300

300
Director: Director: Zack Snyder
117 minutes
2.39:1

In the last decade, there have been many outstanding adaptations of comics for the big screen. However, few of which accurately represented the look of the comics. It took the Wachowskis’ The Matrix to remind audiences of the beautiful, expressively drawn panels that these movies were inspired from. Ironically The Matrix itself is not a comics-based film even though it was heavily influenced by comics and manga. Since then, more directors have embraced this intricate visual style.

300 is based on Frank Miller’s 300, a graphic novel that explores the Battle of Thermopylae, a devastating battle between the Spartans and Persians that occurred in 480 B.C. King Leonidas, played by Gerard Butler, was informed by a Persian emissary that King Xerxes, a self-anointed God from Persia, will be landing on the Grecian shores soon. The emissary gave the king two options: submit to King Xerxes and receive clemency and support, or fight to suffer a certain defeat and the obliteration of Sparta. Like all great leaders with back bones, King Leonidas chooses the latter and a great story is born.



The only drawback to 300 is that Snyder has not managed to squeeze the emotional core of the story. There is a lack of connection between the audience and the Spartan warriors’ fight ethic. But was there one from the graphic novel to begin with? That is a question only those who have read Miller’s 300 could answer.

Otherwise, Snyder must be commended for executing this movie almost perfectly. Beautiful in its cinematography and art design, courtesy of DP Larry Fong, production designer James Bissell and costume designer Michael Wilkinson. Enhancing the look of Greek topography and ancient battles falls under the direction of visual effects supervisor Chris Watts, and make-up and creature effects supervisors Shaun Smith and Mark Rappaport.



300 also owes its visceral impact to aural manipulation. Sound effects supervisor EricA. Norris and his team of sound effects editors – Derek Vanderhorst, Jon Mete, David Werntz, Brad North and Rick Hromadka – augmented the action with an involving sonic delights. Finally Tyler Bates provided the rousing score that doesn’t overwhelm.

The cast gave a great performance. Butler’s King Leonidas has enough charisma and frailty. Lena Headey’s Queen Gorgo shows resolve and courage. Dominic West as Theron has a devious charm. Rodrigo Santoro’s King Xerxes is an enigmatic and creepy figure. Tom Wisdom as Astinos, Vincent Regan as the Captain, and Michael Fassbender as Stelios were given limited acting range but they acutely portray the dedication of the Spartan army. David Wenham as Dilios carries the most burden as both a high-ranking Spartan soldier and the narrator of the tale. Another thing to note is that all of them looked great in every single frame they are in.




Like Robert Rodriguez’s adaptation of Frank Miller’s Sin City, Snyder’s adaptation works brilliantly with an amazing palette of color and violence. It is an instant classic among its target audience. Whether 300 can withstand the test of time like the Battle of Thermopylae, may be decided in just a few years.