The legend re-born

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2004)

I am grateful for how well this was handled. Thoroughly expecting the romance to take centre stage in the narrative (as has been the case in many costly movies of late), between Paris (Bloom) and Helen (Kruger), I remember thinking, as I left the theatre, how little screen time they shared together. Benioff and Petersen have instead simply given us The Trojan War as fought by the two great warriors of that age: Hector (Bana) and Achilles (Pitt).
The story has always been a great one, but never satisfactorily rendered on the big screen. These Greek legends hold the origins of modern storytelling, but where are they now? Cinema has barely touched the richness of ancient folklore: maybe now is its time, as special effects become more miraculous by the week, and studios are embracing the scope of epic fantasy and history like never before. Where are the great movies of Hercules, of Theseus, of Odysseus...
'Troy' was terrific entertainment. The battles are everything you'd expect, and comparing them to Helm's Deep or Pelennor Fields is unfair in the extreme. This is gritty, chaotic warfare in which good and evil isn't as clear-cut as men vs orcs; Homer saw it as bravery fighting destiny, and that is precisely what is presented here.
Pitt is perfect as the arrogant but soulful Achilles, a warrior so deadly that his renown can literally turn the tide of a war. The actor displays a breathtaking physicality here, superhuman in both agility and grace. His presence fills the screen in every way. Bana is hugely impressive as noble Prince Hector, the only real bona-fide hero of the film. He radiates strength through every word, and is a commanding presence throughout. His performance is comparable to Russell Crowe's 'Maximus'.
Most notable among the high calibre cast are Peter O'Toole (wonderful as King Priam), Brian Cox's loathsome Agamemnon and Sean Bean (fantastic as the fabled Odysseus). No one is conspicuously weak, but many roles are unfortunately only given the focus that a (quite strong) three hour script can provide. Sets are stupendous, costumes dazzling and the special effects are as grand as you'd imagine.
Special mention must go to the climactic one-on-one fight between the two warriors. It's a truly amazing five minute sequence of cinema.
The film as a whole works very well indeed, and the changes given to the original story (apart from one) are handled admirably. Ranks easily among the best historical epics of yesteryear, and offers a fascinating interpretation of the legendary Achilles. An impressive, old-fashioned extravaganza.