It is odd isn’t it ?
Most movie trailers are edited beautifully, have breathtaking scenes and mindblowing scores while the movie itself can be quite pathetic.
The unique feature of Ridley Scott films, is the whole movie feels like a trailer. Those of you who’ve watched ’’Gladiator’’ will know what I’m talking about.
The film is, technically, is incredibly tight. The locations, The Computer Graphics, The music, The camera work... every element of the film plays a well orchestrated part in a mega symphony that this film is.
In addition to all this wizardry, the theme and storyline are treated quite well. Talking about the holy wars between the Christians and the Muslims couldn’t have been a very easy tight-rope to walk. But it looks like the film does the smart thing by trying to be historically accurate and a little politically correct. The characters are very interesting and drawn quite well too.
However, this movie is not perfect. Comparing it to ’’Gladiator’’ brings to light the lack of powerful performances like those of Oliver Reed (the slave trader), Joaquin Phoenix (the prince) or Richard Harris (Emperor Marcus Aurelius), nor does it have a female lead as stunning as Connie Nielson (the princess). It even seems to have some loose ends in terms of promising characters who disappear without doing justice to their persona’s.
The movie grips you and keeps your attention, but it does not hold you at the edge of your seat. You do not walk away feeling a li’l dizzy. It’s not like ’’Gladiator’’.
So should you watch the movie ? Absolutely. The movie is slick, entertaining, it lives up to its trailer, and has some sterling acting by Eva Green, Ghassan Massoud, Edward Norton and Brendan Gleeson. Just try not to compare it to any movie you’ve seen earlier.