A Sprawling Mess.

Rating: 4/10 (12 January 2005)

Alexander **
It's only January, and here is surely a contender for biggest disappointment of the year. A great cast, a respected director, a $100million budget - how could it go so terribly wrong? Despite having all the requisite parts, there are some clear problems;

For a start, attempting to cover Alexander's' entire life in even this three hour monstrosity is an impossibility. It ends up cutting out 3 years here, 8 years there, and consequently the film struggles to flow and the characterisation never develops to anything below surface level. Stone would have been better of taking a leaf out of Scorsese's book and concentrating on just a certain time period in our heroes life, as in 'The Aviator'.

Despite his best efforts, Colin 'effin' Farrell is hopelessly miscast. Kevin Spacey certainly has a point when he says that having your face plastered over the tabloids hinders your credibility on screen. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't help but snigger when this alcoholic, drug taking, womanising, hard-as-nails Irishman staggers around in his Doris Day wig and mini-toga, snogging young men! Where's Russell Crowe when you need him?

The vast variety of different accents, ranging from Farrell's broad Irish, Jolie's attempt at Russian (I think!), and Kilmer's Shakespearian thesp, just sounds bizarre. And the sight of a young child actor attempting Farrell's Irish drawl is ridiculous!

The constant narrative is not only a waste of Sir Anthony Hopkins' considerable talent, but plain patronising to any one with a brain cell. Perhaps a film that actually flows in some kind of order would have been a better idea? I personally don't go to the cinema for a history lesson.

Angelina Jolie is just awful; feigning hysteria and constantly stroking snakes does not class as characterisation!

The editing of the battle scenes is terrible, being at such a fast pace that it is impossible to keep up with what the hell is happening. And labelling the different areas of Alexander's army is just stupid.

There are a few highlights; Farrell's rousing speech to his doubting troops in the final third is brilliant, and Stone's decision to dub the film red during the final battle in India (somehow) works brilliantly. But these moments of brilliance are very few and far between, and I was greatly relieved when the closing credits finally rolled. Having looked so good on paper, Stone has created a sprawling mess of a film, lacking in the character and direction that usually defines his work. It may be a while until a production company trusts him with such a large budget again.
In conclusion, I would not recommend this film; if you happen to have three hours spare, go and see 'The Aviator'.
Adam Cox gives 'Alexander' 2/5.