Persian King Xerxes tempts Spartan King Leonidas towards surrender in 300. (photo: WB/IMDB)
I decided a while ago that I would go see 300 irregardless of reviews just based on the stunning visual style of the film. The 300 trailer, which plays brilliantly with Just Like You Imagined by Nine Inch Nails, sold me upon the first viewing (well done, film-marketing gurus). 300 was shot similar to Sin City and Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow on a “green screen backlot” which allows the filmmakers to digitally create the sets and enhance the special effects. Visually speaking, 300 is impressive.
On that note, the film is simply Frank Miller’s graphic novel on the big screen. There is no character development and no real plot other than an outnumbered army of 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas confronting an invading army of 2,000,000+ Persians on a skinny cliff in a series of 5-10 minute battles. The only other rise in tension involves Leonidas’ wife, Queen Gorgo, attempting to convince the Spartan council to send reinforcements. Since the Battle of Thermopylae is the most famous of “last stands” in history, I don’t feel bad spoiling it for anyone; the reinforcements don’t come and Leonidas and his 300 men are killed. Leonidas and his 300 gain instant legend status while their story of sacrifice, bravery and honor is used to motivate a much larger Greek army to defeat the Persians.
Texans may know this story in another form as The Alamo. I know there are hundreds more stories just like it. In short, 300 isn’t exactly a compelling story. We’ve all heard this one before but to 300’s credit, we may not have seen it quite like this before. I would say that’s the best and really only reason to catch this film in the theater.
For various reasons (or excuses), this film has caused controversy. There are some who question the historical accuracy, although I thought the ogre- and troll-like Persians might be a tip off that several dramatic licenses were taken by Miller. And although I haven’t seen subtle-homoeroticism on this level since the volleyball scene in Top Gun, the Spartans are portrayed without any mention to homosexuality or pederasty in their military culture — quite the departure from their recorded history.
Yet Xerxes, “God” King of the Persians, is portrayed somewhat as a drag queen. That, among other complaints are coming from many modern day Persians who are taking offense to how their might-have-been ancestors are portrayed. I think they are afraid that 300 will persist a stereotype that Persians are barbaric and evil. I would argue that the people going to see 300 who might think that, don’t even know that Persians are from Iran.
I think 300 is an interesting example of the influence of Hollywood outside of the Western world. It’s ironic that Hollywood bares the scorn from the political right when it is Hollywood and American cinema that is largely responsible for spreading Western ideas and values. Countries around the world, which have more English speaking citizens than others, do because of subtitled vs. dubbed films. That’s not to say that Hollywood deserves anymore worship than they currently receive. But we all underestimate the power of an image and media in general versus a more conventional tool of war.
Just ask Romanians how much they like JR and Bobby Ewing.
I was just listening to Nine Inch Nails - Survivalism