MOVIE REVIEW: ILIAD AND TROY
By: Bryan E. Yumang
Because of the realism and plot of the movie, I find the poetry Iliad more fascinating and
credible than the movie Troy. Don't get me wrong: Troy is a wonderful film, but I believe
Hollywood isn't always realistic when it comes to historical authenticity in its films. There are
significant contrasts in the characters, the moods they convey, and the plot itself.
The role of the Greek Gods is one thing I'm missing from the film's description. Take notice
that this is a tale based on the poem Iliad, not an action/complicated genre as depicted in the film.
The film ignores the existence of Greek gods, turns its heroes into action movie tropes, and shows
that we've had enough of computer-generated armies. Hundreds of sweaty warriors are preferable
to two masses of 50,000 men rushing toward each other across a sea of visual effects.
I wish they had left out the murders of Agamemnon and Menelaus, as well as Achilles'
friendship with Patroclus, because the focus of the Iliad to the film Troy shifts from Achilles' fury
in the poem to the capture of Troy city in the film.
It's a good thing the movie version detailed Achilles' and Agamemnon's animosity, the
destruction of Troy, Patroclus' death, Achilles' vengeance, and Priam's appeal to Achilles.
Overall, it's a well-researched, action-packed historical film that's also a beautiful work of art.