stated before the photography was simply gorgeous. Although a fine cast (Anthony Hopkins, Jared Leto, Christopher Plummer, Val Kilmer, etc.) Farrell seemed an odd choice for the part of Alexander but after awhile he seemed to come into his own. One does wonder if Stone could have done better for his lead. I must admit that although Miss Jolie looked stunning as ever, she too seemed out of place. My only real quibble with the film is that we only get to see two battles but the battles were immense with superb sound design. "Alexander" is much better than Warner's other2004 epic (Troy) but doesn't hold a candle to the "Braveheart's" and "Gladiator's" of yore.