Not only does 300 prove to be the first great film of 2007, but it also proves that director Zack Snyder is a true visionary, and a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
One thing a lot of people may not know about me is that aside from my love of films, and the World of comic books, I am a big history geek. It was always one of my favorite subjects in school, and it’s something I’ve continued to research even though I’ve been out of school for quite some time. One glimpse at my book collection and you’d know how much I enjoy the subject, and how much reading I’ve done on it.
If I had to pick one culture from history that has always fascinated me the most it would definitely be the Greeks. If you think about it, today’s comic book heroes take a lot from the heroes of ancient Greece. Superman would be like Hercules who was granted the power from the Gods. Batman would be like Odysseus who was known for his guile and resourcefulness. Even The Flash’s roots stem from Hermes the ancient messenger of the Gods, and do I even need to point out the similarities between Wonder Woman?
As fantastic and majestic as their mythology is, it’s actually the Greek’s real history that has always fascinated me the most. Tales of Athena, and Hector, and Achilies have always appealed to me in part due to their larger than life scale, and romantic overtones. However one historical Greek event has always stood out above the rest as my favorite tale of all time; The battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C.
Why has this particular event stood out for me above the rest? Because it’s the very definition of the word epic.
About 6 years ago I can remember reading Frank Miller’s series 300 which was inspired by that very event, and thinking how cool it was that history and comic books could mesh together so well. I’m not sure if it’s the joining of the two, or Miller’s way of storytelling that had me instantly hooked, but either way I couldn’t get enough. In the tale King Leonidas (which means “lion’s son") defies the very laws he’s sword to uphold, and engages the Persian army of Emperor Xerxes with 300 of Sparta’s finest and bravest soldiers in one of the most brutal and epic battles in history.
Although Frank Miller’s series isn’t 100% based on fact, it does draw enough from history to warrant the “inspired by a true story” title we see on so many films today. For those of you that have seen the 1962 classic The 300 Spartans (the very film that inspired Miller to write 300 36 years later) you’ll notice the obvious differences between that and the film in question....and I’m not talking about the visual FX either.
Naturally in trying to incorporate the story of Thermopylae into a graphic novel, the writer must create certain elements of fiction, and exaggerate on others, and keep certain things factual which is exactly what makes this film so great. Right off the bat the mood of the film is set as we’re introduced to Leonidas before he becomes king; taking part in a ritual that will make him part of the legendary “warrior society” of Sparta. Once he becomes king, it’s made obvious very quickly that Leonidas is a no BS kind of guy, and the men of the Spartan army would follow him even if it meant their demise...this becomes a major point of the film throughout it’s 1hr 56min runtime.
The battle scenes in the film are worth the price of admission alone. While they’re not overdone and drawn out like in some movies (Troy comes to mind), they last just long enough to reinforce the fact that the Spartan army’s knowledge of combat, and of their surrounding terrain set them apart from any other army in the World. I’ve heard some people say that the scenes were “too brutal”, and to be honest I couldn’t disagree more. Sure they’re brutal, but no more so than what you’d see in films like Gladiator or even the previously mentioned Troy. The difference between the battle scenes in 300 and these films is that these scenes are very stylized scenes, complete with slo-mo (eat your heart out Matrix trilogy) camera work and digital blood splatter FX.....they aren’t brutal just for the sake of being brutal, they serve a purpose to the film and it’s overall tone.
One aspect of the film that I need to point out is the dialogue. Seriously, this film has some of the most well written dialogue I’ve heard in a long time. I mean with lines like "Enjoy your breakfast, for tonight we dine in hell!" or even king Leonidas’ thundering delivery of the word “Spartans!” throughout the film, I couldn’t help but get chills. The individual lines each character has, as well as the banter between opposing sides is simply fantastic.
Snyder is to be commended on his choice of actors, as he doesn’t rely on your typical Hollywood big names to carry the film. Instead he assembles a wide range of actors and actresses from all different backgrounds to recreate the world of ancient Sparta. Scottish-born Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera) gives a commanding performance as King Leonidas, and surely secures his place as a top level star in Hollywood. Brazilian-born actor Rodrigo Santoro (LOST) gives a chilling performance as Emperor Xerxes, and British actress Lena Headey makes her minimal screen time memorable as Leonidas’ wife and the Queen of Sparta.
Honesty, what can I say about this film that hasn’t already been said by the countless critics that have given it glowing reviews, or by the $70 million it made in it’s opening weekend? Halfway thru the film I already knew in my mind I wanted to see it again. The stunning visual FX are what most people are drawn to initially, but it’s the story and the solid performances by the film’s cast that will leave a lasting impression on you as you exit the theater.
Complete with amazing battle scenes, incredible acting, a strong story, and the most stunning visual FX I’ve seen to date, 300 is truly the first great film of 2007, and sets the new standard for storytelling. This movie is as close to a moving comic book as you’ve ever seen, and I couldn’t have loved it more. The women will come to see the chiseled physiques of the Spartan warriors, and the men will come for everything else...it really has something for everyone.
If you’re anything like me you’ll walk out of the movie with three things on your mind:
1) I need to go to the gym, NOW.
2) I feel like more of a man for simply having watched the movie.
3) If there is a God in Heaven, director Zack Snyder will be hired to direct the impending live action version of the God of War video game from whatever studio is smart enough to pick up the film rights first.....this is a long shot, but I can dream can’t I?
In a nutshell, I liked it....I really, really liked it.