Alexander THE MAN...

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2004)

Oliver Stone's Epic production Alexander minus the Great part is a very fitting character piece. The film's excessive 150 million dollar budget could've been drawn down to a mere 5 million to incorporate the character growth the film represents. It's going to be quite hard for the film to find a true audience with the overly apparent gay undertones and the ultimate smallness the film requires to tell it's story. I believe people will go in expecting a big Hollywood epic and instead will receive a confused, sometimes directionless film that beautifully represents it's title character. Everyone knows the story of Alexander so there's no need to go into that aspect. But what they don't know is of him. I'm not sure how factual this story lies but it's expressed supremely realistic and is done in an artful and respected fashion. Collin Farell makes a fine and gorgeous leading man he has a bit of learning to do with the control of his emotions but otherwise gives a surprisingly moving performance. Jared Leto gives a dominating performance as Alexander's main lover and their chemistry is expressly ripe and heartful. The show stealing performance comes from generic beauty Angelina Jolie who despite her last umpteenth horrid films give a wonderfully reassuring performance of why she took home the Oscar that night. Rosario dawson is minimally entertaining as Alexander's first wife despite a laugh inducing start. The film is beautifully shot with striking cinematograpghy but sports a lame score. All things said I must say that I was overly impressed by Hollywood's bigtime gamble which from slight audience reaction won't be paid back. Alexander nonetheless stands as a true work of art a sleeper masterpiece that will find it's target audience among few who will greatly appreciate it. 10/10