Film Critics, Ba Hum Bug

[Linda]

I think people who go to Luhrmann film have different expectations from those who go to a Stone film. And from what I can see most critics, who are generally fairly liberal and middle class, had problems with the way the relationship was depicted, not the sexuality: - that it was both over and underdone - too much talking, too little action, but more importantly, that it was not a fully realised, beleivable relationship and that it was being "shown" rather than being part of the plot. Of course, fundamentalists will be affronted at all sorts of things they feel goes against their religion/bumper sticker, but the film could still have succeeded with bisexuality, I think. Although Robin Lane Fox, on "Richard and Judy" (class talk show) said that he had not realised the level of fear/embarrassment among American teenagers in watching the depiction of homosexuality - that there were scared titters when Colin embraced Jared. He went on to say "My goodness, *anyone* would embrace Jared, he is so beautiful"(or words to that effect). :)Although I still haven't seen the film, I think that maybe one of the problems was in the way it was marketed. If they had said "The Greatest Legend of all was just a Man" or something, then people would have been more prepared to see a flawed character, if that is what Stone wanted to portray. The Greatest Legend of all was Real" inplies that he was really great, not really real...if you get what I mean...

[birdlover]

Hi Lqnda,


Thanks for your reply. I think the critics had problems with everything about the film. The relationship between Alex & Heph happen to be the biggest issue. But there were other things like Colin's hair, Angelina's accent, bad writing, overacting or acting that wasn't good enough,that were all factors. And the list goes on from there. So even though the relationship was the focal point, it was surrounded by many other things that brought it down. Critics had fun skewering this film (sad as it was to see).



I know that Luhrmann & Stone are totally different directors. There are definetely different expectations for their films. But Luhrmann wants to tackle the same issue that Stone did as one of the themes of his film, as well. I think it will be a tough task for Luhrmann. It would be no matter who the director was. It's the whole issue of presenting a sensitive theme without sending people into orbit, over it. If a simple hug between two men can do that, I am not sure what can be done to show the love and respect Alex & Heph had for each other. It's a tough sell.



Marketing is another story. There was not a whole lot done in the US prior to the film, which didn't help it, either.


Dara

[marcus]

Hi Ruth,I *thought* I saw Pausanias being abused at the party, but wondered if it was a figment of my imagination! Thanks for confirming that I was right :-)Marcus