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Photo © Warner Brothers
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300
Historical Action; fantasy
1hr. 57 mins.
March 9th, 2007
MPAA:R for graphic battle sequences throughout, some sexuality and nudity.
Warner Brothers
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Starring: Gerard Butler, Lena Heady, Dominic West, Vincent Regan, Rodgiro Santoro
Directed By: Zack Snyder
Produced By:
Screenplay By: Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, Michael Gordon 11. Original Source writer:Frank Miller. Graphic Novel: Lynn Varley .
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Reviewed
By: Wellington Lee
Rated 2.72/5
Feature Review:The tales of Ancient civilizations come alive, in Dir. Zack Snyder's realization of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley's graphic
novel adaptation to the Big Screen. Miller's Sin City had ruthless women street warriors, caricatures, graphic film noir and
gore: a ton packed into a couple of hours. In this portrayal of the fifth century B.C. Spartan battle against the
massive Persian armies led by Xerxes, the testosterone howling from the screen, is as intense as the fierce,
digitally enhanced, battle scenes. The rolling hills of Spartan Greece and the clean stucco villas, belie a people obsessed
with the culture of war. Young boys, like protagonist King Leonardis(Gerard Butler), are separated from their mothers at
seven, and submit to a rigorous and brutal training, to prepare them for war service. The editing is jumpy here, from the B
& W dramatic rearing tests of young Leonardis, with cut always to the present time recounting(and later narration)of the
savage Battle of Thermopylae by lone survivor Dilios (David Wenham).
The narrative shows the era's Political machinations. The council makes Leonardis consult the Oracle: young, nude women
filmed ethereally, and controlled with drugs and isolation, by Sparta's mystics: wise men and high priest like figs.. Noble
Leonardis shows his only vulnerability, consulting with Queen Gorgo(Lena Headey).Their love, passion and partnership is
shrewdly written(M.Gordon, Dir.Snyder, K.Johnstad)to reflect the intimate life of a 21st century power couple. Tactician
Leonardis heads north with a too heavy contingent of 300 so called body guards as his actual army, to decide the favorable
terrain, and defend his countrymen against the approaching Persians. Defiantly killing the arrogant Persian messenger and
escort, the 'graphic' styling is perfect for the repeated theme of submission(to Persian Xerxes) by kneeling, or brutal
combat. Straight live action, would render the acting and scenes even more "over acted" and stilted, than they occasionally
are. Historians record that there were most likely several thousand outnumbered Spartans in this war.
The battle scenes are what is most remarkable about 300. Snyder has NOT had much experience in combat action, coming off his
surprise comic/horror hit "Dawn of the Dead"('04). With Digital enhancement, the leather thonged Spartans with the tweaked
red capes, use just shields, swords and spears to take on the legions of Persian warriors. Slow mo/stop action editing
is used to powerful effect, as Leonardis and crew fight elite ninja like "Immortals" and giant, mythological gladiators. The
digitally ripped abs of the no nonsense Spartans, contrast with the accessory adorned and costumed Persians. King Xerxes (a capable Rodrigo Santoro)sports oversized facial and body piercings, manifesting a deceptively effeminate exterior beneath
his ruthless conquests. Rulers of the day were pampered, like Celebes at exclusive day spas. Butler is superb with gallows
humor, as he nonchalantly talks and munches on an apple, as his men work their way through the fallen enemy nearby,
administering
plunging coup de graces. My advance screening audience welcomed this incongruous scene with nervous laughter. Butler's
Scottish accent over rides this role on occasion. But Gerard is adept at growling his defiance.
Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo, is sumptuous and made up 21st century like. Headey adeptly handles her passionate but loyal
partner role.
Solid support comes from Dominic West, who makes a sex for support deal with a desperate Queen, and then ambushes her at the
Council meeting. Johnstad and Gordon insert more treachery, when a severely deformed Spartan, Ephialtes (superb Andrew Tiernan
as a Star Wars/Star Trek like creature),is spurned as a fighter by the King, and gives up tactical positions to Xerxes. The
technical crew, from cinematographer Larry Fong to the production/Art designers and combat choreographers, deserve the
lion's share of credit. Miller's 2nd comic to Big Screen work, delves into the timeless world of mythology, legend and history. Historians
record that there were most likely several thousand outnumbered Spartans at the battle. The smaller number and treachery,
puts forward the popular David vs. Goliath scenario. 300 should turn out another near record weekend box office, for
Buddy/bonding twenty to thirty something males, and genre lovers.
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