Alexander, The Tragic

Rating: 7/10 (23 January 2005)

When you read about Achilles and Hercules, you read about heroes. Heroes that want no more than victory and fame. They get the fame. When you have read about those heroes. You have probably heard about Alexander The Great too. He was a hero just like them. But he did exist. That made him larger than life. For written characters like Achilles and Hercules are probably made up.
While watching this film, I realised Alexander was pushed. I bet he didn't even know he wanted to be a hero. His father wanted him to stay humble, his mother wanted to make him king. His best friend Hefaiston made him king by shouting it through the arena.
Alexander wanted to explore the East, he wanted to be allies with the Greek "enemies". And more and more his people start to doubt him. Because what are his intentions really? Does he want to make "barbarians" into Greeks. Or does he want to conquer the world and explore everything. His men know one thing: The are not going home soon. That's when they start to revolt. And Alexander loses his grip on his men.
I think this movie really reflect the Greek way of thinking. And of acting too. I do not believe Alexander was really gay. But there seems to be a chemistry between him and his best friend Hefaiston. I think that is realistic. They grew up together, they fought together and they survived together. That grows a bond stronger than love. But gay or not. Alexander (as it shows in this film) is really just a mortal man. With nothing more than a boyish dream to see the rest of the world.