Casting & Script/Director Failures

Rating: 1/10 (7 July 2013)

* Spoilers *
To paraphrase Julian Fellowes' book _Snobs_, this movie suffers from 'American Blondes' (Fellowes wrote that based on movies he'd acted in where the director or producers felt the financiers wouldn't back a movie without a recognisable lead); and thus the casting of Pitt was the #1 reason why I couldn't watch this movie.
The prime cast includes the finest UK & Australian actors—esp. Brendon Gleeson, who melts into his role; Eric Bana, who is perfection; Peter O'Toole playing Priam, etc.,  the list (truly) goes on  until you hit the Blondes. Brad Pitt is appalling as Achilles.
The Director chose to omit Gods? Did he read the Iliad at all? You can't read a chapter & sometimes a page without finding a God.
I could go on forever; but instead, I'll recommend _Greenegg's_ excellent review.
Just 3 final things:
—I've read the Iliad twice: still love the text; wish I'd read Ancient Greek early in school when I'd read Latin; & I could barely watch this movie on cable without wanting to fast forward (& "Thank the Pantheon" I didn't spend big money to watch this Dud).
—The actress playing Helen isn't anywhere as intriguing as Julie Christie (wearing a greyed-out wig to make her look ancient vs her son, Achilles, who's made to look like a very young Greek statue.)
—'Dawn's rosy fingers' came up within minutes of this movie—presaging a message from the Gods:
a. Leave now, or
b. Admit you're watching for the body count. B/c
c. It was a 10-yr. war packed into a 3-hr movie that felt like 10 very long years.