Troy
Here is a film that backhands and sufficiently ignores all of this, and, instead, goes for the tried-and-true: the action flick cliche and gobs of computer-generated bits and pieces.
Why?
And why would Pitt, who, presumably, wants so much to be taken seriously as an actor, take part in this nasty flick? Because he is versatile in his failures, many of his own making and choice.
Consequently, there is a courage to what he does. A courage not found among his fellow actors. A courage that sets him apart from all others of his kind.
To the movie, then, for further explanation: The movie recalls the legend of the Trojan War, as the fortress city is assaulted and attacked by a Greek army led by Menelaus of Sparta and Agamemnon of Mycenae. Now why launch such a thing as this war? Because it necessary, owing to the lust of the young Trojan prince, Paris (Orlando Bloom), who, during a peace mission to Sparta, seduces the city-state's queen, Helen (Diane Kruger).
Understandably, Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), Helen's husband, is upset by this. Not to mention Paris' brother, Hector (Eric Bana), who correctly observes it is beyond bad form to visit a king and leave with his wife.
If you don't know Greek literature and history of the same, then you probably would not do what I did, which was to pause and ask, aloud: Why would she leave with him--Paris--after just a few nights of rolling in the hay, sand, or silk sheets? Is it because she wants a hero to spend her exiled days with? No, it is because she wants a flawed man to grow old with.
A flawed man, indeed.
The seduction and subsequent stealing of Helen is prelude for the main story, which involves massive and great Grek armies, laying siege to the otherwise impenetrable city. Among those attacking the city is Achilles, reputed to be the greatest warrior of all time. That is, he would be, but for the fact he is portrayed here by Brad Pitt, who seems to go out of his way to imply otherwise. But fear not: By portraying Achilles as he does Pitt goes to demonstrate an element of such heroics often overlooked or deliberately censored: A man who does not believe what is said about him. A man who has his doubts and concerns. A man who does what he does not for the final glory most likely
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