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source: Alexander the Great

Trailer—Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great

"Alexander the Great" is not, by any means a great film. Let's start off there. Actually, for an "historical epic", it's really pretty boring, without much going for it. Perhaps the most moving thing about this film is Richard Burton's hair. Burton, looks to be much older than his actual 29 years of age. Fredric March wears a ridiculous looking beard, but fortunately, is killed off half way thru the picture. Claire Bloom is lovely as ever. I don't know what Robert Rossen intended with this picture, but the fight sequences are pretty boring and the script isn't interesting enough to make it a real sweeping epic (even though it is filmed in Cinemascope). In the end, "Alexander the Great" is a historical bore. Watch it until Fredric March dies, then turn it off. 5 out of 10

This film is more a Shakespearian play than a portrayal of a great warrior and most disappointing to watch. If you want to see a movie which relates to the life of Alexander the Great, you can do no better than to look at the movie 'Alexander' made in 2004, written and directed by Oliver Stone. All historical movies have taken certain liberties in the details, but this latter movie fits the bill admirably.

The dialogue accomplishes so much yet is almost poetic. It is of an elegance rarely seen in modern movies. Many of the key elements in the relationships between Alexander, his men, his parents and his perspectives are explored but battle details are glossed over. Though far from comprehensive, it tells a good tale and serves as a wonderful introduction to the life of Alexander. I was riveted when I watched this, having read Mary Renault's trilogy. An excellent job! Oliver Stone's 2004 effort was a let down but the depiction of the Battle of Gaugamela is worth watching.

I think Rossen tried simultaneously to condense Alexander's adventurous life into a two-hour movie AND to present a revisionist and thoughtful take on the character of that famous historical figure...but it didn't quite work. Narrative omissions aside (where is the middle of the three major battles that Alexander fought against the Persians?), it is a tedious epic with unimpressive battle scenes and, yes, too much talk. Burton is badly miscast as Alexander; he looks too old, especially in the early scenes when he's supposed to be a teenager(!), and lacks the proper athleticism. This would earn two stars for the production values alone, but read a book on the subject instead.