Great film of a flawed script

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2004)

Just saw Troy and loved everything about it except the script. WHY, WHY, WHY do screenwriters and directors insist on mucking up well-known stories? The story of Troy has lasted thousands of years because it is a great story. Who the hell do you think you are to "improve" it? How many superb novels and Broadway plays have been butchered for the screen this way? WHY? (I wish I could shout that louder.)
How in the name of all the gods does it "improve" the story to waste significant screen time on a degrading "fight" between Menelaus and Paris that contributes nothing constructive? A clever writer could have sidelined Menelaus far easier than that. And since when is it good storytelling to denigrate your young romantic lead? Sheesh!
Several other aspects of the script annoyed me greatly. One: the constant harping that only great deeds will get you remembered by history. We got that the first time it was brought up. And the next and the next and the next.
Two: There was no sense of any ten year duration. Looked like a couple of weeks, tops.
Three: Paris and Helen both escape and live happily ever after. What a 50's copout! Ya wanna happy ending? What was wrong with the real one? Andromache and Helenus escape and build a new life together. And where was the rest of Priam's family? Cassandra? Hecuba? Etc.? We didn't need a lot of about them but they sure shoulda been there. Picture Peter O'Toole watching his city burn AND all his children and wife being killed. AAARRGGGGHHH!! You may have cost him an Oscar.
Aside from raging about the movie that Troy should have been, I can still appreciate what was there. Namely, O'Toole, Pitt, Cox and all the gang. Absolutely splendiforous performances from everyone. Sean Bean is Mr. Heroic in my book.
I wish we could trust Mr. Petersen and Mr. Benioff to film the Odyssey and not just jack up the title and run their own dimestore version under it. Bean could almost make us forget Kirk Douglas.
Speaking as a lifelong, professional costumer, I can say that the costumes and hair were divine. All the rich visual detail! I vote for Oscars all around to the design team.