Troy (Director's Cut) [HD DVD]
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Movie Reviews of Troy (Director's Cut) [HD DVD]
Movie Review: A Flawed But Worthy "Troy"
Summary: 3 Stars
Judging from the initial reactions of purists, this writer included, many viewers were generally offended by Wolfgang Petersen's 2004 interpretation of the epic tale of Achilles, Hector, and Helen of Troy. Clearly, it is not Homer, well, not exactly. But then the various intertwining stories that introduced me to this wonderful tale as told by my Greek grandfather were not pure Homer either. Petersen took great dramatic license and mixed Homer (not without a good deal of exclusion...the gods and goddesses, numerous characters such as Hecuba and Cassandra) with Virgil and a good deal of Hollywood for his film version of "Troy." Having just viewed the "Director's Cut," I must admit that Homeric purity set aside, it works pretty well as a retelling of the tale, despite some alterations in story that simply warrant a shake of the head. And yes, this cut is better than the theatrical version, certainly more graphic in every sense. Brad Pitt's Achilles is really remarkable, Eric Bana as Hector is fine, Sean Bean's Odysseus "the sacker of cities" is first rate, Diane Kruger's Helen worked for me, Peter O'Toole is a heart-rending Priam, and most of the rest of the cast is certainly serviceable. The production is grand, and even James Horner's last minute replacement score (underrated) works well. Despite the complaints, Petersen gets some of the scenes just right, especially the "fleet footed" Achilles both in battle and particularly later in his touching scene with Priam. And some of his touches from non-Homeric works such as Virgil are quite clever at times. It all ends with an ironic touch, not the funeral pyre of Hector "tamer of horses," but that of Achilles which actually accentuates the point that this is still primarily the story of Achilles, not of Helen of Troy, and this Petersen gets right. I don't know if "The Iliad," "The Odyssey," or even "The Aeneid" can ever be produced adequately on the screen, but this is a worthy effort in hindsight, even if it is not quite a Homeric one.
Movie Review: A Good Movie Made Great!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was fan of Troy when it was first released a few years ago but it seemed a bit rushed and lacking any depth. Wait no more!! This directors cut is great and really takes the movie to another level. Improved Score, Improved Pacing and not to mention the extended gory fight scenes!!! I loved the way they cleaned up the special effects and fleshed out characters so much more!! 5 outa 5!!Movie Review: Some thoughts:
Summary: 4 Stars
I picked up TROY on a whim. I was in the grocery store; it was cheap, so what the heck, I added the DVD to my bread and milk. And I guess Charlton Heston's recent demise made me want to see an old fashioned, 'Hollywood' take of an epic subject.
What a surprise TROY is. I remember it only garned so-so official reviews, with lots of semi-snide comments about Brad Pitt's pecs and his newly refined accent, etc. Even though this version isn't the 196 minute director's cut, which is supposed to supply more narrative flow, I'm impressed enough with this version to recommend it. Any one of the various battle scenes, certainly, are worth the price. It's been ages since I read The Iliad, and that was for college lit class (so "ages" is the appropriate word), but I didn't have any trouble following the narrative. And I never look to a Hollywood film for historical accuracy, just a damn good story well told.
If Brad Pitt isn't quite the greatest actor here (and I hope the director's cut might change that impression), the performances of Brian Cox; Eric Bana; Peter O'Toole and Sean Bean more than make up for Pitt's occasional flatness. I didn't feel much chemistry in his scenes with Rose Byrne. I think Pitt's best scenes were during his meeting with Hector's father, and what happens afterward. Also his scenes with Brian Cox as the contemptable King Agamemmnon.
Oddly, the brief scenes displaying the relationship between Eric Bana (Hector) and the actress who plays his wife are more sensual and emotionally affecting than anything between Orlando Bloom and Diane Kruger, and/or Brad Pitt and Rose Byrne. For me, I think it's the fact that Hector is happily married and just wants to savor his life with his wife and son; that does it... at least for me. Sure, illicit love has its moments, but married and happy, the way Bana plays it, is very sexy too. (Think GLADIATOR, when all Maximus really wanted was to return home to his wife and son. A woman likes to see that kind of thing!)
So in all, I was pleasantly impressed and surprised by TROY. Now I'd like to see the director's cut.
Movie Review: Different Musical Score!
Summary: 2 Stars
This version of the film has a dramatically different score than the original (some parts of James Horner's score are still there, but many of the key dramatic moments in the film seem completely different with the new score). Nearly all of the vocal elements of the original score have been scrapped, making this Director's Cut seem like your average action movie (the music in the theatrical version is what set it apart from other mediocre action films of the time).
The added footage is nice (a lot of the new scenes develop the characters a bit more), but the loss of the original score was a major disappointment for me.
I prefer the theatrical version, and I suggest renting this one (or borrowing it from a friend, like I did) before purchasing it.
Movie Review: Good movie
Summary: 4 Stars
Some inaccuracies in the legend, but that's movie making for you. I loved the epic scale and how the story was told. Eric Bana is simply astounding as Hector.