Epic Love Story - Superb Battles

Rating: 10/10 (9 January 2005)

I'm very glad I watched TROY before reading the reviews. I'm not a huge fan of Brad Pitt. His name doesn't make me rush to the box office, so I didn't have any "expectations" as far as his role in the film. Having said that, I must admit I enjoyed his performance, particularly in the battles. I think some critics wrongly write his performance off simply because of the nude scenes and good looks; A twist on the blonde-bombshell-equals-no-acting-talent stereotype. Yes, Pitt is a good looking man, from blonde locks to tan bottom, but that does not detract from his capability as an actor. He plays the role of Achilles VERY well, from the wise crack cuts toward Cox's Agamemnon to the pain expressed at the loss of Patroclus, and the angry power in his battle with Hector.
The writers' desire to show Achilles as a god-like warrior is successfully accomplished--the fight choreographers should be commended!--The one-on-one battles in TROY are much more realistic than the highly touted wire-fights of movies like, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
I for one appreciated the director's efforts to make the story of the Trojan War less "mythical" and more "realistic"...I mean one "Clash of the Titans" is enough for me, thanks. TROY is far better.
Eric Bana's honorable Hector is a superb heroic balance to Pitt's powerful legendary Achilles. I disagree with the critics that say Pitt's Achilles is an unlikeable character. From the first battle, it's evident that he's willing to fight for just causes (i.e. to save the lives of soldiers rather than blindly answer the greedy call of an ambitious unworthy king). He gives respect and mercy to those worthy of it, such as O'Toole's King Priam.
The weakest part of the movie, for me, was surprisingly Peter O'Toole's performance. He "looked good" as the Trojan king, but that shocked stare from his lofty seat and royal balcony got old quick. The best scene he provided was as the weary father mourning the loss of his son and pleading with his killer for his body.
Now... did the writer's stick to Homer's Iliad? No, but then that's to be expected. We're talking about a Hollywood production here. However, they did keep numerous major points. Achilles is the "handsomest of the Achaeans" and best warrior with an eye for glory (foretold to be linked to his doom). He is antagonized by Agamemnon, especially after the king seizes Briseis only to later return her. He laments over Patroclus who dies wearing Achilles armor, and he kills Hector, dishonoring the man's body until persuaded to show mercy by King Priam, with whom he meets in his hut and weeps for their losses. So what if Homer's Paris shoots Diomedes in the foot rather than Achilles. TROY isn't a "documentary" of the original classic, but is an entertaining movie inspired by it. Besides, Homer's "Iliad" is filled with appearances of the gods and larger-than-life myths. The movie actually comes across more realistic to me with its tragic love stories, warrior's code of honor...and by showing old rulers whose devotion to said gods--instead of listening to their experienced military advisers--bring about the downfall of a city, rather than any direct godly interference.
Is TROY a classic? Only the test of time can tell, but for me...it's a worthy film that delivered 163 minutes of entertainment. What more can one expect from Hollywood?