Some thoughts on a Great film.

Rating: 10/10 (26 November 2004)

Someone else posted on this list and it reads: "I've had another day to think about it, and the one question that keeps popping into my mind is: What was this movie about? And I mean that in the most general sense."
I have to admit that, after a day and night of thinking about what I posted yesterday, I've come to the conclusion that it is I who have the problem, not Oliver Stone. And that I've spoken too quickly. I have to give him all the credit in the world for attempting to put into movie form an incredible life that has been unmatched in 2,300 years. A life that changed the rest of history. In a way, it is Oliver Stone who is leading a heroic life, following his dream, and sticking to it, no matter what the odds. And how hubristic of me to even suggest that he do something different with editing or writing HIS film. I've never written a film, I've never edited a film, so what the hell do I know. I feel a little guilty for blurting out criticism in such a cavalier manner. My only defense is that I think maybe we've all been "pulling" for this movie to be the biggest, most successful movie of all time. And attempting analysis of "why this, and why that" after seeing this tremendous effort get blasted by critics is more indicative my own thin skin. Perhaps Oliver doesn't give a flying fig if it's successful or not. He's obviously happy with the movie he made, so perhaps I should just step back and take a look at it as HE is trying to tell it, rather than the way I wanted to hear it. Know what I mean? He has so much to be proud of with this film, and I, for one, am happy with that.
Also having thought about the performances of actors, crew, etc: Here is a man who lead the entire "army" of people to make this film, and got them to follow him to do the near impossible. I stopped seeing "Colin Farrell" but saw "Alexander"....Farrell "inhabited" the role, he became Alexander. From all accounts, he doesn't put any stock in the "celebrity status" he has achieved, and has kept a level head on his shoulders through all the nonsense he's had to put up with in publicizing the film. His willingness to give it his all, he became the leader of his men on set, rather than just one of the lads. Few actors can project that transformation to the audience convincingly. Living in Los Angeles, I have seen a lot of "movie star groupies"--I consider myself the farthest thing from that, so forgive how this must sound... There is a magnetism about him that was probably so evident to Oliver Stone. It was a brilliant casting decision to have Farrell become Alexander for this film. He needed an actor who could "check his ego at the door", follow his director's directing, and change himself to show all emotional levels-confidence, anger, happiness, hope, leadership, weariness, fortitude in the face of danger, kindness, and "become" a man who has not been matched in over 2300 years.
It is a hard thing to live up to an image we have imagined all these years. I began my journey with Alexander the Great when I made a business decision to create and market the latest in my series of "Perfumes of Antiquity" based on the essences he would have found in his empire. It has been, and always will be a personally rewarding journey as well. In my research, I realized how strong the image of Alexander truly has been throughout history. Well, enough out of me. I hope everyone on this list has a chance to see the film very soon, and see it again and again. There is so much packed into this film...at least one or two viewings will be needed just to concentrate on all that is in the sets, costumes, art direction, etc. Enjoy!