A successful version of an old old tale

Rating: 9/10 (21 May 2004)

The reviews of this film were so mixed - especially of Brad Pit's acting - that I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this film. I need not have worried. Wolfgang Peterson's directing was superb, the action flowed fluidly and the camera work was brilliant. Reviews have suggested that the film lacked pace but I didn't find this to be true and even though the ending is well known, the unfolding tragedy was deeply moving. The acting was for the most part very good. Brad Pit made an extremely convincing Achilles and Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom and Eric Bana were also excellent. Rose Byrne as Briseis made a good foil to Achilles and was very convincing. I was not so impressed by the other female stars and was especially disappointed in Diana Kruger as Helen. I would have preferred a little more time spent on setting up why Paris eloped with Helen. Although Orlando Bloom's Paris developed and grew as a character - Helen seemed very cardboard. The film certainly was different to the book in many ways but I think it succeeded it giving the essence of the tale.