Return of the Epic

Rating: 8/10 (18 July 2005)

I'm not sure why there's a large camp of people who've seen this and regard it as one of the worst movies of 2004. Usually, these are brief, offhand remarks, and don't explain the reasons for this antipathy. I do agree there are definite flaws. Most detractors (and even some fans) believe Brad Pitt was miscast, but I wouldn't go there. Pitt's Achilles is a curious mixture and can be divided almost squarely in two: half the performance is just fine; the other half is not so good. It all depends on what scene we're talking about. An example of the negative is when Achilles and his men are in their boat, on the verge of reaching the beach of Troy. Achilles makes a brief statement to his number two to fight for him. I think Pitt's intent was to make Achilles super-casual in moments like these, when everyone else is tensed up. But it just doesn't work; his line reading reminds me of an office manager asking his assistant to buy some more paper clips. However, there's something to be said for the view that Pitt was born to play this role. There's no getting around the fact that, physically, he is ideal. And, there aren't too many actors, whether thru presence or sheer egomania, who can stare down an entire army and make them feel small. The film, as a whole, is filled with such moments and it's a compulsive re-watching experience, not for the obvious 1000 ships sailing in, but for seeing mythical characters come alive and interact on screen for you. And for, oh yes, seeing Achilles down a giant warrior now & then. Now, as for GOOD line readings, I must mention the actor who impressed me the most - Brian Cox as Agamemnon, the 'pig of a king.' His performance was flawless and his was as a magnetic presence (in some ways, more so) as Pitt's Achilles. The actor Bana was excellent as the strong, heroic Hector and Gleeson great as the brutish King Menelaus. Sean Bean seems well suited for these epics and is very smooth as the legendary Odysseus. O'Toole brought in his usual class as the elderly King Priam. I've missed the Epic; I'm glad it's back.