The first thing to remember is the movie 300 is not a historical retelling of the 480 BC alliance of Greek city-states fighting against the invading Persian Empire at the pass of Thermopylae in central Greece. 300 is based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the event – Miller (Sin City) is a renowned comics artist and writer known for hard-boiled stories of almost operatic intensity and stylishly overwrought violence. In his graphic novel, Miller injects his own brand of graphic sensationalism into this ancient tale of national survival. While clearly the graphic novel and therefore the movie isn't interested in being historical, Miller’s is portrayal of the ancient world is compelling.
Regardless as to how historical 300 is, as a movie, it makes an impact! Directed by Zack Snyder, there is a great tale being told by some fine actors, but this may be a little overlooked in the gore. But if you listen and watch between winces, 300 is an amazing experience.
Miller’s strong graphic style translates brilliantly well to the screen and the result is very visual and in a weird kind of way, also beautiful. In spite of the CGI, it’s hard to imagine Snyder didn’t blow the budget on personal trainers – rarely has such a gathering of magnificently hewn thighs, pecs and biceps graced the screen!
Scottish actor Gerard Butler (Trainspotting, The Phantom of the Opera) is truly charismatic as King Leonidas. Our own David Wenham (Lord of The Rings, SeaChange) takes the role of the narrator Dilios and his voice doesn’t make the narration irritating as it can sometimes be. Gerard, David and the other key actors certainly made the effort worthwhile for us of turning themselves into mighty Spartan warriors with rippling eight-packs!
Some may think that 300 is only for the red-meat eating men of our movie going population – I disagree. Yes, I must admit that I was initially reluctant to gone along with my partner to watch this film but as this was the third time he was off to see it, I thought I had better see what all the fuss was about. And yes, I did cover my eyes – but only in a couple of places! This is certainly a great film, a spectacle for the eyes and ears and well worth the ride.
PS Zack Snyder started out as both director and cinematographer of music videos and commercials, before he directed Dawn of Dead which was a 're-imagining' of George Romero's famous zombie film Dawn of the Dead which became one of the top-grossing zombie films of all time.
Regardless as to how historical 300 is, as a movie, it makes an impact! Directed by Zack Snyder, there is a great tale being told by some fine actors, but this may be a little overlooked in the gore. But if you listen and watch between winces, 300 is an amazing experience.
Miller’s strong graphic style translates brilliantly well to the screen and the result is very visual and in a weird kind of way, also beautiful. In spite of the CGI, it’s hard to imagine Snyder didn’t blow the budget on personal trainers – rarely has such a gathering of magnificently hewn thighs, pecs and biceps graced the screen!
Scottish actor Gerard Butler (Trainspotting, The Phantom of the Opera) is truly charismatic as King Leonidas. Our own David Wenham (Lord of The Rings, SeaChange) takes the role of the narrator Dilios and his voice doesn’t make the narration irritating as it can sometimes be. Gerard, David and the other key actors certainly made the effort worthwhile for us of turning themselves into mighty Spartan warriors with rippling eight-packs!
Some may think that 300 is only for the red-meat eating men of our movie going population – I disagree. Yes, I must admit that I was initially reluctant to gone along with my partner to watch this film but as this was the third time he was off to see it, I thought I had better see what all the fuss was about. And yes, I did cover my eyes – but only in a couple of places! This is certainly a great film, a spectacle for the eyes and ears and well worth the ride.
PS Zack Snyder started out as both director and cinematographer of music videos and commercials, before he directed Dawn of Dead which was a 're-imagining' of George Romero's famous zombie film Dawn of the Dead which became one of the top-grossing zombie films of all time.
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