Alexander
Watched Alexander on Saturday afternoon.
I’ve been meaning to watch this one for quite some time - regardless of terrible reviews and the critics tearing it apart for any timeline sequencing error and lack of historical factuality. With a cast including Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer, Anthony Hopkins, Jared Leto, Rosario Dawson, and Christopher Plummer though, I had to give this one a chance.
Unbeknownst to be before today, there are three versions of the film - an ‘Revisited’ cut, at a whopping 220 minutes, a major theatrical release version of 175 minutes and the ‘Directors Cut’ at a still lengthy 167 minutes. The latter of which I managed to procure from the local video rental shop.
I’m not sure which of these versions the critics have watched, but the comments about it being too drawn-out or boring - don’t seem appropriate, at least not to me. The visionary was quite Epic and put some of the much more popular flicks like ‘Troy’ to shame. The scenes from Babylon were just magnificent.
Even the scenes that were more ‘political’ or any of the numerous flashbacks had significant bearing to the film as a whole. I thought all was necessary to completely wrap up the tale - and to support the weight on the shoulders of all who were caught up in Alexander’s dream.
It is a tremendous story, played out fantastically by all of the actors involved. While it may not be historically accurate, its hard to argue that as being a pride point for any of these historic flicks… I feel they are to be watched for the epic battles and content.
After reading some of the comments on IMDB, it sounds like I should really try and view the full ‘Revisited’ version before coming to a complete conclusion though.
Regardless, an amazing watch - much enjoyed film.
Link: Alexander at IMDB
Link: Alexander at Dark Horizons
