Alexander

Alexander is a 2004 epic historical drama film directed by the venerable Oliver Stone. The film wasn't just another Hollywood feature film but a visual narration that drew upon the life, experiences, and exploits of Alexander the Great. Alexander was released in various iterations and cuts over time, but irrespective of the version, each format consistently presented a complex and nuanced narrative, outlining the conquests and personal life of one of history's most remarkable and well-known figures.

The film showcases Alexander as a complex, courageous, and fiercely determined character, who, fueled by his dreams and ambitions, embarked on a seemingly limitless journey on the world stage. It presents a detailed account of Alexander's life starting from his childhood, and moving through several pivotal moments that shaped his destiny. His complicated relationship with his parents, King Philip and Queen Olympias, his education under the great philosopher Aristotle, his ascension to the throne at the age of twenty, all the way to his unparalleled military campaign that stretched from Greece to Egypt and even India.

Alexander is played by Colin Farrell, who splendidly portrayed the charisma and complexities of the young, audacious Macedonian king. The dynamism of Farrell’s performance is accentuated by a stellar supporting cast which includes Angelina Jolie as Queen Olympias, Val Kilmer as King Philip, Anthony Hopkins as old Ptolemy, along with Jared Leto, Rosario Dawson, and others who effectively help construct the characters and world around Alexander.

Much of the movie centers around Alexander’s military campaigns, with battle scenes set in diverse locations such as the burning deserts of Persia to the snow-covered mountains of India. This showcases the vast expanse of Alexander’s empire, and the diversity of cultures and peoples that fell under his influence. Oliver Stone, in his distinctive directorial style, uses these visuals not only to reflect Alexander's geographical conquests but also the personal and psychological battles the great man faced.

One of the central elements of the film is Alexander’s tumultuous relationships with his family, friends, and lovers. His complex relationship with his ferociously protective and manipulative mother, Olympias, and his estranged, hard-drinking warrior father, Philip, heavily influences his future actions and personality. Controversially, the film explores his intimate relationships with his boyhood friend, Hephaistion, played by Jared Leto, and his wife Roxana, played by Rosario Dawson, providing a glimpse into the king’s personal life beyond his legendary military achievements.

Oliver Stone also intricately explores the ideological and political convictions that fueled Alexander, portraying his ambition to unite the world under a single empire, push the frontiers of knowledge, and break cultural and racial boundaries. This ambition is often mirrored by his own personal struggle with his individual limitations and mortality.

Alexander features large-scale, spectacular battle scenes, with elaborate and stunning sets designed to depict the grandeur of ancient cities and palaces. Cinematography plays a big part in narrating the story, as sweeping panoramas and close-up shot sequences are used to capture the majesty and brutality of the time and serve to highlight the enormity of Alexander's achievements. The film’s score, composed by Vangelis, subtly enhances the emotional depth of the characters and narrative.

While critics have voiced opinions both for and against the film, its execution effectively highlights the battle between idealism and human frailness. Alexander is not just an historical epic or a visual spectacle but a deep dive into a towering historical figure's remarkable yet flawed life. Oliver Stone's Alexander achieves the difficult task of translating the life and times of Alexander the Great into cinematic language, creating a compelling narrative that feels as grand and complex as the historical figure it aims to portray. It is a film that does not shy away from presenting the character's entire persona – the good, the bad, the controversial, and the misunderstood with a level of honesty and complexity that remains its major strength.