300
I finally saw this movie today. I had very low expectations at the beginning of the movie, but it turned out to be better than most people would care to admit.
The movie is often compared to a lengthy music video and/or videogame. I think I know why: Like the other Frank Miller comic-turned-movie creation, Sin City, Snyder tried to recreate the aura/atmosphere found in the comic books. Now I wonder, how come these same reviewers didn’t complain about Sin City–which was MORE “stylish” than 300? The techno-rock soundtrack is a distraction…and I have the feeling this soundtrack will not age well over time.
One thing I have to mention that was done brilliantly was the fight scene sequences. In most war/swordfight movies, cinematographers often use the “shaky cam” effect to immerse the audience into the action…which often fails (one exception is Spielberg’s first 20 minutes of “Saving Private Ryan,” but I digress). In this movie, Snyder/Fong just pans the camera from left to right (or front to back, etc.) and does slow motion as the main character in focus decapitates the enemy. The slow-mo was overdone on some scenes–and the rock-techno music background makes it annoying, too–but I think it was nicely done.
I think Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” has influenced some of the movie’s direction, but not too much that it tries to become a copycat…oh no…this still has Snyder’s signature all over it; it echoes the awesomeness that he did on the “Dawn of the Dead” remake.
It’s not Oscar material. I don’t think the producers intended it to be. But it is a good movie, nonetheless.
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