Fascinating

Rating: 10/10 (20 November 2004)

Tastes can differ, maybe more than ever when ground breaking directors like Oliver Stone get the chance to work on something as big and ambitious as "Alexander". There's been a certain buzz on the internet, and in certain circles, that the movie would not live up to its expectations. It would be a mess or even boring. This may be true for some. It very well is not for others. In the end, it will be for everyone to decide personally.
If I may offer my personal view, I can only say that it was totally fascinating for me. Where one might expect a heroic account of history's most charismatic leader, Stone fiercefully explores the shadowy sides of Alexander's past. His unfulfilled dreams rather than his conquests. His doubts and anxieties, even his failures rather than his flawless successes. Maybe this creates a more intellectual rather than heartfelt approach, and perhaps this disappoints those who were looking for a feel-good rant about heroism and leadership. But this could very well be more true to reality and it certainly leaves more fascinating thoughts to play with, long after the movie has ended.
Although I can see some of the flaws here and there, the overwhelming impression is of its scale, its complexity, the bravery of making the film like no one expected. The story sometimes tells one thing, but shows another, leaving doubt and personal interpretation to the viewer. There are no good guys, there are no bad guys. No heroes or villains. No pure victory and no pure defeat.
The production quality - and the way this works out in the movie - is immense. The battle scenes left me gasping for breath. Even at its slightly boring moments - there are some parts where the story starts to drag a bit - the film would still impress with picture perfect visuals, set designs and music. I could not do anything but be swayed by it.
As for its critics, I'd say the movie is perhaps simply too European to be appreciated in Hollywood. Too dark and too theatrical, at least compared to what people expected. American critics may hate it, or they may still love it. In the end, they do not have the final say. History showed, with films like Blade Runner, that if they are powerful enough, a devoted audience can keep them alive and as false expectations fade in time, naturally propel them to their rightful place in cinematic history. Watch for homage as well as parody, in the years to come. And see it for yourself, in the biggest theater you can find.