‘300’is the film adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel by the same name. As the story goes, King Leonidas of the Spartans led 300 soldiers to Thermopylae, or ‘the Gates of Fire,’ against the threatening, massive Persian army, in opposition to oracle advice and council approval. For hundreds of years, Spartan society has anticipated and prepared for such a battle. They must finally validate their state-centered society, strict Code of Law and lifestyle. Their story is legend because these Spartans lose. Their arrogance and strength lasted only so long, but the result of their loss allowed the full Spartan army to take revenge for the King’s death.
Rarely do war films show both sides objectively, in all their complexity. ‘300’ keeps up this convention. The Persian Empire is supposed to be an evil institution with a plan to destroy free Spartan society, and the republic itself, by asking King Leonidas to kneel before God King Xerxes. Xerxes himself sits at the top of a traveling staircase and towers over Leonidas, while standing in a countless number of gold accessories. It is the simple yet strong homogenous city-state versus the expansive yet diverse ornate Empire. Though the 300 and their allies will lose the battle, they will win the war.
From age 7 to almost 18, male Spartans had been training for the army and suffered brutal tests of strength. Men in the film needed to exemplify a certain physique, and boy did they fulfill the requirements. King Leonidas and his 300 were well dressed in flowing capes, leather boots, and leather Speedos, showing off every muscle. While the guys in the audience will be watching the fight, the girls will be watching the bodies. I
However, not all of the visuals were as enjoyable.’ The director’s choice to pan up from the feet to the the beheaded neck of a young Spartan solider was questionable.’ For this and other scenes, ‘300’ is reasonably rated R.’
The dialogue was simple – frankly there is not much of it. The actors should not have had any problems learning their lines. However, this is not a drawback but rather an advantage. There was just enough philosophy and wit to keep them Greek and enough battle cries to keep them energized. The humor is a mix of predictable wit, insults, and irony, though the character’s laughing in certain scenes do not seem genuine.
What worked best for the film was knowing there were no natural settings but instead props in front of a blue screen. Being hyper-real added to the story’s narration and the originality of presentation. The images are attention-grabbing to say the least. The use of shadow, light, and color palate are all reminders of its artistic origins. The subject matters’ movement and numerous changes in focus were rightly executed at a slow pace. The voice-over narration was passionate but too overbearing. What could be considered absurd was the use of human monsters and large beasts as Persian ‘secret weapons’ – but it didn’t damage the story.
There was not one regrettable casting choice. Gerard Butler and Dominic West are the most well-known actors of this ensemble. Their respective characters represented what is good and bad about power. Lena Headey, as Queen Gorgo, was able to be the archetype Spartan woman. Vincent Regan, who was Captain, did very well with his short appearances. To have a Brazilian play Xerxes was unexpected, but Rodrigo Santoro’s performance makes it forgivable.
The acting, music, dialogue, computer graphics, and special effects are definitely worth seeing on the big screen. According to moviefone.com, ‘300’ made a March release record, breaking $70 million its first three days. Despite mixed reviews. It is evident that ‘300’ has exceeded expectations. Due to its already great success, what does this mean for future filmmaking, especially of historical legends? Perhaps location scouts will become obscelete.
