Being cute is not enough

Rating: Null/10 (27 November 2004)

Alexander... I think I know why the producers left out the "the great" adjunct.
When I saw the movie, the auditorium was crowded. Parents came with their kids. Most people were expecting a classic Hollywood epic. After all, Warner Brothers had just delivered "Troy" not too long ago.
When they realized that the hero was not only bisexual, but also that the structuring main theme of the film is a gay romance, there were many not so happy campers in the room. I must admit that everyone in the audience felt embarrassed at times. This movie should really have some kind of warning as for its content.
It seems that this is more a "counter" political message more than anything else. Because the movie in itself has really little value: no plot, too long. Plus, the music is awful. Vangelis was only good once (when he composed the soundtrack to "1492") and will never be able to outperform himself. He needs to find a new pastime.
Having a gay relationship as the core of such a huge movie is really "bold". No, I think the right word should be "brash". I am sure that it started as a good idea. But you can't do it with such an "in your face" attitude. Or can you? If so, we are definitely witnessing a change in mores.
The only problem I have with it is: how on earth do you want to make us believe in a gay love between two characters played by actors which both ooze such rock-hard masculinity? The casting director should be fired.
I can't wait to see Baz Luhrmann's version of Alexander. He seems to be more sensitive and intelligent when it comes to gender issues. I don't think many people realized how overwhelmingly homoerotic his movies are, like say "Romeo+Juliet". It's because, he is being very deft and smart. He gives people what they unconsciously want, without making a big deal out of it. Thus everyone's happy.