Troy  (2004)

Starring: Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Diane Kruger
Director: Wolfgang Peterson

Rating: R

Studio: Warner Bros.

Release Date: 05.14.04

Review Posted: 05.20.04

Spoilers: Minor

By Rachel Sexton

An Epic in Every Sense, "Troy" Triumphs

Three words, ladies: Brad Pitt’s booty. It gets a little screen time in this film and though that may not sound like the hallmark of a five-star film, Troy makes it seamless. Pitt’s acting skills haven’t gotten as much press as his looks, but I’ll discuss that later in this review. He is the lead in this ancient epic, though it's more of an ensemble and based on Homer’s The Iliad. Troy is one of the best films of the year, its script, production values, and direction are superb, and the acting is outstanding.

A brief history lesson: the Trojan War begins when Prince Paris of Troy (Orlando Bloom) steals the beautiful Helen (Diane Kruger) away from her husband Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson). Unfortunately, Menelaus's brother is high king Agamemnon (Brian Cox) of Greece, a land-hungry ruthless leader who employs Achilles (Pitt), the world’s greatest warrior, despite the fact that they don’t really like each other. Agamemnon assembles the entire Greek army with a thousand ships to descend on Troy. To capture the city, though, he’ll have to stop Prince Hector of Troy (Eric Bana) and deal with Achilles.

David Benioff (The 25th Hour) stringently excised major parts of the long story of the Trojan War, starting before and ending after The Iliad begins. A vast majority of the time, it works. The first word you could use to describe the storyline is dramatic. Meaning you won’t find any comedic relief here, really. The plot is interesting enough not to need it, though. Love--romantic, familial, platonic, as well as honor, valor, morality, and mortality are the themes that anchor the action. I was impressed with the depth of the characters and the romances between Paris and Helen and, more so, Achilles and Briseis (Rose Byrne).

The characters are also well-written because they do not follow distinct lines of good and bad. Achilles is a killer and prone to hard-heartedness but he can be honorable and emotional. Paris does immoral and cowardly things but he attempts bravery, exhibits resolve, and works to redeem himself. Also, the culture of the ancient Greeks, specifically their belief in the pantheon of Gods, is well incorporated into the script. The only thing I didn’t like was that the role of Cassandra, Paris and Hector’s clairvoyant sister, was not included.

Wolfgang Petersen’s direction is similarly exceptional. Good camera work and angles, striking cinematography work with an even editing rhythm for a spectacular effect. As far as production values, the tremendous budget is clearly visible in the eye-popping sets and good costumes. The music is also wonderful, featuring a plaintive female voice, a trend seemingly started in Titanic.

Now for one of the most memorable high points: the acting. Pitt, as I said earlier, hasn’t been given enough credit for his acting. Let’s not forget, people, he’s been nominated for an Oscar. Speaking of, don’t be surprised if that happens here because this may just be the role that silences all his naysayers for good. He is thoroughly convincing as a battle-weary but still vulnerable man and you never question that he fits into the period, which surprised me a little. Bana is strong and consistent as maybe the most noble character. Bloom is solid as well and he earns extra points for daring a role that the audience will probably find unlikable. Kruger is also good and seems perfectly cast, while legends O’Toole and Julie Christie (as Thetis, Achilles’ mother) still impress. The only complaint may be that they aren’t used enough.

Troy is an excellent historical epic that boasts more than effective direction and acting, supported by a successful script. At nearly three hours, the film still maintains not only the viewer's attention but the viewer's engagement.

Film Rating: êêêêê  (out of 5)

Film Grade:  A

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