Tony Grist (poliphilo) wrote,
Tony Grist
poliphilo

Little Alex

Do I want to see a film about Alexander the Great?

Not really.

I had the same problem with Troy. Man-killing Achilles, even when airbrushed to suit Brad Pitt's image and sensibilities, is not someone I want to spend much time with.

The 20th century's experience of war and empire has revolutionized our taste in heroes. We no longer favour aggressors like Alexander. We identify instead with the resistance. We want to see Russell Crowe take on the Roman Empire or Viggo Mortensen fight his way to a crown that is justly his.

Being asked to cheer for Alexander is a bit like being asked to cheer for Mordor.
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  • 20 comments

  • Christmas Standards

    Our daughter in law has sent us a video tour of her Christmas decorations, accompanied by some guy with a voice like sherry trifle singing…

  • HK

    Kissinger has gone but the world is still being run by people who are prepared to kill to get what they want.

  • Pulp

    No, not the band, the movie- directed by Mike Hodges, starring Michael Caine, which was released in 1972. I've always thought it sounded…