Not since Top Gun has the label of “Boy’s Film” been so wholly appropriate. This adaptation of Frank Miller’s acclaimed graphic novel (a comic book that takes itself too seriously to be called such) is strictly for the men only. There is absolutely nothing to interest women, in the traditional Hollywood sense, in any way. This is a film by men, about men, for men.
300 recounts the epic Greek tale of King Leonidas who defied the states' ruling council and led a band of three hundred Spartans to defend a pass against an advancing Persian army, numbered in the tens of thousands. While this is a “film,” the term must be applied loosely because this is not so much a film as it is theater applied to the screen. The long exchange of monologues, the exaggerated body language and the brooding posture all beg for the immediate intimacy of the stage. Though by placing this in contrast to the sweeping epic nature of the violence, it becomes clear how the digital canvas is the best choice of medium.
300 is essentially a cinematic ballet spurred on by a pounding, relentless score and punctuated by intensely graphic and visceral violence the likes of which will have you crouching for cover behind an imaginary shield of your own. Words simply don’t do justice to just how polished a film this is. The script is suitably heavy on the melodrama but never flabby, and the performances are sufficiently weighted that you forget that you’re watching Chippendale like men in big nappies wrestle with each other.
No one here is under any illusions that they are making anything other than a dirty, sweaty war comic and Gerard Butler as Leonidas carries the crux of the drama well. Very, very occasionally Butler drifts into the realm of “the louder I am, the better I am at acting!” But he always manages to ground himself at the vital moments, lest he up and disappear over the hill with a big chunk of the scenery between his teeth.
That is largely all there is to it. Male embodiments to Adonis ripple in silhouette. Women dance between the roles of dutiful wife and mother and sensual goddesses of the night. Kings stand tall, shouldering the weight of a nation, and warriors everywhere hack and cleave each other bloody and senseless.
There is certainly much to be said for just letting it all wash over you, and it is absolutely vital that this film be approached the right way. If you are able to just let yourself go and immerse yourself in the operatic mood and run with it, then the ride is a hearty one that’s more than satisfying. On the other hand, if you try to ground this film in any traditional narrative sense or cling to even a thread of realism, then 300 will leave you cold and frustrated. It is not so much that 300 is an exercise in style over substance, but that in this unique case, the style is the substance.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
Given the lush love of a preferred Warner Bros title, this Blu-ray comes contained in a hardback, fold open case inside of which is a color booklet containing much in the way of production notes, cast bios, historical details and a plethora of photographs. Also included is the now customary digital copy of the movie.
This edition also features what is billed as a “multi-path interactive experience,” which is a feature so complicated Zach Snyder has to explain how to use it. Essentially it means that during the movie you can select one of three different paths that will give you to running option to cut to a series of featurettes. The three paths run along the themes of concept, execution, and historical background.
There is also an extensive array of historical exposes on the legend and the supposed reality surrounding the battle of Thermopylae that exists separate to the multi-path option. The disc also features a director’s commentary, along with a picture-in-picture commentary so you can watch Snyder prattle on. There is a series of unremarkable deleted scenes, and twelve webisodes comprising everything from cast blogs to stunt work and costume design.
"300: The Complete Experience" is on sale July 21, 2009 and is rated R. Fantasy. Directed by Zack Snyder. Written by Zach Snyder & Kurt Johnstad and Michael B. Gordon (Screenplay), Frank Miller and Lynn Varley (Graphic Novel). Starring David Wenham, Dominic West, Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Vincent Regan.
