300 (2007)

***Cross-posted at ITS A MATTER OF OPINION*** SHORT REVIEW: Unequivocally the only movie ever made worth seeing about screaming, half-naked, greased up men. In a day where homes downwind of movie theaters have to keep their windows closed each weekend to keep the stench out; this film is an invigorating change. This is the freshest, most visually striking film since The Lord of the Rings was released. There is one thing that ignites my respect and approval instantly and that is creativity. The inventiveness of this piece makes this worth seeing. From its fully realized art direction to the carefully constructed script, to the effective score, this is one of those films that combine all aspects of filmmaking into a unified and pleasing whole. The film follows Spartan King Leonidas as he leads 300 of his best men to hold off a army of thousands coming from Persia. Persian King Xerxes demands Sparta bend to his will and Leonidas refuses to submit to another man. When Xerxes comes to slaughter the defiant Sparta, it’s a battle royale where all of the players are apparently popping steroids between takes. Many will most likely brush this film off as being a simple minded “guy’s movie”. Yes, there is bloodletting, screaming and oodles of death. Don’t be fooled by this film’s oafish exterior, there is more going on than a bunch of guys in leather jockstraps sweating on everything. The piece has a great deal to say about the battle between the rational versus the spiritual. The main thrust of the film (pun intended) is a violent defense of The Enlightenment (or as I call it “Hey God, look -No hands!) The 300 Spartans do more than defend Sparta from the hordes of Xerxes in this film, they lay themselves down in an existential war against mysticism and religion. Embodying mysticism, the self-worshiping devil Xerxes, intent on commanding the world, stands before Leonidas. Behind the Spartans are The Ephors who stand for organized religion. The Spartans deny both sets and look to remain clear of other’s theological entanglements and live free in their own “rational” world. Of course, the Spartans retreat from their rationality any time something bad happens but that’s expected. It is the modus operandi of the self-reliant mind to crack under pressure. We’re all about being free from God up and to the point things go to pot, then comes the eventual reconsideration of one’s intellectual/spiritual footing. Despite this film’s desperate clinging to this world it is forced (albeit quietly) to bow to the afterlife. Beyond the apparent sanguinary elements, there is a marvelously constructed piece of filmmaking to be enjoyed. Each frame of this film is a work of deliberate beauty. I cannot think of another film so dedicated to making each inch of the screen so vibrant. Director Zack Snyder’s work is a breathtaking, visual pleasure. In addition to this, the screenplay is equally as strong. Deceptively guttural, the dialog is a testament to the economy of language. Each line means something. Even when the characters are throw belligerent retorts to their enemies it isn’t meant as a sly wink to the audience, as we have come to expect from Schwarzenegger and company, but a reinforcement of the Spartan philosophy. The few words in this film are carefully chosen. Even the narration is deftly woven into the piece with care. I seriously enjoyed this film. I was expecting this to be little more than a flashy version of all-star wrestling. I was thankfully proven wrong. Men will love this movie. This, much like Fight Club, speaks directly to our masculine side without shame. In other words, liberal pillow-biters will whine about this film being simplistic and violent. Don’t listen to the pantywaists. This film seems simple but isn’t. It is violent, but it isn’t nearly as grisly as one would expect. This is one of those very rare cases where the film is as good as it looks. Click on the screaming, half-naked, greased up man to view the trailer Click here to go to the official site Related review: Another Zack Snyder film Dawn of the Dead (2004) Another Frank Miller film Sin City (2005) Categories: film, movie review, 300, Frank Miller, Zack Snyder, Gerard Butler, Spartan