Tuesday, April 10, 2007
300
 After much hype and anticipation I finally got myself to the cinemas to see 300 last night. I'm a total sucker for any sort of historical epic - loincloths and baby oil optional, but appreciated. I read the graphic novel and prepared myself for bloodlust. That being said, I responded to this movie on different levels. Of course, eye candy was the primary appeal - it'a gorgeous film. A hybrid of modern comic book art and the stylised tableaus on the sides of Grecian urns, there is enough to saturate the eye when all the pithy quotes begin to wear on you. The story is told in classical epic style, and the grainy film quality really helps convey the idea of a legend, an idealised tale of heroism passed down through the ages. Oh yes, eye candy. 300 is an ode to the flesh. Lots of flesh. In leather loincloths, draped in crimson cloaks, swathed in white robes. Or not. I found it quite affecting, perhaps because I'm so used to seeing breasts and semi-naked women splashed all over everything, but seeing male bodies portrayed so idealistically and explicitly is less common. Also, it certainly gives you a new appreciation for a man who can work a beard! On the other hand, I walked out feeling like I'd just been brainwashed. The heroism, the intense colour, the rousing soundtrack and the barrage of inspiring rhetoric are the stuff of propaganda. It has the intended effect - it makes you want to go fight something, anything - and it's scary how easily you feel yourself sucked into it. Film is such a powerful persuasive medium and its effects on crowds has been well-documented. I realise all this might sound a little far-fetched and incredible, but (for me, at least) the parallels with the kinds of propaganda used during the Third Reich, and more recently, the 'War on Terror' are unmistakable. Hitler certainly looked to the ancient greeks as inspiration for his campaign. Extreme patriotism and glorification of battle are hallmarks of totalitarian regimes. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, maybe it's just sign I should really go back to university. Or maybe I really have to start wearing more strategically-draped bedsheets. Labels: 300, movie review, review |
posted by Enken at 8:16 PM
