Alexander, so misunderstood.

Rating: 8/10 (2 October 2005)

Oliver Stone's epic film 'Alexander' proved to be a relief after watching. The critical reviews that I had heard made me anxious to watch. With my expectations lowered I expected very little in the way of directing and acting. This was only partially true, with half the cast speaking in an unmasked Irish accent and others attempting all sorts of foreign accents gave the film a sense of disorganisation within the drama. Moreover, as a historical epic this film falls down, it is merely too condensed and many ways altered to fit the screen to be historically reflective in the slightest sense. Placing all of this aside though, the cinematography coupled with exquisite and opulent scenery makes this film a visual treat. This is not to say that the plot lacks any stimulation. Alexander is focused upon as a chaotic leader who exists between feuds and his own mental torture of fear of assassination (and thus death, heavily emphasised upon). We may also notice the great emotion of Alexander's journey as we feel we are entering the ends of the world, the never-before-explored parts and he urges his men to follow him in his journey to create for him own myth. The battles are chaotic, bloody and truly epic the landscapes magnificent and powerful, there is no reason why this film should not be seen and I fear it is heavily under-appreciated and underrated, this film must be taken for what it is a beautiful film which unfortunately bears little historic relevance, there is yet to be made a film which may portray Alexander's life and conquest whilst equalling this film's many allures, though in that case prepare for a true historic epic which may be at least 6 hours long!