In Brad Pitt’s first starring film in several years (not counting his ensemble efforts like “Ocean’s Eleven” or “Snatch”), “Troy,” Director Wolfgang Petersen has managed to construct an epic war film that is devoid of any meaning, passion, or commitment from any of the main characters.
“Troy” is based (loosely) on Homer’s epic story “The Iliad” which depicts the confrontation between the Greek army, led by the mythical, magnetic, and undefeated Achilles (Brad Pitt) against the closed off, walled city of “Troy” whose troops are lead by the enigmatic and noble Prince “Hectic” (Eric Bana). The war is started when Hector’s brother Paris falls in love with Helen (Diane Kruger) who is married to one of the numerous Greek Kings. There were so many Kings in this film that I lost track, after awhile the title lost any of its meaning.
After being humiliated by his wife’s adultery and betrayal he goes to his war mongering brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox) for help in his declared war on Troy. Agamemnon doesn’t care about his brother; he sees this as an opportunity and excuse to finally go to war.The acting in this film is all over the place, and the miscasting is almost palpable.
Let’s start with the good.
Brad Pitt manages to successfully carry off the role of the great warrior Achilles. He looks the part, his fighting skills are unique and you can almost see why people would fear him. The problem is the character itself. This film would have you believe that Achilles was a mercenary out for glory, and the propagation of his name throughout history. He was fighting strictly because he wanted to be remembered.
One minute he whines about the nature of politics, and how this war wasn’t his war, the next minute he’s leading the charge, then he protests again and stops fighting after the first battle is won. When the main character in your film has no conviction, then it’s real hard to care about anything else happening on the screen.
The entire film hinges on whether the audience can feel for his plight, and frankly, after awhile, I didn’t give a damn what happened to him.
Eric Bana is the true find, and it’s almost worth seeing solely to watch his performance. Hector is one of the few likable characters in this film, he’s just a man who is caught in an impossible situation and at the end of the day he is trying to protect his home. Bana exudes charisma, charm, and grace in this. All the things he lacked in “The Hulk.”
Brian Cox had too much screen time, and looked completely out of place as the “King of Kings.” His performance, mannerism, everything was straight out of X2. Orlando Bloom, why was he in this? He was too damn pretty for the role, and Paris really didn’t do anything to help the situation.
In order for this film to work, the audience needs to feel connected to Paris and Helen, and I didn’t buy their romance, and worse, I kept waiting for Paris to do something, anything, to prove his worth or love. He’s the one who started the entire mess, and all he did was sit back, whine, and let Hector fight the battle.
Again, I found it hard to care about the conflict when the main characters didn’t care themselves. Between Achilles and Paris, there’s nothing tangible to really sink your teeth into. The battle sequences themselves, were strangely antiseptic and devoid of any emotion, or memorable moments.
Surprisingly “Troy” shines during the rare moments when they are off the battle field. The cinematography is sweeping, yet bland. My other major problem with this film – did people know how to smile, joke or have ANY fun in ancient Greece? Everyone in this film were so sour, and serious that the entire experience just drags.
You really do feel the 2:45 minute running time. “Troy” is an OK film that squandered its full potential.
Final Grade C
EM Review by
Michelle Alexandria
Originally Posted 5/14/04