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R.T. gives us the scoop on Oliver Stone's ALEXANDER
Hey folks, Harry here with our first look at the delayed ALEXANDER film from Oliver Stone. This first review is not all that hot, but apparently the film is technically stunning. And the question about whether or not we would see Alexander having a homosexual lover... well, it's unveiled here. Though there are no spoilers beyond that. Here ya go...
Yo Harry,
I got to catch a small little screening of Alexander.
Well, at first I felt no interest in seeing the film a
few months ago. I mean, Oliver Stone? Any Given Sunday
sucked. But anyway, I attended it and it turns out
having low expectations works out sort of.
Colin Farrell is a great actor, and shows it once
again here in the role of Alexander. But if there
really was one role to applaud, it would be Val
Kilmer's work as Phillip. If anything, I'd expect
Kilmer to be a definite as scoring a nomination in
supporting. He went through great trouble and weight
gain too to which seems like a great payoff. When I
saw it, I noticed myself being more interested as well
in his character than any other.
As for Jared Leto, well, he portrays Alexander's
homosexual lover. But unfortunately, he doesn't quite
stand out much in the film as he has in the past.
Jared I feel, lacked the enthusiasm and dialog to
bring this character to life.
As for the sexy Angelina Jolie, well, I believe she's
back on top again in her role as Olympias (she's even
the sexiest woman alive right now, she's perfect for
this!) But I wouldn't say it's time to give her
another Oscar just yet.
Anthony Hopkins did a nice job, but once again he
neither had the dialog to really stand out in the
film. He also slowed down the film a bit in some
parts.
As for Colin, well, he might make it to the acting
categories or not. Stone didn't deliver the best
performances out of the cast as one would hope.
Especially for the male lead. Hopefully, he gets some
recognition in the future.
And finally Mr. Stone, who returns to cinemas finally
after a bit of a hiatus. Does he give the realistic
journey of Alexander to the audiences? Yes! He does
bring costumes, set/locations, and everything back the
early years. These are things that as well will at
least get Oscar noms, it'd be a sin not to at least
recognize these. But Stone needs to tighten up his
writing skills with some of the dialog in the film.
Directing wise? No, I do not feel that the combination
of some good performances and settings will make up
for where this film slowed down in some parts. But
it's at least better than Troy.
In summary, I could see Alexander getting some tech
noms and HOPEFULLY a nom for Val Kilmer. Besides that,
there's nothing I really have to rave. But
nonetheless, give it a shot. Even if you got the
lowest of expectations (like I did)
R.T.
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+ Expand All
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How was the movie? Oh, and "Any Given Sunday" did go a little overboard at times(the intercutting of gladiators, etc, with football) but for my money it was the best football movie ever made. It covered virtually every facet of the game, had great performances(Diaz's best certainly), and had AMAZING game footage. I'm still looking forward to anything Stone does.
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Farrell is king. More charisma than most A-Listers working today. and he has got the chops to back it up. They should have got him to star in I, Robot he wouldnt have changed it to include shitty Willisms like the ubiquitous "Ah Hell No" For Shame Will. That movie coulda been something
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I disagree vehemently and therefore have trouble taking the rest of the review very seriously. I hope ALEXANDER delivers, it's the only American film I'm looking forward to until the end of the year.
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True or not, would that somehow overrule JFK, Platoon, U-Turn, Salvador, Nixon, Born on the Fourth of July, Natural Born Killers and Wall Street? Is this reviewer another fanboy who thinks cinema began with The Matrix in 1999? I'd be angry, but then, I can write coherently ("a small little screening"???) and he can't.
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the WORST review Ive ever read.
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Who cares? I mean really, who cares about the Oscars anymore? Just give me a review.
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I learned next to nothing about the film itself, aside from what merits an Oscar.
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I don't trust just one review, but this one is so damning with its faint praise and general indifference that I fear the movie will just be a big nothing now. I need to see what other people think. Is the best performance in the movie actually from Val Kilmer? Jeez I hope not.
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This guy needs to be repeatedly beaten over the head and torso with the new Stone boxed set until he cries for mercy--then repeat until he's immobile--then prop him up in front of a television and make him watch the whole damned thing.
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that "review" suuuccked
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The man who directed Salvator, Platoon, Wall Street, JFK, Heaven and Earth, Natural Born Killers, Nixon, and U-Turn. Arguably one of the most important directors of contemporary cinema. Has this "reviewer" only seen Any Given Sunday? Which, to be fair, is not Stone's finest but by no means "sucks." I despise fanboys who simply give films two ratings: "Awesome" or "Sucks." But well fanboys in general are pretty ignorant about world cinema. "Jean-Luc who? Ingmar who? Akira who? Francois who? F.W. who? You mean that fat guy who used to sell chicken nuggets on TV? What's his name? Orson Telles? Oh no I haven't seen 8 1/2 but I have seen it's sequel 10. Man that chick is so fucking hot I wanted to stick my dick in her rock hard ass." Morons.
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You daft, buddy? Kilmer's natural state is adipose. "Work" would have been staying away from the craft services table.
And as everyone else has said, Oscar-worthiness doesn't say jack about a film. Mook. -
I'm sorry but I can't trust a review from anyone who praises Colin Farrell. He is the most over-rated, consistantly mis-cast actor since Russell Crowe.
I saw the trailer for Alexander and when I saw Farrell in that fucking blond wig that looks like it's from the Kids in the Hall's prop-box, and yelling out inspirational war cries, I actually laughed out loud, long and hard.
And I'm sure Jarred Leto has better things to do than pretend to fuck Colin Farrell up the ass. I think the only way he should have accepted that role if is the script also called for him to give Farrell a golden shower and a cleveland steamer.
I love Stone's work and otherwise I would be looking foreward to this movie, but the lead role couldn't have been more miscast if it was given to Keanu Reeves...
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This reviewer likely didn't see the movie. Hell, I could have written that review. This was a complete waste of my time - almost as much as writing this post is a complete waste of my time. Speaking of which...
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Just had to add my name to everyone else who either A) doubts this guy even saw the movie, B)thought Any Given Sunday was a good film, C)thought it was peculiar that this moron only cited AGS as an example of a Stone movie that he didn't like (like everything else didn't matter) or D) all the above.
How did this guy get past the first line of defense? -
Yo, Thornhill was right. Why is this fodder being posted? Isn't a litany of talkback aimed at the uninformed pedestrian reviewer enough of a clue that you should be more disciplined in picking which reviews you post, Harry? C'mon, man. ...Oh, by the way...my 6yr old nephew saw a sneak of The Incredibles? Think maybe he can write up something? Thanks.
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Next on the Hollywood hit list:
Gay Jesus, Gay Martin Luther King Junior, Gay George Washington, Gay George W Bush, Gay J.R.R. Tolkien, Gay Ronald Reagan, Gay Patton, Gay Hitler, Gay Hugh Hefner, and Gay Brock Samson. -
Oct 20, 2004 1:14:22 PM CDT
Oliver Stone is one of the most exciting filmmakers in Hollywood
by nflrefugee
Get it? I loved everything he has filme, yes, even Any Given Sunday. AGS is not just a sports movie but a rather moving drama on the wisdom of the experienced versus the arrogance of youth. (I am fucking deep, heh). The name of the main character of AGS Willie Beaman could loosely be translated into 'Will he be a man?' Which was really the theme of the movie, wasn't it? (Boy I am good) I am excited about Alexander because I think it will continue this theme. Alexander being the cocky (pun intended) leader and his relationship with the wise men of his time. Also, the technical skill that Stone brings to all of his films. Wow. How can someone claim to be a film fan and say "I mean, Oliver Stone?" I can understand saying "I mean, Michael Bay?" or Brett Ratner etc. But Oliver Stone? This reviewer is entitled to his opinion (and after all this may not be a good film, I haven't seen it) but jeez, show some respect damn it.
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I don't know if he's gay, but he's certainly a fag.
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Wait...oh this is AICN?! Damn no wonder that review sucked.
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Oct 20, 2004 2:18:31 PM CDT
Terrible review -- but how many people are *really* excited abou
by doc_mccoy
No question he ranks among the greatest filmmakers of all time (including an almost unparalleled streak between SALVADOR and JFK -- I loved NATURAL BORN KILLERS, though people were split on that one), but he hasn't made a good movie in 10 years. Until he proves me wrong, I'm approaching each of his new projects with a whole lot of doubt.
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Oct 20, 2004 3:17:23 PM CDT
When giving in a review, don't mention if past films "Sucked" or
by bigtuna
Because film tastes are subjective, and once some don't agree with you, they will not take your review seriously. Like the guy last week who reviewed "The Grudge", and said the Ring sucked. Just talk about the film tb'ers have not seen.
BTW, Any Given sunday is not the best football movie ever like a few have said, it's not that good. I just saw Friday Night lIghts and thought that was quite a bit better. -
I know that aicn is not a site for analytical and professional reviews from reporters etc. but from movie fans themselves. BUT SORRY: This review tells NOTHING...we are talking about an Oliver Stone film and I'm expecting an ass-kicking epic. If someone thinks that Alexander is just average THEN HE SHOULD WRITE A LITTLE MORE THAN THIS FUCKING EMPTY NON-SENSE!!!
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I thought that version is already shooting with Leonardo DiCaprio, Mel Gibson, and Nicole Kidman. Anyway, judging by the trailer, I think this movie looks okay. I agree with the guy who said Alexander was miscast. I mean, come on, Farrel?! What they should have done was combine both Alexander movies. Leo as Alexander, Mel Gibson as Alexander's father, and Angelina Jolie as the mother. That would rock so hard! Just a side note, I was recently watching Reign: The Conqueror. You know what, maybe someone should make a movie out of that.
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...a tad bias. "Any Given Sunday" did not suck. That said, this flick could go either way (no pun intended!). Nice to see that the bisexual angle was not removed since it is a very necessary component of the story.
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Oct 20, 2004 5:14:54 PM CDT
Any Given Sunday didn't suck, but it WAS mediocre. Nixon and Na
by fluffyunbound
So Alexander can be a GOOD Stone biopic, like BOTFOJ, or it can be a really shitty, stupid, and incoherent mess, like Nixon. Which will it be? If Natural Born Killers Stone shows up, this could be the worst movie ever made. If JFK Stone shows up, this could be awesome.
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Oct 20, 2004 5:38:28 PM CDT
I'm doing a sitcom about the AICN Talkbacks... (wait for it)
by super person
Entitled: "Everybody Loves Hyperbole"
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Even his worst films are interesting, due in no small part to the fact that he is interested in human beings, and tends to make films about interesting subjects. I have no idea if "Alexander" will be a good movie or not, but I'm reasonably certain it will hold my attention -- which is more than I can say about a lot contemporary studio releases.
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I laughed my ass off when I read that. But, strike that question... I don't want to know. I think this reviewer would be beaten to a pulp by now if he were in the same room with some of you guys.
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worst. review. ever.
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Oct 21, 2004 9:30:49 AM CDT
Is anyone really planning on seeing this? It just looks like an
by minderbinder
And the latest ads have techno music? Come on. Personally, I think Stone is WAY overrated, he has made good movies, but they were his early ones. Hopkins as Nixon? Awful. The Doors? His best movies were 15 years ago. Not going anywhere near this one.
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To judge all movies set in the B.C. era based on what sucked about "Troy" is retarded. That's like seeing one bad Western and then refusing to see "The Magnificent Seven." Besides, Peter O'Toole kicked ass. Until you see the movie, you're just ignorant to try to judge it.
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most of Stone's movies just seem really really overamped... like I can see him when he's directing, slavering wildly and chewing a steel girder in his mouth, eyes bulging... "MORE!! MORE I TELL YOU!!"
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Oct 21, 2004 11:12:25 PM CDT
Nixon sucks, BRU. I defy you to define any concrete way in whic
by fluffyunbound
It is an atrocious bore from end to end. It is absolutely useless as a historical document. Too much success had taught Stone that he no longer had to even pretend to have a narrative sensibility, and he abandons all pretense at it for meaningless shots of asinine random garbage. Since Hopkins is indisputably competent, the blame for his absurd and ham-handed depiction of Nixon as a cross between John Hinckley and a Christopher Hitchens masturbatory fantasy has to be laid entirely at Stone's feet. The film combines the worst of Stone's other two really horrible films - it has sections of complete flat boring deadness that go on until they are excruciating [like The Doors] and it has sections where the editing and shot selection seem so random and mannered that you just want to hit Stone with a hammer to remind him that he's NOT THAT FUCKING CLEVER [like Natural Born Killers]. Every copy of Nixon in every medium should be retrieved and Stone should be forced to eat them one at a time.
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Troy was a great film, easily one of the best of the year. Granted, a persistent group of sexually conflicted and jealous males reject Brad Pitt because
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Oct 22, 2004 11:23:00 AM CDT
BRU, I personally guarantee you I know more about Greek tragedy
by fluffyunbound
Since you decided to make it personal and all. Whose interpretation do you want to discuss? Aristotle, Hegel, Nietzsche, Kaufmann, Auerbach, Lattimore, Dodds? Maybe someone like Steiner is more your speed? Can we even consider the subject in isolation, or should we bring in Cicero, Shakespeare, and Brecht, and consider "tragedy" in general? Perhaps as a jumping-off point you can give me some specifics as to why you think that Nixon resembles a Greek tragedy, when it really doesn't in any notable way. Can you direct me to the part of the script which includes a recognition and a reversal, in the classic sense? Or do you think it's a Greek tragedy because the protagonist has something bad happen to him in the end? That would be kind of a simplistic definition of a Greek tragedy. Which translation of "hybris" and "hamartia" are you using here? Even if you're using the discredited concepts of "pride" and "tragic flaw" - as most people with a superficial understanding of the mode would - it's difficult to see how these apply. Nixon is not presented as excessively prideful - if anything, it's the opposite. He is presented as a cringing, emotionally needy loser, who couldn't have politicked his way out of a paper bag. He also isn't presented as having a tragic flaw, per se - Stone's Nixon fails on the basis of making the wrong moral choice, and therefore doesn't fail "tragically" at all. If you use more credible translations of these concepts, there's even less grounds for your claim. If anything, the film is a ham-handed morality play: "Watch this gibbering neurotic clown as we punish him for being the personification of our incredibly shallow 60's radical interpretation of events." If you think Stone's presentation is a "balanced" one, I wonder what you think a negative one would have looked like. Personally, I think Nixon was a fool, and if I made a movie about him he'd probably look like a fool - but it would be hard for me to stoop to depicting him as a simpering coward and borderline schizophrenic, unless I was out to produce a particularly malicious piece of artifice.
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Oct 22, 2004 5:03:25 PM CDT
We have no reason to believe that we have access to the genuine
by fluffyunbound
So there may not have been a Pleisthenes at all. Or there may have been one, and there are contradictory sources concerning whose son he was. And I think that a better translation for ubermensch is "beyond"-man. It's not a strict translation, but it carries the sense of the term better than "super"-man. "Over"-man doesn't work, in my opinion. Since the concept is a developmental one, and there is a stage that translates as "ultimate"-man, the stage past that is better expressed in English as "beyond". [That seems to communicate the element of transcending present circumstances better than anything else.] In any event, if "super" was a good translation in the 19th century, it certainly isn't now, because it carries associations in English that not only do nothing to advance the understanding but actually retard it. // At some time in the future I will give Nixon another chance. I had not considered the idea that the movie as a whole is supposed to be viewed through the prism of Nixon's own skewed personal perception. I had reflexively considered the point-of-view to be Stone's, first and foremost, and maybe that isn't the best way to approach it.
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There is a poster on the IMBD boards (tomthecat77) who claims to be involved in the production of Alexander (quote: "I worked for Intermedia in the UK and have been working on the film for over a year. I now work for Warner Brothers."). He has outright stated the following:
"This person didn't see the film. There have been no screenings for anyone outside of Warner Bros, Intermedia or people connected directly with the movie."
(http://imdb.com/title/tt0346491/board/thread/12637391?d=12637856#12637856)
Harry, you useless idiot! -
I love how neearly everyone who's negative on Troy pretty much only has 3 areas they criticize:
1) "The score sucked": I disagree that it went farther than being average, but whatever. Since when has a movie's overall quality been judged by it's score. By that logic, if Stone had a bad score in Platoon, then that movie would have "sucked". Nice try, but whining about the score is a MEANINGLESS arguement.
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2) "It was a poor cliff notes of the Illiad": Well if you REALLY think this, then you are an idiot. Troy by definition is DEFINITELY NOT ANYTHING EVEN REMOTELY RESEMBLING Cliff's notes. Cliff's notes give you the major themes, plot devices, and events... of a story... and TROY CHANGES ALL OF THE above.
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3)"It was a "re-imaging", and that sucks".": Boo fucking hoo. Just because something is re-imaged DOES NOT MEAN by definition that it sucks. (Sort of like Much of Stone's work re-imaginges reality... yet you twits never use that arguement againts HIS work. The selective use of logic is a funny, funny thing.
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Troy was an EXCELLENT action movie- and that is what it was meant to be. Also the re-imaging that pisses everyone off probably worked better than a faithful Illiad rendition would have since that would have had a lot of "Clash of the Titans" feel to it with the Gods arbitrarily popping all over and changing events with little logical flow (such the rescue of Paris in the actual text).
--- And the way they played Achilles death- BRILLIANT.
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Nov 14, 2004 9:38:21 AM CST
It seems that for many idiots the fact that an actor gets a fat
by salvatoregravano
"Ooh, look, he got fat for this role! He's a hero! He needs an Oscar! I will suck his dick! Sign my tit, please!" How about fake guts and supporting role nominations for them? An Oscar for Robert Burke's plastic gut in "Thinner" and that black guy in "Big Momma" or whatever that piece of crap was called!
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