I agree, Colin put his heart and soul into the part, and he did an excellent job. It wasn't Colin's fault the film wasn't well received, it was the way Oliver Stone directed the film as a whole.
He made it too colourful, and over-played 'Alexander's' bisexual side way too much. The majority of hetrosexual men felt uncomfortable, and so were therefore put off in wanting to go and watch the film. 'Alexander', was after all 'A Great Warrior, and although his personal preferences were an important part of him, I don't think the audience needed to keep being reminded.
Most people are already aware that men turn to other men for comfort when they are away in battle for years at a time. But that doesn't necessarily mean they want it thrust in their face. (pardon the pun!)
I also think 'unfairly', that Colin's personal life hindered him in being taken seriously for the lead role at that time in his career.
I gifted myself (b'day was Dec 3) with the final cut - Stone's "Alexander Revisited". THIS was the version that should have been released. It's excellent.
I have to agree re: sexuality. We Americans are very prudish and emotionally immature about it, and dwelling on it so much was a bad idea. However, I think it was important that he dwelt on the animosity between Philip II and Olympias, and how it tainted Alexander.
I highly recommend "Alexander Revisited" for all who liked the original.
I don't know how I missed this one before. It's really interesting. He works a lot harder at this acting thing than I thought. :)
ReplyDeleteIz
I agree, Colin put his heart and soul into the part, and he did an excellent job. It wasn't Colin's fault the film wasn't well received, it was the way Oliver Stone directed the film as a whole.
ReplyDeleteHe made it too colourful, and over-played 'Alexander's' bisexual side way too much. The majority of hetrosexual men felt uncomfortable, and so were therefore put off in wanting to go and watch the film. 'Alexander', was after all 'A Great Warrior, and although his personal preferences were an important part of him, I don't think the audience needed to keep being reminded.
Most people are already aware that men turn to other men for comfort when they are away in battle for years at a time. But that doesn't necessarily mean they want it thrust in their face. (pardon the pun!)
I also think 'unfairly', that Colin's personal life hindered him in being taken seriously for the lead role at that time in his career.
I gifted myself (b'day was Dec 3) with the final cut - Stone's "Alexander Revisited". THIS was the version that should have been released. It's excellent.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree re: sexuality. We Americans are very prudish and emotionally immature about it, and dwelling on it so much was a bad idea. However, I think it was important that he dwelt on the animosity between Philip II and Olympias, and how it tainted Alexander.
I highly recommend "Alexander Revisited" for all who liked the original.