Sweet zombie jesus, what did I just see?! Did I see a Frank Miller comic brilliantly adapted for the screen? Again? Did I see the unrelenting totality of Frank Miller’s ideas translated to silver screen better than Rodriguez’s SIN CITY? Surely, I didn’t. It had to be a trick of the light.
Fuck me, I did.
Zack Snyder made the often clumsy spoken-dialogue work. Yet it still sounded like things Frank Miller would say/write. 300 was beautifully shot and rendered. The B story involving Leonidas’ wife even played beautifully. It blended nicely with the battle scenes and keep us audience folk from getting “battle weary.”
And goddamn the flick simply kicked all sorts of ass!
Zack Snyder Should Keep Reading this and Hire Me Tomorrow
I read the Iranian government is upset about Hollywood’s portrayal of Persians. I guess they turn a blind eye to all the other stereotypical bullshit that comes out of that industry on a daily basis. Why 300 takes the brunt of the attacks is beyond me. I can only say that the film is pretty darn tough and it’ll withstand the volleys of the real world attacks for some time to come.
That is the heart of 300. It’s about legends and inspiration. My History Channel learning, coupled with the bits of info I’ve picked up throughout life, pointed out obvious conflicts with “assumed” history. I say “assumed” because history is always written by the victors. That’s something you can never forget.
The real history of the 300 Spartans is filled with ancient animosities and old grudges that won’t die. Given today’s volatile political climate, it’s obvious that those grudges still hold favor.
When I say you should watch 300, I mean YOU SHOULD WATCH 300. Absorb the legend and drama. Then after your senses are excited, look up the written truth. Learn that the greeks had a mighty navy general who kept the Spartans from being outflanked on that cliff in Greece. Read about the Ionian revolt that sat heavy on Xerxes’ heart and was a major influence in fueling his want to conquer Greece. Know that Greece was constantly warring with itself and it was that battle that fused them into a nation and birthed Philip of Macedonia who begat a son. A fellow you may have heard about named Alexander. And it was Alexander who led his armies into Persia, conquered it and the rest of the known world, which, in turn, spread the seeds of democracy to more civilizations than any other quest.
It is supposed by some historians that the legend of the 300 is the nexus of all the events that came to pass and helped to mold the present day concept of democracy. It is the legend of the underdog a favorite tale for many, especially those of us in the USA, that keeps their story in the minds of the world. I’m psyched Miller’s ideas had a chance to shine on the big screen as well as the printed page. You did well, Mr Snyder. You did very well.
I’m looking to you for a more than excellent WATCHMAN movie.
