A Tale of Men, not Gods

Rating: 8/10 (18 May 2004)

Wolfgang Petersen's epic "Troy" is great spectacle and classic tragedy that enrolls us, due primarily to the performance of the classic movie star, Brad Pitt, in the role of Achilles. Much has been acknowledged regarding David Benioff's screenplay based on Homer's "The Iliad" that the Greek gods' presence has been omitted in this retelling of the fall of Troy. Also the great warrior Achilles (played by Pitt) is mortal-- more or less. This is left ambiguous with the appearance of his mother, Thetis (a brief Julie Christie), who foretells Achilles' fate. In Greek mythology, Thetis was a god who married Achilles' father, Peleus. Petersen's choice for "Troy" may be the right one. I did not read Homer's classic poem. Though having Achilles as a great warrior, aware of his mortality, seeking only to serve a noble king makes Achilles' courage and honor poignant. Also given the current state of affairs both "Troy" and "The Iliad" remind us of the paradox of war. Early on in "Troy" Achilles says, "In war young men die, and old men talk..." Homer's poem told a story of the fall of Troy and the cost of war. Like Homer, Petersen is also telling a story, and he does it well.
The Prince of Troy, Paris (Orlando Bloom), flees with Helen, Queen of Sparta (Diane Kruger), away from her husband, Menelaus (Bredan Gleeson). Paris's brother Hector (the charismatic Eric Bana) must protect Paris as they return to Troy. Menelaus is the brother of Agamemnon (Brian Cox), who is king of Greece. As Paris and Hector return to their father, King Priam (a wonderful Peter O'Toole), Menelaus joins forces with Agamemnon, and Odysseus (a very good Sean Bean) to invade Troy to reclaim Menelaus's honor. For Agamemnon this is merely an excuse to add Troy to his empire. However, Troy is a formidable kingdom, so Agamemnon's adviser convinces him to enroll the rogue Achilles in his quest-- a man he respects though despises. Achilles also holds no regard for the king. However, the shiny object for Achilles is that this war will serve as his legacy. Surprisingly, it turns out that this is not really vanity on his part.
In an interesting choice, Achilles is introduced as a "rock star". He has to be awaken from a drunken orgy, surrounded by gorgeous naked women, to be reminded that a deadly opponent awaits him on the battlefield. He expediently dispatches his hulking adversary, and challenges the other soldiers crying "Is there no one else?" Brad Pitt is an awesome and charismatic presence. For "Troy" he got in amazing physical condition-- his body looks phenomenal. He fights expertly with the sword and spear-- the training really shows. His fight scenes are precise, elegant, and brutal. The battle between his Achilles and Eric Bana's Hector is awe inspiring. Pitt is a gifted actor. Along with a fierce intensity, and seeming arrogance to the role, Pitt balances the performance with a sense of fatalism, and an understated compassion. He tells his captive priestess, Briseis (an effective Rose Byrne), that the "gods wish they were us", because life is invaluable. And there is an moving scene out of "The Iliad" where Priam (O'Toole) asks Achilles for the body of his son, Hector. Pitt's commanding performance really personalizes and serves this major epic.
Aside from Eric Bana and Peter O'Toole's outstanding supporting performances, some of the other critical characters' renderings are distinctly uneven. Orlando Bloom plays Paris as love sick, stupid, and void of courage-- probably the way the character was written. Diane Kruger is stunningly beautiful, but as Helen of Troy, "the face that launched a thousand ships" something is missing. These two missings are noticeable, because they are critical plot points. Bana as Hector is noble, heroic, and humane-- a great rival and foil to Achilles. O'Toole as Priam brings a touching wisdom and world weariness to the role. He is a great actor.
Petersen's "Troy" is visually stunning. The attention to both detail and the immense scale are a remarkable accomplishment. Though as great as the large battles are, it is the individual battles or conflicts that are most compelling. It is the personal quest of the hero Achilles that matters most. For that, one has to acknowledge the talents of Brad Pitt.
"Troy" is solid storytelling from a great director, Wolfgang Petersen, and has a moving and compelling performance from Brad Pitt.