Sadness because of Bad Reviews

Rating: 10/10 (1 December 2004)

I'm quite saddened to see the negative reviews that surround this film. I am not a history buff, but I have read much on Alexander's life and this movie is not for the uneducated. Oliver Stone employs so much craft to create subtle moments that those who know of Alexander's life would understand. The transitions are fast, yes, but not impossible to follow. If anything, I'd think they'd inspire the audience to figure out more about Alexander and to use their brains and investigate into his life. This is not a movie that spells it out for you--the audience must be an active part and Oliver Stone expects his audience to come prepared. Even if you don't know anything about Alexander, there's no reason not to learn. It's not so confusing that you can't figure it out-just be alert and ready to take part in it. Not your cup of tea? Don't know anything about Alexander? Then don't go see it. But don't attack the film for asking you to use your minds.
I've heard a lot of negative comments about the historical accuracy. Again, I don't know a lot, but the fact of the matter is that any time reality is placed down on paper (as a story, a script, a song), it will be changed from that reality. There is no way you can tell a story without changing it from the exact truth. Events are interpreted different ways for each person, moments in time are held at different levels of importance. Was this Oliver Stone's take on Alexander's life? Yes, indeed it was. But since when did artistic expression have to bend to the will of others? Since when did he have to create a movie that followed his vision in order to please you? Yes, Alexander is a historical figure, but he lived so long ago that every account we have of him has been changed by the person who wrote it down. That's why there are so many different opinions of him--because none of us really know for sure. This is Oliver Stone's opinion of what took place. You don't have to like it, but respect it as being different.
Oliver Stone clearly loves and wishes to cherish the memory of Alexander, as does everyone working on the film. There is so much emotion and love poured into the scenes-Colin Feral himself speaks of how much he loves this movie. This is not a big blockbuster gunning for your money; this is an epic film that presents it take on a life to the best of its ability. The battle scenes are confusing, yes. But battles are confusing-there's no order in such a mêlée. Time jumps around sometimes, yes, but don't we all reminisce about things in our pasts? Thousands of movies have employed such jumps.
Likewise, the homosexuality issue is part of a huge debate. I'm not going into it, because there have been arguments over it since the movie was announced. I would have loved to see Alexander and Hephaistion kiss, but I don't believe Oliver Stone avoided the issue. He wanted to portray their relationship as the purest and deepest love, which is so easily confused with sex. Also, considering the uproar that has happened from what is actually in the film, what would have happened if they had kiss? The reviews and feedback would be only about the homosexuality represented. Nothing else would be focused on, and that wouldn't be fair to the film. The film wasn't about Alexander's sexuality, it was about Alexander. For our sadly homophobic society, one kiss would have made it solely about that issue.
I believe Oliver Stone followed his heart with this film, as did everyone who was a part of it. Money is never wasted on the arts or on someone's artistic vision. I loved this movie, for all that the Irish Accents were amusing and for all that the dialogue could be sometimes dramatic. It's different than how I ever thought of Alexander and his life, but I accept Oliver Stone's take on it, because it's his movie. I respect it and love it, because it is homage to a great man. We should be grateful for the fact that so much love and emotion and heart are still being put into movies, instead of damning it for being different. If you like Alexander, see this movie. See it with an open mind. Hell, don't listen to any reviews. If you've seen the trailer and you want to see it, then see it, no matter what anyone says (myself included). The worst that can happen is that you won't like it, won't like Oliver Stone anymore and will have spent 3 hours watching a movie you didn't like. I think we've all had that experience. But see it anyways if you even had a tiny desire to do so, because in the end, you deserve the right to formulate your own opinions.