The Cinema of Oliver Stone: Alexander.

Rating: 9/10 (28 August 2005)

Alexander (2004) was a near perfect dramatic recreation of the life Alexander the Great of Macedonia. Oliver Stone spent a lot of time, money and effort to bring a somewhat accurate depiction of the life and times of one of the greatest military minds of all time. This is not GLADITOR or TROY. Keep this in mind. People have slammed this movie for wasting money and no making it back when it was released in the United States. Obviously the money was well spent. The scenery, sets and costumes reflect that in great detail. I also loved the way the marble statues were painted (just like in real life) and how realistic Alexander's body armor looks so much like the way it does in his mosaics.
Colin Farrell stars as Alexander, a complex and conflicted individual who's torn between trying to win his father's respect and his mother's love. Val Kilmer was perfect as King Philip of Macedonia but Angelina Jolie was questionable (but still hot) as Alexander's mother. Jared Leto co-stars as Farrell's best friend and lover. Rosario Dawson (filled out and looking lovely) as his Asiatic bride. The film is bookended by Anthony Hopkins who guest starred as Ptolemy the elder. Filled with two great battle scenes and a lot of drama and excess. You want to know more about Alexander the Great and watch a very good bio-pic? Grab a copy of Alexander today!
Despite a few liberties with reality and some actors miscasts in their roles, this is a great movie. I don't know why people have problems with the homosexual overtones. Hey, it's part of the man's life. Oliver Stone sought out the best historians who could find to work on this production. An epic film filled with beautiful imagery, realistic battle scenes and great direction.
Highly recommended.