Alexander

Aroview: A valiant, though flawed attempt by dir. Oliver Stone (PLATOON) to depict the life and times of Grecian military commander Alexander the Great, undoubtedly the supreme military mind of the ancient world.

In the lead role, Farrell rises from Macedonian origins to swiftly conquer the known world by the age of 25, but is troubled by his bisexual pinings and the stresses of governing a gigantic empire. As the young Greek gradually turns tyrant, dir. Stone unleashes his broader thematic ambitions, producing a portrait of insecurity and corrupting power which parallels his earlier NIXON.

While featuring some stunning battle-scenes, grandly orchestrated spectacle and top-notch support cast, the film ultimately teeters on the casting of Farrell, who struggles but fails to evoke the necessary gravitas. Brad Pitt anyone?

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