Look beneath the surface

Rating: 8/10 (26 January 2005)

I need not introduce TROY as I have done in the case of many other movies- it is, without a doubt, one of the best-known and most controversial Hollywood films of the year. Everyone knows, by now, that this is a de-mystified adaption of Homer's Illiad, the story of the war between the confederacy of Greece and the proud city-state of Troy as the result of one man's greed. In addition to this, most people have heard the critics denounce this film as a load of flashy, badly-written, poorly-acted garbage; there have also been arguments, from a group of die-hard fans, that TROY is a monumental achievement and deserves an Academy Award. Personally, I found it to be an immensely enjoyable and well-conceived movie with a lot of potential, but with a number of serious presentation flaws that were in enough, in the eyes of many, to pitch it into the fatal depths of mediocrity.
To begin with, the premise for this film is an excellent concept. Director Wolfgang Petersen has attempted to accomplish something truly wonderful here - to refresh, revitalise, and give a believable human face to the epic of the Illiad, which has tragically come to be considered by the general public as nothing but a mouldy old manuscript you have to read in Ancient History class. The scriptwriter has masterfully transfigured the original tale of gods, monsters and supernatural warriors into a gripping historical drama laced with heroism, intrigue and romance. The story's moral scenario has been adeptly conveyed in TROY - the concept of a struggle between nations, beyond good and evil, where the actions of a few individuals may fatally affect the lives of thousands of others. This is a concept that many scriptwriters of recent times have failed to coherently convey, and TROY is to be commended for all of the above.
It is in presentation, however, that TROY fails as an epic film. The art direction and cinematography, while all very spectacular, feels tiringly familiar, and is not presented with any particular creativity. The music is grating and repetitive, and again sounds somewhat rushed. But worst of all are the lead actors. Yes, you know who I'm talking about. Don't get me wrong- Brad Pitt is a capable actor who's put on some good performances over the course of his career. But his reputation will doubtless suffer from his performance in TROY, which is about as uninspired and wooden as they come. Diane Kruger, who plays Helen of Sparta, is of roughly the same standard. Eric Bana is an appropriately emotive Hector, but is not altogether convincing as a Greek prince.
Although they suffer from the woeful performances of their leads, the supporting cast is surprisingly capable and convincing. While Peter O'Toole has been described by critics as the only decent actor in the entire production, I believe Brian Cox, Rose Byrne and Brendan Gleeson also performed exceptionally well. Even the typically robotic Orlando Bloom is convincing in his role as the selfish, impetuous young prince Paris, and he even manages to enhance the film somewhat, giving the somewhat confused Eric Bana a bit of room to manoeuvre.
As a footnote, a character whose overall significance has been overlooked by many is Sean Bean's Odysseus. The balance of the war, and the story's pivotal moral decision, ultimately rested with him, he being the only character appropriately placed and wise enough to perceive and understand all sides of the story. Furthermore, in this character - and in this actor- lies Wolfgang Petersen's hope to redeem himself for the divisive TROY. If he could make an adaption of Homer's Odyssey, perhaps presented in a psychological, rather than a fantastic, vein, he may finally receive the recognition he deserves for such a magnificent concept as this movie's. Tragically, a half-baked cast and mediocre presentation have held TROY back from the greatness it deserves. 8/10.