True Shakespearean Tragedy

Rating: 7/10 (31 May 2004)

I saw this movie as a Shakespearean Tragedy in that the major characters had fatal character flaws that ultimately controlled their destiny or demise. Achilles' (Brad Pitt) flaw was his pride concerning his ability to fight. Hector's (Eric Bana)flaw was his loyalty to family even when they were screwing up. Paris' (Orlando Bloom) flaw was the fact that he was a wuss - he did better later in the movie so long as it did not involve hand to hand combat.
In my opinion there were 2 major problems with this film. One is that it never invoked an emotional quality that made you care. Epics such as Saving Private Ryan or Master and Commander both drew the viewer in emotionally. Second, all of the actors have given better performances in other movies. For instance, there was a scene in which Drad Pitt is trying to cry (I won't tell why to spoil any of the movie), but it almost seem that he was yawning instead. I kept thinking he needed to take lessons from his wife on how to cry on cue.
Over all I gave it a 7, and it is worth seeing once. But in all probability, I will not buy the video.
Andy Smith