1955 Alexander the Great movie re-visited

[S]

Greetings Dara,My argument with Farrell is my personal opinion that he does not have the charisma? personal power? to carry the role. I have not enjoyed him in other parts, either, though I recognize he fits a modern "ideal". Same with DiCaprio. I am not partial to either. I admit I am easily put off by little details (I don't look for them, they just jump out at me), yet at the same time I look for what *works* in a movie, such as in the Burton film. There were things that worked despite the flaws (though I still would not classify it a great movie). I am certain there will be things that work in this upcoming film, but whether they will be enough to overcome the flaws is yet to be seen. As is said, "the devil is in the details".. and *because* more is possible and more is known today than in 1955, I suppose I expect more accuracy, more care.But then, I was highly disappointed in Troy both for its disregard of the original and as a new version. This isn't to say I couldn't enjoy it somewhat but I only saw it once and felt once was enough. A*good* movie compels me to see it many times, discovering new things each time I see it. Still, one can hope...Regards,
Sikander

[birdlover]

Greetings back to you Siklander!I like your attitude, Sikander. At least you are willing to give the film a try. I have read about some who saw one trailer and didn't like Colin's hair, so they don't want to see the film. If you have an excuse not to see it, come up with a better one than that! We don't know what flaws the film will have (I hope it will be as true as it can to it's subject). It will have some because no one will ever be able to capture the great figure that Alexander was. But I admire Oliver Stone for trying. I hope it is a success for him.Like I said , I think Farrell can do this role. I personally think he does have the charisma to do a good job. He's got the acting chops, as well. I applaud him for taking on a difficult role. This is his first real "leading" role. It is a tough one, but it will go a long way to show what type of an actor he is (I am not a Colin groupie or a fan of all his films, but I do think he is a good young actor, with a lot of good years ahead of him).We can only wait and see what comes our way. I just think under Stone's direction he will bring out the best in Farrell. I sound like a big cheerleader, here, but I have been following this film for quite awhile and I really am interested and excited about seeing it.I was not crazy about 'Troy', myself. I was excited to see that film and felt let down by it. Don't get me wrong, it was good but it just didn't quite cross the plateau from good to great. In other words, it didn't make it all the way up the mountain, before it ran out of steam. 'Alexander' seems a bit different. But you have to be careful with expectations here, too. I think it will be a terrific film to watch and what I have seen so far looks good, but I am reserving any judgement until I actually see it. I think thats the best way to do things, at this point.Dara

[birdlover]

Sikander,Forgive me for misspelling your name in my last post. I spelled it correctly in my post, but not my greeting. I apologize for that.Dara

[beausefaless]

Greetings Sikander,"I can only hope", that reminds me of Bill (slick Willie Clinton),"I feel your pain".I'm guessing Oliver went with Farrell because of the leadership quality he showed in American Outlaws but knowing Stone I have a feeling he made his role complicated and maybe controversial in this new film.Regards, Andrew

[beausefaless]

Greetings Halil,Since you asked, During the equestrian event the other night (Olympics) a Chinese lady was riding a gilding that I'm sure this horse was well disciplined and trained. This horse decided to buck and kick in-between each jump eventually he bucked her off but she got back on, this continued until they finished the course. These type of horse we call bone-heads. Two of mine can act this way and more. Both of these clowns are very smart and will bite anyone on the ass if you bend over within their reach plus I'm the only one that can ride one of em.I feel this was the same scenario with Alexander and Bucephalus, he was not properly worked with before he appeared in front of Philip & Alexander. These types of studs and gildings usually favor experienced handlers and can frustrate the common rider thus we have the name bonehead which is related to cows and oxen (stubborn) then and now. But remember this is just my opinion and if Alexander rode bucephalus in the mosaic there's no patch of any kind on the forehead of that horse.Take care, Andrew

[S]

Greetings Andrew,(Laughing) "I can only hope" means simply that. I can hope to see what I hope to see, but can also live with the results. As to "I feel your pain".. hmm, is this where we could apply "Better a bleeding heart than none at all?" - but I will refrain and remain on topic (smile)In what way do you feel Stone would make the role "controversial"? I would be interested in reading your thoughts on this. I don't like controversy for its own sake, but if it adds to a point, that's fine. I felt some of the trailers were controversial (in a limited way) enough with their inaccuracies, but I doubt many would know or care except for Alexanderphiles, historians and cultural specialists. Also, on the subject of movies about the ancient world- has anyone seen a movie called "Helen of Troy", directed by Robert Wise around 1956? I haven't seen this; is it worth pursuing? Also one called "The 300 Spartans".. would this be worth looking at?Regards,
Sikander

[S]

Greetings Dara,I generally give any movie a chance- but admit I am not as forgiving when a director takes on historical characters or outside cultures due to the nature of the relationship between audiences and films. I expect a director and screenwriter to do intense homework and attempt as accurate a portrayal as possible based on available sources, while acknowledging the interpretation of an individual that a director brings to the film. I have seen Stone's work before; it is not always my "cup of tea"- so yes, I will wait and see. But so far,I have not had my expectations raised from the few traliers I have seen.Regards,
Sikander

[S]

Greetings Dara,Not a problem.regards,
Sikander

[Pete]

Age 30 (Burton) wasnt too old ..what rubbish
Any one driven by such ambition and destiny much be an intense (even anal) individual and at times Burton showed that well.
I hope Farrell can make me believe that men will follow him to the ends of the earth with similar conviction.
The shortcomings of that production were not
of Burtons making.

[birdlover]

Hi Sikander,From all indication I have heard and seen, Stone has gone to great lengths to tell as truthful a story as he can about Alexander. He has been working on this project for years. He has actually wanted to do a film about 'Alexander' since he was in film school. I think he would have to go a long way to really mess this up, if he has wnte to do it for that long.But again, it is all a matter of interpretaion. I am not the biggest Oliver Stone fan. I have seen a few of his films, which I liked. His films are always pretty intense and gritty. I think Alexander will have those tendencies, as well. But he is a competent filmaker and thats what I look at. So lets see what happens.I liked the trailers, but I don't think they put any of the real good stuff in them. I think Stone and Warner Brothers are being careful not to give too much away. Which is fine with me. I think 'Troy' gave away the whole film with the zillions of trailers they had. There has been only one theatrical trailer and two TV trailers for 'Alexander', all which I would call rough ones (they had the same basic pictures with a few added in and rearranged for good measure). They were all teasers. I didn't think they gave a good indication of what the film was all about. I would think the "official" one would be out within the next week. Have you seen any of the stills from the film? There have been some out there recently that have looked great!So, don't feel too "pained" just yet, guys. I have said too much on this....again. So thats it from me, for now.Dara

[S]

Greetings Pete,I think the overall feeling was that Burton was too obviously over 30 to play the young Alexander.Yes, it will be interesting to see if the script and dialogue can create a compelling Alexander and add charisma to Farrell. Fortunately- or unfortunately (smile)- I will not see it before the majority here will have already seen it, so I will have time to read their reviews before seeing it myself, if I get the opportunity.It will be interesting to read the reviews, however, as much seems to turn on individual expectations, beliefs and feelings, yes?Regards,
Sikander

[dean]

It is funny because I was in England a few weeks ago and popped into Asda. I had been to loads of book shops and bought- Robin Lane Fox, Peter Green etc etc and then as I was paying in Asda just out of the corner of my eye saw Alexander the Great with Richard Burton staring at me.
Haven't seen it yet but will very soon.Does it play true to the sources?
Best regards,
Dean.

[beausefaless]

Greetings Sikander,I vaguely remember these two movies, it's so long since I've seen them but at the time I liked both of em. There was a previous post on the three hundred Spartans if I remember correctly a few people found many inaccurate faults, clothing, Spartans showing intelligentsia with their thoughts and vocabulary, and etc. Personally I looked beyond these discernible, well I'll say no more except I liked the politics. If you get the movies cheap then you don't lose much.What I meant by controversial is if Stone wrote in a intimate scene with Alexander, Hephaistion, and throw in Bagoas, excuse my expression, we got us a *parlay*. I'm not sure if the majority of the people in the US could handle such a dilemma which was nothing 2300 years ago. What would be *most* important to me would be the introduction of Bucephalus and the battles. I would love to see Alexander pile up the bodies before the Mallian arrow finds its target. Best regards, Andrew

[ruthaki]

Burton as Marc Antony: yes! Burton as Alexander: no!
(especially the young Alexander).And as for the new movie which I'm looking forward to with finger's crossed but more hopeful than what they did with the first one (technology and Oliver Stone directing) I was a bit put off by the interviews with Farrell (and others) in the Preview magazine when ever second word seemed to be the "F" word and they way some of them spoke of their roles in the movie were off-handed. Maybe I was expecting some dignity??? I am also hoping they don't use too many of the Alexander 'romance myths' in the movie although I expect there'll be a few. Because a lot of those are what people believe to be the true stories.
Oh well, historical fiction writers and screen-play writers can do as they please to make an exciting and compelling story. ruthaki

[Nax]

You were expecting dignity? Why? The actors aren't the people they play (and some combined don't have enough IQ to fill one brain) and farrel's never been one to have any class OR dignity...