Was I disappointed in 300? No, I still thought it was a great movie so I didn't leave the theater disappointed, but it deffinately lost some of its luster since the first time I saw the trailer.</p> For many people, the first glimpse of 300 came from the 2006 Comic Con trailer that started a huuuuuge hype machine. </p> Stop and go watch the 'promo trailer' here </p> I'll start with the visuals; I think making the movie as high-def as possible was a mistake, and simply used to sell tickets and appease tech-nerds. I liked the yellowish tint the movie had; it gave character and a sense of setting. Imagery of a parchment came to mind, and the user could see themself reading a story (which allowed for more fantasy elements) rather than the more superficial-connotated 'hollywood swords and sandals' movie. </p> I think the music was a poor choice (not just because it was stolen from Titus!). Compare this trailer to the official ones publicized with finished film clips. Nine Inch Nails is replaced with traditional 'epic chant' music, and in doing so loses a lot of the appeal that the movie had. The current score is too cliche, too hollywood. But go back and watch the promo trailer. A heavy baseline and melencholly electric riffs add a sense of mysticism, unfamiliarity, and fear. The music gives an overwhelming sense of fantasy, that not only could this have took place back in time, but on a whole nother (level?) planet as well. </p> Speaking of fantasy, I didn't expect this movie to be produced as a 'summer blockbuster' by looking at that first trailer. It appeared more like a deep movie; more Pi than Troy. Could you imagine an Affronski rendition of 300? Assuming the violence was maintained, it would have made the movie amazing.</p> I also think narration hurt the film. Look at Gladiator, and how the characters were able to be deeper and the movie more meaningful. The speaking in the movie made the characters shallow, but also far too accessible to the audience in a cheesy way. When Leonidas is first introduced in the promo trailer, he is horrifying. He is seen as a man without mercy or compassion, as he kicks this guy into the hole. I wish I didn't have to see him as a compassionate husband, I wish Gorgo wasn't even in the movie. I wish Leonidas was portrayed as he is in that trailer: frightful. </p> Finally, I wanted more battle scenes. Take out the cheesy plot lines and give the audience an hour's worth of battle. What really provokes this feeling of mine is the shot of Leonidas throwing the spear in the promo trailer. The way its shot, you would think that the battle continues seamlessly into the Spartans dying. However, we're forced to break up the action, which causes the final stand to be a tad lackluster.</p> 300 was still a great movie, but not what I expected it to be. If on a small chance this film could have been revisited on a lower budget, staying true to the original imagery seen in the promo trailer, while carrying the depth and thought of a cult classic, it may still have a chance of being the greatest movie ever made. </p>
I found it ended to quick and could have been a longer movie that kept people interested. Also agree with a lot of what you said.
I didn't really have high expectations going on, I thought it was good. Not the greatest thing ever, but from what I've heard it stayed true to the source material. What more can you ask?
i thoughtt it was a great movie, but also agree that they could have done alot better.</p> Also, i saw a special on the History Channel about 300, and as usual, alot of the things in the movie weren't all that true.</p> I wish i could remember everything, but i recall that the reason the Spartans stayed and didn't retreat, and fought even though they knew they were going to die wasn't necessary correct. It was more like Leonidas knew that if he didn't go through with the war, he knew the Persians would chase them back to Sparta, and take over/destroy the whole city. They stayed and died to protect Sparta.</p> And another thing, the "immortals" were simple warriors, no special look to them or anything--it's just that whenever some "immortals" were killed, more were sent out, and it made it seem like the army of "immortals" were, well, immortal. </p>
It was spot on, but I guess I was hoping for it to be better than the comic. I also was really bugged by the attempted 'old speak.' "Why yes, my good king!" from the queen to the king.
