300
By : Suzanne Philips
300
Pre-release review
Written by: Kurt Johnstad
(TRUE VENGEANCE)
Based on the Graphic Novel by: Frank Miller
Directed by: Zack Snyder (DAWN
OF THE DEAD)
Starring: Gerard Butler,
David Wenham,
Lena Headey,
Rodrigo Santoro (Lost)
Running Time: 1 hour 53 minutes
Rated R
"300" Premiere
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Read about the premiere on the CFM News home page.
"300" tells the story of King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and his 300 Spartan warriors who defied Spartan Law and their Gods to defend their lands against the massive Persian Empire and their God-like ruler Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), who is threatening to overtake their lands and enslave their citizens.
This film, based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller, is a visually
stunning treat. The scenes are well crafted. The shots are beautifully
enhanced. You really feel as though the whole film is a giant matte painting
that is moving. The film is well worth seeing just for the stunning visual
quality alone.
Director Zack Snyder does a fantastic job of moving the story along through
pacing and seamless transitions between scenes and storylines. He gets a lot
from his actors and knows how to play the comedic beats with ease. The film
has quite a bit of humor woven throughout. These Spartan soldiers were
basically raised from birth to fight, kill and die and their kind of
"gallows" humor in the film is probably indicative of what soldiers really
must joke about to keep themselves going. The costumes were simple but
beautiful (hey who doesn't love a leather codpiece?!?!?) and each group
(Spartans, Persians, Athenians) had their own style and functionality in
their dress.
Gerard Butler is quite convincing as the King and you do truly believe that
he is someone that troops would lead into battle; they know that he is not
asking them to do anything that he would not do himself. David Wenham gives
a "drool-worthy" portrayal as soldier Dilios, who also narrates
the film. Rodrigo Santoro is nearly unrecognizable as the warrior God
Xerxes, but also gives a highly enjoyable performance. Lena Headey plays
Queen Gorgo and is a tough Spartan woman who is unafraid to speak her mind
or do what needs to be done in order to save her family and her land. It is
good to see a strong woman onscreen and this is wonderfully represented in
"300".
There is some nudity and sexuality in the film and of course, being a war
film, there are violence and battle scenes. In my opinion, however, they
could have been far more graphic and bloody than they were, with much of the
violence being implied rather than show.
A different film, a beautiful film, definitely worth seeing.
4 out of 5