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Alexander Hero of Heroes review
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Alexander loved both Greek and Persian women, alike! To most, he was said to be both of god and man, and to some...messiah! Mark St. George brings you an adaptation to a piece of history in a way you've never seen before. Imagine if Shakespeare wrote the story of Alexander's rise and fall, and you'll have an idea of what this production is about.
"Alexander- Hero of Heroes" is part of a double feature presentation for benefits around the USA. The literary version of Alexander is available at www.proteusla.com . The other film presented alongside Alexander is "Starfire- The Magic,The Music", with my review here: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7859-Cleveland-Indie-Movie-Examiner~y2009m9d21-Starfire-review
This Alexander film, is a type of movie that most filmmakers think about at one point, while probably wanting to do, but rarely end up doing, mostly because we grew up on blockbuster or "B" type movies. This is a filmed play, kind of the way they do with digital theatres now in "live event" projection. Truly, cinema is just a play if you think about it, with the story supposed to be the main point of it all. I believe that the focus of what the characters in Mark St. George's movie are saying and doing are more important than focusing on battling robots and fancy graphics. I am into visual effects, as a filmmaker and film lover, but it's true that we've gotten away from story, which all visual effects were founded upon to help enhance. Without foundation, it's all fluff or icing without cake! Funny thing....The movie "Free Enterprise" had William Shatner trying to make a "one-man stage play" movie about Caesar. While all the roles in this film were filled by different cast members, the concept reminds me of that and I applaud it. Having shot an entire movie of acting on greenscreen, to insert backdrops, I understand the focus. Alexander uses a black backdrop to maintain an acting motif, only with costume and specific scene lighting to enhance dramatic moments.
Hawk Younkins plays Alexander of Macedon, son of King Philip. He's kind of like a football quarterback meets model, but despite the typical stereotypes of that flattering description, Younkins pulls off the lines, while enjoying wine & women......and I doubt anyone would want to get in a fight with him, Alexander or not! It would be tough to figure out who would be tougher in battle....Youngkins or "Bullseye" (Collin Ferrell). Alexander the Hollywood version and Alexander-Hero of Heroes have the history in common, so if you've seen one, you'll be up to "date" on the other, pun partially intended. It's fun when you can use media to learn about history and compare things. As for the rest of the acting, the cast does their lines just like any good stage performance. I won't list everybody, as this film is truly about Alexander, with everyone supporting that role....so I'm keeping with it. I was amused with everyone and all the ladies were lovely! I did like when Alexander's friend and comrade of many years gets all up in his face and he's forced to kill him. That was fun, yet saddening at the same time!
Dan Mcnay does the lighting. I must say that I especially enjoyed the middle of the production visually when they go deeper into the unknown territories and all sorts of things start happening to bring about colored lighting. It makes things more dramatic and makes the characters look pretty cool! When Alexander has dreams, they use the colored lighting too! I would have loved to see more of that, but who knows if it would have been distracting from the dialogue.
Images of mostly painted artwork representing the times are used as scene transitions. The story itself is in three acts, just like most plays. There is nudity, which is all in good taste towards the story elements at hand, so I wouldn't even think this would be R level, but rather PG 13. The fact that Alexander's brought up to think he's a god ends up having him embarrass his mother, who's grown attracted to the son she's shaped into this image. Perhaps I'm twisted, but that was pretty entertaining of a scene. I guess the whole premise of Alexander's life is entertaining, as he conquers intrigue far after his days of conquering civilizations.
To sum up Alexander- Hero of Heroes plot, it's always the usual reasons that make the mighty fall, and Alexander does succomb to this. War changes the face of things, and his wars certainly did that. To sum up my experience of watching the film, it's a fun and unique way to relive history and other cinematic interpretation without reading a whole book or taking a class on it. Also, this film presents it in a more noble style of dialogue that would almost be lost in today's high paced and pop cultured society. Shakespeare who? Alexander who? Well, 2 hours of a young person's attention could help round out their life with tradition and history in an entertaining fashion. Perhaps more of these plays on video should be made to teach our children in school. Reading is important, but how much are they really going to retain these days? Gotta love movies! Whenever I need to know something about Alexander and don't have Wikipedia available, I'll pop in my screener of Alexander- Hero of Heroes and check it out.
Best, Kenny
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