SPOILER My idiosyncratic take on it. A dialogue with myself. Part One

Rating: Null/10 (5 July 2004)

Q. Did the movie succeed in being a piece of human documentation despite its being inspired by mythology and heavily given the Hollywood treatment?
A. Yes, in places.
Q. Did the film have moments of gravitas and deep emotional resonance?
A. Yes. The scene where Achilles drags Hector's body behind his chariot: the victor and the vanquished. Priam asking for his son's body and Achilles' compassion.
Q. Did the movie skilfully weave in universal truths amidst/via the sex and the violence?
A.Yes it did. e.g. we are born to die; and the unchanging quality of man's nature as a highly aggressive and territorial animal- we were fighting each other 5000 years ago and we are still fighting now.
Q. Was it exciting?
A. Yes it was.
Q. Was Brad Pitt miscast?
A. No he wasn't. Physically he was just right. He "glittered" just like Homer says Achilles does in his poem. Also, he did a good job. It was an interesting study in what it is like to be the best at something- a lonely but liberating place to be. I know, I've been there. Also, he can act : he scews his face up pretty good after hearing that Patrochlus had bought it. I was sad when Achilles died.