- The Man. The Quest. The Glory. The Legend.

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2006)

Alexander
Directed by Oliver Stone (2004)
Oliver Stone always enjoyed making movies, that are either critical about their story it shows, or controversial in the matter of subjects, dealt with in the movie. Usually these criteria's has given him success and acknowledgement, but everything has its end. Alexander was in long look upon as the movie of the year. But the audience and reviewers gave it thumbs down, very fast. But is the movie really a thumb down movie? I say no. I can see why some might not like this movie. Its gives a quite gay view on some of the leading characters, and has some very long, maybe to long passages, the movie through out. And the acting, from some persons, really isn't that great. Alexander has its flaws and is controversial, due to its relaxed vision on gay relationships. But the real Alexander was like this. History has shown it. The director wished to make this movie as real as possible, even though it meant bringing this controversial vision of his main character. Actually a really known Scandinavian History magazine gave it 6 out of 6 stars, comparing the movie to the real actual Historical events.
The story deals with Alexander's war expedition through the whole known world. It begins with a narrator, and is told in flashback, from one of the involved characters. We first meat Alexander at a very young age, and thereafter he grows, and his intrigues with mother, father and other involved parties are introduced. From that point on, we follow Alexander the Great  and his conquest of the world.
The best acting performance in the movie comes from Val Kilmer, who under at lot of make up, gives a great performance as Alexander's father. Colin Farrell gives an almost likewise great performance, in this very difficult role. Jared Leto is good, but a bit too anonymous in the supporting role of Alexander's best friend, Hephaistion. Anthony Hopkins delivers another good piece of craftsmanship as the narrator, but otherwise nobody stands out of the crowd.
Technically the movie is stunning. An almost perfect atmosphere is given of the world with the excellent costumes, great art-set decoration, and a beautifully rough cinematography makes it look even better. Vangelis delivers another excellent score, of the best of 2004, and both the visual- and sound effects are great!
Oliver Stone has made a daring, mature and brave historical epic! Thumbs Up!
8/10