Helen of Troy
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Movie Reviews of Helen of Troy
Movie Review: Superior to the Pitt vehicle in almost every way
Summary: 5 Stars
This review is from the perspective of having seen the big bucks film "Troy," starring Brad Pitt, and not having read Homer's "Iliad" itself.
The remarkably uneven film "Troy" left a lot to be desired for those of us who would rather enjoy a film with a strong story as opposed to great action and special effects. While there's nothing necessarily wrong with these parts of this A&E production, the Pitt vehicle excels in those areas. If you are a Pitt fan, or if you value a film based on how much action there is, then this is not for you. You will enjoy "Troy" more than "Helen of Troy."
There are many similarities between the two productions, beyond that of using the same source material. Each of them chose to demythologize the story, removing Homer's use of the gods as active characters in the story. Each also continues the long show business tradition of presenting classical characters as if they all had British accents. Each retains the Greek tragedy aspect of the story, without tacking on a happy ending of some sort.
From there, however, the productions diverge noticeably. The character of Achilles, played with depth by Pitt in the theatrical film, is here more akin to what I understand is the way Homer originally presented him: A bloodthirsty, single-minded gloryhound warmonger, Pitt's version of Achilles was as a more complex and conflicted individual who was central to that film's storyline. In "Helen of Troy" he is a secondary character played by a bald actor who will never be accused of looking nearly as attractive as Pitt.
But that suits the story, which actually revolves around the title character, the Aegean kings who have sworn to defend King Menelaeus's right to her, and Prince Paris and the royal family of Troy, who unwisely welcomed Helen into their midst.
In this production Agamemnon and his brother are much younger, more vital men, and Achilles has no quarrel with them as he did in the Pitt vehicle. Also Paris is not presented as a wimpy loser as he was when Orlando Bloom portrayed him in the theatrical film, but rather as valiant but less gifted warrior who is betrayed. He even has a scene with Helen's husband wherein we see that both characters have far more depth than the short shrift given them in the Pitt vehicle.
This production, overall, is for those who became interested in this ancient tale because of the Pitt vehicle, or are just keen to know more about the legends of Achilles' heel, the Trojan horse, and Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousand ships.
And by the way, the role of Helen here is a thousand times more interesting than portrayed by Diane Kruger in the Pitt vehicle. There is also some welcome backstory that helps us understand why she finds her husband so distasteful, and a more complete ending to the tale. That's ultimately why I find this version so satisfying: There is much more story here, except as relates to the character of Achilles, who got so much screen time in the Pitt vehicle. This story makes more sense, is generally better acted all the way around, and, unless your tastes run solely to nonstop battle scenes, does not drag at all for its three-hour length. Good job.
Movie Review: An epic of Homeric proportions!
Summary: 5 Stars
As there are few things more distasteful than a badly-done rendition of an epic story, this effort at re-creating the Homeric world is very refreshing and engrossing. The production value of this ambitious venture is top-notch; I can't think of why anyone who has ever read Homer would be disappointed with this DVD.The novice might be inclined to believe that the film is taken straight from the ILIAD. In fact, precious few scenes are actually in Homer's poem. The majority of the action depicted happens either before or after the ILIAD.
The episode of Helen being abducted by Theseus is based on an obscure myth. The major differences between the myth & the story in the DVD are (1): Helen is just a child in the myth (as opposed to a young woman in the film). (2): In the myth, Theseus is not killed by Helen's brothers when they come to fetch her back.
Given the fact that Homer's poem is saturated with the interaction of gods & goddesses, it comes as a surprise that the roles of the gods are muted in this story. Aside from the cameo of the 3 goddesses in the abbreviated JUDGMENT OF PARIS at the beginning of the tale, the entire Greek pantheon is basically left out of the remainder of the story.
The acting is quite good. The men, for the most part, fit their roles as Greeks & Trojans. Sienna Guillory plays a credible Helen & I thought she portrayed a believable young, innocent girl who gets in way over her head. Obviously, no matter who they pick to play "the most beautiful woman who ever lived," there will ALWAYS be some people who are unhappy w/the selection. That Guillory is in possession of acting skills is helpful; hiring a supermodel who can't act would have been a complete disaster.
Making Paris into some sort of quasi-hero was exceptionally bold and radical. It is something that would have been apt to strike the ancient Greeks as strange. It was a clever bit how they re-arranged the infamous duel between Menelaous and Paris.
That said, what the makers of this film did was very Greek in its manner. In Greek tragedies different characters are portrayed in a variety of ways, depending on the point that tradgedian was attempting to convey. This was true even in different plays by the SAME author.
This DVD is HIGHLY recommended to anyone who has read Homer, wants to read Homer or is even slightly interested in the mythology of the ancient Greeks. It blends some history and mythology (such as the reason that Troy was attacked) and does a balanced job of telling Homer's story. This one is truly a classic, based on a classic.
Movie Review: Have you ever seen "TROY (2004)"??????
Summary: 5 Stars
Have you seen "TROY (2004)"? Although there is some problems but in front of that freak, I can rate this movie as 5 star! why?
this movie is not a real theatrical film. character and scene design are as good as an excellent TV production. Special effects are very good but not as good as a real theatrical film, a good theatrical film I mean otherwise we see lots of cheap movies these days in Cinemas! BUT... the story and actings are masterpiese! very strong adaptation of Homer's book. If you've never ridden that book, this movie would got you surprized cause of it's unusual and brilliant story. there is no hero here. and no hero wins! Agamemnon was killed by his wife after raping Helen! Achilis was killed by paris, paris was killed by agamemnon, and at last, Helen came to her Husband! story is really different than a hollywoodic cheap movies like "TROY"
in movies like "TROY" they attempt to fool people with brilliant special effects and CGs and the story in such movie usually a loose adaptation of originals! in that movie, they've shown like if stealing some other guys wife cause of love is right, and worse is, that criminal survives at the end and the owner of right, dies! and that shameless thieve becomes a Hero! of course in front of such movies, I rate this one with all of it's problems as 5 star!
I can gurantee if you buy this movie, your money will not be wasted! It's really worth it and very enjoyable!
Movie Review: Original in both good and bad ways.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been a huge fan of greek movies, but "Helen of Troy" 2003 stood out in many ways. The setting, the costumes, and the acting, were catching! Most actors were recognized by their acting ability, however some characters we off guard. Agamemnon, played by Rufus Sewell appeared as nasty and awful human being. I found him starring way too many times and he always had a look of hatred. The part that should have been taken out was when Helen was rapped by Agamemnon. They seriously should have come up with some other scene to represent the situation. Nevertheless, other character were well represented. The Prince of Troy, Matthew Marsden, is a gorgeous actor and they did a good job picking him out. Helen herself, was played by a beautiful woman, Sienna Guillory. I think that overall thing that I liked the most about "Helen of Troy" 2003 was the origanlity. And the thing that made it not the best movie in the world was because of a lot of scenes that were unnessasary (Helen appearing nude too many time) and some characters weren't well developed and explained (not to go into that detail). I would not recommend it to those who are too sentimental, but otherwise it's worth seeing it once or twice.
Movie Review: HOW TO TELL AN EPIC (...from a turkey)!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Sure, lots of characters are missing -Castor, Patroclus, Deiphobus, Hermione, Laocoon, Diomedes- and the story gets somewhat refashioned to suit Hollywood tastes, but nonetheless it is told gloriously, and the locations, sets, costumes and special effects are nothing short of spectacular. WOW! This is how this stuff is meant to be shown! If you're a mythology freak like Myself Yourstruly, you're in for a guilty pleasure!Sienna Gullory plays Helen as a pouting supermodel with a face that may launch a thousand surfboards at best, but Rufus Sewell ('Dangerous Beauty') makes a wickedly dashing Agamemnon and veteran John Rhys-Davies ('Raiders of the Lost Ark', 'The Lord of the Rings') is perfect as doomed King Pryam. Hecuba (Maryam D'Abo) looks great for a mother of fifty sons and twelve daughters! The rest of the cast I can't tell who they are or where I've seen them (Theseus was the KGB villain in 'Ronin' and Menelaus, the bumbling husband in 'Tracy Takes On'), but they all play their parts splendidly, particularly Cassandra and Clytemnestra...