2007.03.19
A Few Thoughts on 300
I saw the Spartan epic 300 over a week ago but have waited till now to write about it so at least a few of you might have a chance to see it. Here is the standard warning: this contains spoilers so if you haven’t seen 300 yet and plan to then you might want to stop now.
Two things irritated me about this movie that could have easily been remedied by simply cutting them out. I haven’t read the book yet so maybe the subjects are treated differently there.
1: Why the hell is the hunchback Ephialtes (played by Andrew Tiernan) even in the movie?!? He contributes nothing of significance and his role could have been completely cut. In the end he seems to only signify that King Leonidas (played by Gerard Butler) was right in rejecting him despite his Spartan ancestry. From the POV of a male teen audience his entrance into Xerxes’ harem (Xerxes played by Brazilian Rodrigo Santoro) where many boobs are exposed. As a story element his character went nowhere and contributed nothing. The only way he could have been kept in the movie in a satisfying way was if Ephialtes himself was the Spartan who drew the blood of Xerxes.
2: Another plot point that should have been excised was the “rape” of Queen Gorgo (played by Lena Heady) by Theron (played by Dominic West). I understand why it was done but I think if the “rape” never happened, then later in the assembly when Theron accuses Gorgo of adultery, then that scene would have been more powerful and it would have kept Gorgo respecable and faithful to Leonidas. I will never understand why stories always have to have unfaithful (even under duress) wives.
What is the deal with Theron anyways? This is supposed to be a culture where honor and skill in the warrior’s way was revered. Yet Theron, an obviously powerful person, seems like a two-faced coward. He was kind of unbelievable as a Spartan.
Despite these criticisms, I loved the movie. It’s simple plot and powerful imagery make it almost mythic and I know I’ll watch it several more times when it comes out on DVD. I’m also looking forward to reading the story. I’m assuming it will illuminate much more that wasn’t obvious upon first watching.
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One Response to “A Few Thoughts on 300”
- Someone says (June 10th, 2007 at 09:58:52 )
you are an idiot.
