Butchered one of the Great Works of Western Literature

Rating: 2/10 (7 March 2008)

I don't quite understand what it is about purveyors of work such as this that leaves them w/ the impression that, through gross distortion of original source material, they can convey something more resonating than a 1000+ y.o. masterpiece of literature. Is there a self-loathing in them so great that they are unable to celebrate even the possibility of goodness in man so powerfully depicted in the ancient poem? While you might be able to paint the poem's hero as overly pleased w/ his feats, his portrayal as a venal dissembler is an atrocity which destroys this film. Others here have very well documented the heavy-handed, wearisome creep of "political correctness" and emasculation into the film ("I said no and meant no"--gracious)so I'll spare great detail. Just know this is a tragically missed opportunity to dedicate a large studio budget toward bringing to life one of the great stories of all time. I agree w/ the poster who hopes another, wiser, director will give it another chance.
I still gave it a 2, as some of the technical mastery in the visual presentation must be acknowledged.