By Damien Wilburn
Frank Miller dazzled audiences in 2005 with his instant classic “Sin City,” opening the eyes of many to the art of graphic novels. Combining gruesome violence with a modernized film noir look, audiences everywhere were in awe and anxiously awaiting what was to come next. Two years later, we are graced with “300,” a gorgeous film based on Miller’s graphic novel which details the battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. where 300 Spartans face impossible odds and battle against hundreds of thousands of Persians.
Artistically, “300” doesn’t resemble “Sin City” in the least, but the quality of both is top notch. With a very high contrast that created some very rugged scenes with a bronze tone, the characters often meld with the environments far too well, resulting in a look and feel that can be called no less than gorgeous. The fight scenes are immensely well choreographed, drawing elements from other films with epic battles, such as “Lord of the Rings” and “Hero.” Many of the clashes employ a slow motion filter to allow viewers to savor some of the more devastating moments of the carnage, glorifying every drop of blood spilled, sucking viewers even further into the stylized warfare. The movie borderlines on a sci-fi/fantasy work, however, as Xerxes, the God-king of the Persians, sends waves of masked warriors known as the “Immortals” and powerful beasts which bear more than a mild Orc-ish resemblance. Of course, this is Frank Miller’s work, so the film would be incomplete without the very graphically depicted deaths of warriors of both sides of the fray, along with a very vivid and erotic sex scene, making its R-rating very appropriate.
Soundtracks are very often under-noted in films, unless some big artist records a track which spans the radio for several months to follow; however, “300” should not suffer such a degrading fate. Every sound, from the orchestrated songs in Latin as the soldiers march to the heavy death metal during the battles, is well planned and appropriately timed. Yet, again, images of “Lord of the Rings”are brought to mind; even so, the execution is flawless and improves on the formula set by Peter Jackson’s masterpiece.
Despite the praiseworthy attributes of the film, it is not without flaw. The plot is not too deep, and consequently, the characters, which are full of personality, are somewhat shortchanged in terms of development. There are a few moments of almost Shakespearian satire, which although can serve as a nice break to the monotony of battle – even if beautifully orchestrated – can be a bit of an eyesore as viewers sit on the edge of their seats waiting for more violence to spew forth. These are clearly minor problems, and many people would probably consider them perks.
There is little doubt that this is the best movie to hit theatres yet this year. For any fans of “Sin City” or other movies in the genre, “300” will give viewers a rush so immense they will be ready to turn around and watch it again. Even for those who do not get sadistic pleasure in seeing decapitations and corpses being tossed around, everyone can appreciate the quality and effort placed into a film like this. Gorgeous visuals, an amazing soundtrack, quality characters and a setting in Sparta – what more could a fast-paced, testosterone-driven society ask for? It is no doubt that “300” deserves five stars.
