Alexander (2004 film)
Alexander is a 2004 drama / war movie, directed by Oliver Stone. It is one of two recent movies about Alexander the Great, the other movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio will be released in 2005, named Alexander the Great.
Stone claims the movie will be as true to history as possible. It is based primarily on the biography written by Robin Lane Fox.
Plot overview
The movie, beginning with Alexander's early life, shows his parents ambition to get their child on the throne, and how Alexander ascends to power. Alexander's empire then begins to grow, starting with the defeat of the Persian Empire and the later expansion eastwards and westwards, going as far as India.
The empire, despite its vastness and success, begins to slowly decline, culminating its downfall, with Alexander dying alone, at only 33 years of age.
The focus is primarily on the eight years of fighting, as well as Alexander's relationship with his childhood friend and supposed lover, Hephaestion.
Tagline: Fortune favors the bold.
Controversy
Even prior to its release, there has already been controversy about the film's depiction of Alexander as a bisexual. A group of 25 Greek lawyers are threatening to sue both Stone and the Warner Bros. film studio for what they claim is an inaccurate portrayal of history. "We are not saying that we are against gays but we are saying that the production company should make it clear to the audience that this film is pure fiction and not a true depiction of the life of Alexander," said one of the lawyers, Yannis Varnakos.
It should be noted that in the Ancient Greek world, homosexual behavior among males was widespread, and considered a normal or even preferred form of love.
Cast
- Colin Farrell - Alexander
- Jared Leto - Hephaestion
- Elliot Cowan - Ptolemy
- Robert Earley - Young Ptolemy
- Anthony Hopkins - Old Ptolemy
- David Bedella - Scribe
- Angelina Jolie - Olympias
- Val Kilmer - Philip
- Jonathan Rhys-Meyers - Cassander
- Fiona O'Shaughnessy - Nurse
- Connor Paolo - Young Alexander
- Brian Blessed - Wrestling Trainer
- Christopher Plummer - Aristotle
- Gary Stretch - Cleitus
- John Kavanagh - Parmenion
- Nick Dunning - Attalus
- Mick Lally - Horse Seller
