Oliver Stone's Alexander the Great

[nickodimas]

has a release date been given on this movie other than around next thanksgiving?

[KayTang999]

I think I posted the exact date somewhere in this thread before.

November 5th, 2004.

[Nichol]

Cool beans: Alexander: Rumor Control (http://www.alexander-rc.com) has a new picture of Colin Farrell (http://www.alexander-rc.com/pictures/111703-farrellexclusive.jpg) as Alexander that is a definite improvement over the earlier ones. His hair actually looks naturally blond now and some interesting new scars (!) have appeared.

There's also new pictures of Angelina Jolie looking like a Greek goddess: #1 (http://www.alexander-rc.com/pictures/111503-usweekly1.jpg) and #2 (http://www.alexander-rc.com/pictures/111503-usweekly2.jpg).

[proust]

Angelina looks very good :applaud: but OMG Colin looks horrible,I can't stand him with blonde hair :nono:

[KayTang999]

Nichol, those are great!!! Thanks for posting the links!!!

Yes, She looks great!!!

[Nichol]

For those who don't know, there's also photos of Jolie and Farrell in the latest issue of People. Jolie is wearing a bright red dress and her hair is a dark auburn color. Farrell is in what looks to be a parade sequence, very similar to the recent shots of him, Rhys-Meyers, and Leto.

[Leptine]

Proust, I cannot stand Colin with blonde hair or any other hairs for this role of Alexander. He is a complete miscasting. It is a joke. Angelina look better than I thought she might though. I think I will not see this Alexander movie. I will wait and hope there is one by Baz Luhrmann with Leonardo DiCaprio.

[AntonisCy]

what i cant understand is why collin is blonde in the film, while alexander was NOT blond

[Leptine]

But many historians - Plutarch for one - have said that Alexander WAS blonde with fair, ruddy skin. It is this concensus that both movie maker are going with. He is defnitely portray as blonde in novels written by historian and archaeologist Manfredi and this is basis of Luhrmann's movie. Probably nobody know for 100% certain what color is Alexander's hair. Just anybody best guess now 2000 + years later. Of course Stone did not have to make Colin go blonde. He could have adopted an opposed theory to the one saying ATG was blonde. Certainly Colin would have look better with his natural color. As it is he look HORRID.

[KayTang999]

Can't we just look pass the hair and just judge on his acting? Seriously, it is just a hair. Blonde or not blonde make no different with the acting. No one really know what hair color Alexander had anyway even with all this historians said.

[sunflower03]

it doesn't matter because no one will know for sure what an ancient person looked like, all they can do is guess based on the region that person comes from, and what other people in that region looked like. there will always be debates as to what ancient people looked like, such as, with cleopatra. i don't really sees what it matters as long as the person cast in the movie isn't completely out of line as to what the person would look like.

[Ally]

Plutarch described Alexander as blonde which might be why Richard Burton dyed his hair blonde 50 years ago to play Alexander. Unfortunately blonde hair does not suit everyone. It didn't work for Richard Burton and doesn't work for Colin Farrell either.

[KayTang999]

Exactly, so I don't get why we are arguing about his hair color. Blonde or not won't make a different. To me, I am looking forward to what Oliver Stone is trying to tell me about Alexander the Great.

[nickodimas]

personally, I also don't care what color his hair is. All that matters is the story that is being told.

[Omega Supreme]

He looks a lot like Brad Pitt in that one of him sitting down :)

Should be an interestinf movie at any rate. Farrell is a very strong actor.

[KayTang999]

Interesting you point that out, Alexader idolized Achilles and Brad is playing Achilles in Troy.

[Undome-Elenamin]

Two of my favorite epics in the same year. I need to take a breath! So i may not be as well rounded in all this greek/mythology kind of thing as everyone else here (hey i'm just 14!) but i have read a simpler form of homer's two epics and Alexander was always interesting to me even tho i never botherd to look him up. Some1 mentioned a trilogy on alexander quite a while back can any one tell me the name of the author?

[Pancaspe]

The books are the Alexander trilogy written by Valerio Massimo Manfredi.

Vol 1: Alexander: Child of a Dream
Vol 2: Alexander: The Sands of Ammon
Vol 3: Alexander: The Ends of the Earth

The books are outstanding covering all of Alexander's major battles. This trilogy of novels is also the basis for Baz Luhrmann's upcoming Alexander film.

[KayTang999]

Oh yeah, just incase you want to talk about Baz's version, here http://www.comingsoon.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9569&perpage=&pagenumber=2

[anaelmasri]

guyz check http://www.alexandermovies.tk for both alexander films

[Leptine]

Kaytang, why you keep try stopping people mention Baz movie here? I just went to link you suggest for anyone wanna talk Baz or Leo and YOU are on there too dissing Baz film and promoting this ones, so I think if I wanna post here and talk about either movies I shall do so.

[Leptine]

anaelmasri, are you associate that ATG site? If you are, then can tell me the source of the news there that Baz still gonna make his movie? There have been lotta rumors flying round bout this.

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Leptine
Kaytang, why you keep try stopping people mention Baz movie here? I just went to link you suggest for anyone wanna talk Baz or Leo and YOU are on there too dissing Baz film and promoting this ones, so I think if I wanna post here and talk about either movies I shall do so.

Well the title of the thread should be good enough of a reason. I am not dissing Baz's version, I just think Oliver's will be the one I like because I am more of a realistic kind of person not much of artistic, specially in bio epic. Beside, I have the right to diss any movie as long as I didn't hurt anyone. Ever heard of Freedom of Speech.

[Leptine]

Yeah I have heard freedom of speech. Have you? The title of the other thread did not keep you away from there so why anyone should not post here just cause you tell them? You can say what you like and where, but that go same for ANYONE. Nobody being attacked here - just movie and actor talk which is fair game.

I think Baz movie will be far the best because Leonardo is far more suited than Colin Farrell to play Alexander, not to mentions the photos from the set have all looked like craps and rest of cast is worse than Colin except for Anthony Hopkins and Val Kilmer.

[KayTang999]

I don't care if you want to talk about Baz's version here. I just re-direct you to the thread that is about that project. Like I said freedom of speech, and I am not stopping you. The reason this thread start was because of the confusion of 2 projects. If you did read my posts in the other thread, you would know why I started this thread.

[southern]

newb....title of the thread generally means what the topic is about.....if you want to talk about baz's ****ty version then please go talk about it in the BAZ'S ALEX THE GREAT
while it may be difficult concept to handle, i for one couldn't give a rat's ass about his film and would prefer NOT to read anything about a film that will suck ass hence why i don't go to the other thread:rolleyes:

[Pancaspe]

Hmm....not sure what Kay Tang is upset about. Someone asked about the author of the best selling Alexander trilogy and I answered that question. The fact is the worldwide best selling Alexander novels are the basis of Baz Lurhmann's upcoming film.

Getting back to this topic, I consider Oliver Stone a fraud and a liar. I've had that opinion ever since seeing JFK, the film Walter Cronkite called "a tissue of LIES". From what I've read Stone's Alexander has the same smell about it as JFK, that's why I'm looking forward to seeing Baz Luhrmann's film.

[KayTang999]

I am not upset, I was just making clarification, that's all.

[vlarsony]

Actually southern, I think it's Stone's film that's REALLY going to "suck ass" and lots of it. If you don't like any mentions here of Luhrmann's movie then perhaps you could just skip over them instead of trying to bully other posters? In other words ... CHILL OUT!!! Like someone else already mentioned, there are plenty of posts about THIS suck ass film on the thread that was supposed to be about Luhrmann's movie so what's the big deal? Also, Stone's film is almost NEVER referred to in the media without an accompanying reference to Baz's movie (since it's Baz's movie that has been the real focus of interest from the beginning of this two Alexanders fiasco) so I don't see why anyone would insist on this thread being kept completely dedicated and pristine. I believe Pancaspe already pointed out the fact that she was merely answering a question about the Manfredi trilogy, but I don't think anyone owes YOU either an explanation or an apology.

[KayTang999]

Look, I was not intended to be an @$$ when I posted that link for Baz's version, I was just informing you that if you want to talk about it, there is also a thread for it. I didn't say that you can't talk about it here. I just think that you might find it more comfortable there talking about than here and only letting you know about it, that's all.

[Leptine]

Okay then Kaytang, you are not being ******* and it is appreciated. Somebody else same cannot be said for however.

[Undome-Elenamin]

Can you guys just f*ing chill out my goodness. I expect one of you to just say 'you're stupid na,na,na,na,na,na!" any time soon. Okay so the title says Oliver Stone's Alexander the Great but i've seen a lot of other threads that slipped into a convo about a similar movie. There is no big deal! Goodness everyone has their own personal opinion as someone mentioned before it's called Freedom of Speech. It applies online too. Both versions will be good in their own ways.

[KayTang999]

Let's just forget about it.

Back to the topic, did anyone read the set visit in Ain't It Cool News site? Because I saw it and then when I went back it was gone.

[nickodimas]

I haven't been able to find it on there either.

[KayTang999]

I think they were asked to pull it down. The description was in detail of the Alexander the Great' set in London.

[Nichol]

Originally posted by KayTang999
I think they were asked to pull it down. The description was in detail of the Alexander the Great' set in London.

Shame, the set description sounded LOVELY. It was the Babylon set, IIRC, and Brian Blessed as Leonidas was there filming a scene. It sounded very opulent and beautiful.

[KayTang999]

Yeah it was, I was going to post it somewhere and when I go back it gone. It was nicely illustrated.

[Nichol]

I found one last copy on the Net! I'll take just a sample of text from the set description to appease the Hollywood gods...

[About the Babylon set] This is where I'm gonna fall short, you see this was probably the most amazing thing I had ever seen! It was being constructed on the 007 soundstage and took up 1 third of the stage. A huge canopy swooped down over the centre of the stage covering a seating area, which consisted of scatter cushions and small chairs, the paint work of the walls, statues and stone was simply breathtaking words cannot describe the site before me. At either end of the stage stood vast walls with balconies and windows and huge doorways, I did have a camera with me put as your probably aware photography was strictly not permitted and I was simply to awe struck of my surrounding to attempt a sneaky shot, I didn't wish to be hastily escorted off the premises (although I did get a few sneaky shots later at the end of the tour, the best of which is probably of a female extra in full costume for phantom) so I simply had to commit everything I saw to memory!

[KayTang999]

Good job Nichol!!! It sould so lavishing, I can't wait to see this movie.

[Knerys]

Wow. it will defineitely look good.

[KayTang999]

Yeah, it does. I saw you comment my pics in Ladies Night!!! I haven't talk to you in like a long time.

[Knerys]

Yes, I have been a busy bee, but finals are done for the most part, time to relax and catch up lol.

[KayTang999]

LOL, me too. Finals and papers are suck!!!

[Nichol]

CASTING UPDATE!

According to Chi Magazine, November 5 2003 issue (pick it up if you read Italian), Raz Degan will be playing the role of Darius III, Shah of Persia. Degan is an Israeli http://www.amiche.net/degan.htm ( pop-star/supermodel.

Now for the spoilers. SPOILERS ahead, so avoid if you want to remain a spoiler-virgin.

SPOILERS!

... okay, that's enough. According to the article, Alexander (Colin Farrell) has regarded Darius as his idol since boyhood and wants to conquer Darius' empire, but his interest is not just military.... Alexander has "recurring fantasies" (!!!!) about Darius.

Well, one mystery solved! Obviously, however, this means Erol Sander is not Darius. So who is he? Hmm....

END SPOILERS!

[KayTang999]

They are really going to go with the homosexual aren't they?

[Blairish]

Hang on a sec, surely 'fantasies' could mean anything? Like Alexander fantasises about meeting Darius as his equal after conquering him (a la King Poros of India). It may not mean that he has sexual fantasies about Darius (not that I would mind that *at all*).

Does the article explicitly state that Alexander's interest in Darius is sexual?

[KayTang999]

I wish I can read Italian but I think it is hard to tell now where they are going with Alexander sexuality.

[Knerys]

I hope they do it accurately lol. Yes Greek men had sex with other men! It was normal to them. I hope they don't pull a double standarded on this....

[KayTang999]

LOL, especially since they've got hot specimen!

[Knerys]

Haha yes indeed. But for being so liberal Hollywood is often squimish about these things.

[Blairish]

Looks like they've cast Bagoas. He's listed on imdb as being played by a guy called Francisco Bosch, anyone know anything of him?

There's also a whole bunch of extras listed as either Roxane dancers or Bagoas dancers.

[KayTang999]

The only casts I know are Colin, Val, Anthony, Angelina, Jared, Roxario, and Jonathan. Other people beside that I don't know much about their previous works. I have seen those people I mention's movies.

Most of the people are newcomers.

[Nichol]

Originally posted by Blairish
Looks like they've cast Bagoas. He's listed on imdb as being played by a guy called Francisco Bosch, anyone know anything of him?

There's also a whole bunch of extras listed as either Roxane dancers or Bagoas dancers.

Francisco Bosch's casting has been confirmed by his talent agency (http://www.reanimator.co.uk/re_prem_men_page.htm), who also represent several of the extra dancers who will be appearing in the movie.

Bosch is a dancer with the English National Ballet Company, and is certainly dark and handsome. There's some nice photos of him on the website.

[KayTang999]

OT but did you heard about Colin and Angelina?

[growe]

Originally posted by Chamberlain
I certainly do have a relative filming in Morocco......haven't heard too much about this yet but to inform you he is not an extra...will contact him soon, and will ask how much info I can give out...watch this space for details!!!!

My husband and I are currently in Thailand where scenes are being shot in February and have both been selected as extras on the Alexander production. Have never done this before but it sounded fun!

[nickodimas]

wow, that is awesome. you will have to give us details of everything that you see while filming!!

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by growe
My husband and I are currently in Thailand where scenes are being shot in February and have both been selected as extras on the Alexander production. Have never done this before but it sounded fun!

Are you Thai? Where are they filming in Thailand?

[QUINNtheESKIMO]

They should have picked a 23 year old guy from Greece or something. Maybe Leo can pull it off. We shall see

[QUINNtheESKIMO]

But Stone is the better director, and I am pleased to see Val Kilmer getting work

[KayTang999]

I don't know how Greek people suppose to look like back then, but I think that they have a darker skin and dark hair. But that is just how I depicted so I probably wrong.

[Nichol]

Originally posted by KayTang999
I don't know how Greek people suppose to look like back then, but I think that they have a darker skin and dark hair. But that is just how I depicted so I probably wrong.

Macedonians went all over the color scale, from black hair to blond to redhead. Alexander, for what it's worth, was described as being "fair" by several ancient chroniclers.

[KayTang999]

Fair doesn't have to mean blonde though, it could mean that he had a nice physical appearance.

[anaelmasri]

www.alexandermovies.tk

[sunflower03]

usually though, in ancient times when someone was describe as being "fair" it ment that they had lighter skin tones/hair color. (i am not saying that alexander the great looked that way, because no one will ever no for sure, unless time travel is invented.)

[KayTang999]

I guess it is depend to because my roommate is Greek and she is light skin and blonde but she is from northern part of Greek, whereas someone like Pete Sampras, he is from southern part of Greek and his skin is darker tone. At least that is what she told me and she believe that Alexander is not blonde.

[growe]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Are you Thai? Where are they filming in Thailand?

Re what Greeks looked like then:
As crowd extras, we are apparently meeting a demand for caucasians. My husband and I are both American, in our late 50's. J is beginning to bald, greying hair and beard; I am strawberry blonde. We are due for costume fitting so will find out if we're dressing for toga party or slaves or ??? The filming is in Udon in eastern Thailand.

[KayTang999]

I didn't think you were either but I was just curious. Udon Thani, interesting because I thought there were going to film in Surin. Cool, did you have fun?

[Blairish]

Does anyone have any information on the casting (or apparent lack thereof) of Barsine?

Looks like maybe Oliver has chosen not to include her in this version. I know evidence for her relationship with Alexander is sketchy at best, so perhaps in order to keep this film as realistic as possible Stone has decided not to involve her. Anyone know?

I'd also quite like to see who is going to be portraying Stateira, who most definitely did have a relationship with Alexander (although just a political one)

[Tenaciousd1212]

You know what, i don't think im going to see this. i didn't like JFK, and anyone who pisses off QT ain't getting my money.

[KayTang999]

QT, Quintin Tarentino? Oliver pissed him off? When? Probably after Natural Born Killer.

[Tenaciousd1212]

Oliver pissed off QT so much with Natural Born Killers, QT virtually disowned the film. the two haven't spoken since.

[KayTang999]

Oh, I remember there were a lot of problem with that movie. I get it now.

[Nichol]

CASTING UPDATE: We now know that Gary Stretch (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0834282/) is playing Black Cleitus, one of Alexander's companions. Stretch, if you will remember, was the unfortunate fellow Farrell stabbed accidently a while back.

I've also been told Christopher Plummer (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001626/) has been cast as Artistotle, but am awaiting further confirmation. Sorry, Blairish, no Barsine or Stateira so far. Stone may have cut them from the film to save time; after all, Alexander's already got three love interests: Hephaistion, Roxanne, and Bagoas. Anymore and there wouldn't be time for Alex to actually conquer the world.

This brings the cast to:

Colin Farrell: Alexander
Angelina Jolie: Olympias
Val Kilmer: Philip
Anthony Hopkins: Ptolemy
Jared Leto: Hephaistion
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers: Cassander
Rosario Dawson: Roxanne
Elliot Cowan: Young Ptolemy
Ian Beattie: Antigonus
Rory McCann: Crateros
Gary Stretch: Cleitus
Joseph Morgan: Philotas
Raz Degan: Darius
Brian Blessed: Leonidas
Christopher Plummer: Artistotle
Francisco Bosch: Bagoas
Connor Paolo: Young Alexander

Plus Erol Sander in an unknown role. Don't know what happened with the talks with Jeanne Moreau. We know there were casting calls for Coenus, Pharnakes, and Parmenion, but they may have been cut from the film.

[KayTang999]

I know I spotted Val Kilmer picture from the movie in armor with a lot of facial hair but I can't find it, do you know where I can see it? I want to show my friend.

[Garnet Spring]

Oh, dear. I just saw that this movie is scheduled to comeout the same weekend as The Incredibles. That's suicide. And to make matters worse, the budget, according to CS, is $150m! I just hope it isn't rated R, for its sake.

The release date really should be changed or we could be looking at a bomb of epic porportions. Does anyone else think it could take on TI anyway?

[KayTang999]

Ok first off, TI is cartoon so I don't think it matter much. I think Alexander will get R rated. I don't recall any of Stone's movies that is not R rated. I am not concerned about how much they make at the moment, I am more worry about the quality of the movie.

[Nichol]

Is The Incredibles expected to be a monster hit? I haven't really heard much about it. It's animated, anyway, and hopefully it and Alexander will appeal to different audiences.

Oliver Stone was quoted in Empire Magazine as saying this about the film: "Robin Lee Fox has been my consultant all the way along, from Oxford. He wrote a book about Alexander in the '70s when he was 26 years old... We're trying to stick to reality, trying to stick to the spirit of the story -- which is actually about 33 years long. So the movie's not going to be less than three hours."

This is definitely going to be a 'pee before you go into the theater' movie. It'll hopefully be R-rated, too, what with the violent scenes and the homosexual subtext.

[Garnet Spring]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Ok first off, TI is cartoon so I don't think it matter much. I think Alexander will get R rated. I don't recall any of Stone's movies that is not R rated. I am not concerned about how much they make at the moment, I am more worry about the quality of the movie. It's not that simple. How can you write it off because it's animated even after what FN did? It's made by Pixar, too. I'm not saying that this movie will get anywhere near Nemo's gross, because I don't think it will, but not getting near Nemo's gross still means making a boatload of money.

[KayTang999]

Because I don't think the purpose of Alexander is to make a lot of money. Yes, all movies want to get a lot of money and so is Alexander but I don't think that is the main focus of the project. Another thing is that they have different audience. I don't think a 5 years old would be intersted in Alexander the Great story. I didn't say that Alexander would make more money, I just don't care how much they will make. I am not a filmaker so I don't care about that. If they make a lot of money well God bless them.

[Garnet Spring]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Because I don't think the purpose of Alexander is to make a lot of money. Yes, all movies want to get a lot of money and so is Alexander but I don't think that is the main focus of the project. Another thing is that they have different audience. I don't think a 5 years old would be intersted in Alexander the Great story. I didn't say that Alexander would make more money, I just don't care how much they will make. I am not a filmaker so I don't care about that. If they make a lot of money well God bless them. If you don't care about the BO that's fine, I totally understand that, but your comment about it heading for a diffrent audience seems to betray that feeling.

[KayTang999]

Ok, you are saying that TI is out the same day with Alexander and that it would be a big threat to Alexander and I am saying that it would not be because each movie is aiming at different group of audience. I also added that I don't think the goal of the Alexander is to make a lot of money and that it will most likely get R rated anyway and that will decrease a lot of chance for this movie to make a lot of money. If Troy was to be out the same day with Alexander, now that would be different story.

[Nichol]

Originally posted by Garnet Spring
If you don't care about the BO that's fine, I totally understand that, but your comment about it heading for a diffrent audience seems to betray that feeling.

You are misquoting KayTang. It was I who said "Alexander" and "The Incredibles" would appeal to different audiences. Take it up with me, not her. For the record, I've said nothing about how I feel as far as B.O.

"Alexander" and "The Incredibles" probably will appeal to different audiences. One is a 3-hour-long historical epic that will probably be R-rated, with homosexual subtext and violent battle scenes. The other is an animated movie about a family of undercover superheroes. Guess which one Mom is going to take little Johnny and Suzy to go see? Hint: it's not the movie where Colin Farrell and Jared Leto suck face.

[Blairish]

From what I've heard, this movie isn't going to have homosexual "subtext", it's going to have homosexual "text". Yay.

[Garnet Spring]

Originally posted by Nichol
You are misquoting KayTang. It was I who said "Alexander" and "The Incredibles" would appeal to different audiences. Take it up with me, not her. For the record, I've said nothing about how I feel as far as B.O.

"Alexander" and "The Incredibles" probably will appeal to different audiences. One is a 3-hour-long historical epic that will probably be R-rated, with homosexual subtext and violent battle scenes. The other is an animated movie about a family of undercover superheroes. Guess which one Mom is going to take little Johnny and Suzy to go see? Hint: it's not the movie where Colin Farrell and Jared Leto suck face. Yes, I did misquote Kaytang. I apolgize for that. I think it's outrageous for you to say that two movies of this magnitude opening on the same day will in no day will in no way affect each other though. If the movie is appealing to the parents of said children, then it will affect te movies gross. It's absurd to act as if Alexander will have the same opening along side TI as it would have if it were being released by itself.

[nickodimas]

movies are made for different audiences. I don't think that parents are going to want to take their kids to a movie that is over 3 hours long and features the kinds of things that Alexander is going to touch upon, no pun intended. However, I don't think this movie is being made to satiate the taste for a family going movie experience, whereas The Incredibles is being targeted for children.

I don't see what the issue is. I agree totally with Nichol.

[KayTang999]

Yeah, totally. I think I have said this a lot lately but it won't make much different.

If I remember correctly, Matrix Reload came out almost the same time period with Finding Nemo and it was R rated and still managed to get as much as they did with the previous movie and the last movie.

[Nichol]

Originally posted by KayTang999
If I remember correctly, Matrix Reload came out almost the same time period with Finding Nemo and it was R rated and still managed to get as much as they did with the previous movie and the last movie.

Yeah, and X2 came out just before they did, and made a killing anyway. There's always money to go around.

Blairish: From what I've heard, this movie isn't going to have homosexual "subtext", it's going to have homosexual "text". Yay.

Of course, please pardon my slip-up. Could you just imagine Mom mistakenly taking little Johnny and Suzy to see Alexander?

SUZY: Mommy, what's he doing to that man?
MOM: Um, they're very good friends, sweetheart.
JOHNNY: Wow! I wanna learn how to do that with my tongue too!
MOM: Shut up and eat your popcorn!

[KayTang999]

LOL, I thinking about taking my sister who will be 8 but she is extreme and intense so yeah.

This is not movie for kids at all.

[Ally]

Fox and Dreamworks moved their films off the early Nov release date because The Incredibles is going to be HUGE. "Incredibles" is a Disney Pixar film. Ever heard of Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo or Toy Story? Anything that opens against The Incredibles is going to be crushed. If that wasn't bad enough the following weekend The Ring 2 opens. Both Ring 2 and The Incredibles have built in audiences and a lot more mainstream appeal then a R rated historical "epic" with gay content. If Oliver Stone's film stays on that date it will be the bomb of the year.

[Garnet Spring]

Look, you guys jokes are funny and all, but none of them have anything to do with what I said.

Of course children aren't going to see Alexander. But children don't take themselves to the movies. So the movie could be affected by TI. The kids parents would be part of the potential audience for Alexander, but they could be to busy taking their kids to see TI. And adults seem to like Pixar movies, too. They will affect each other. That's what competition does.

Yes X-2 made alot of money, but it was still affected by M:R.
M:R was affected by BA and FN.
It is perfectly logical to say that TI could affect Alexander.
I completely agree with Ally.

[KayTang999]

I know that now a day movies tend to focus on making a lot of money and all but movie making a lot of money doesn't constitute that it will be a good movie.

Yes, I am sure that TI will be a really good animation and probably going to make a lot of money.

But why do we have to care how much each movie is going to make. All I know is that not only that I will have no part in the money that they will make, I am giving them my money.

True kids are not going to watch Alexander and since parents take kids to see TI will double the ticket money but why do we care? It is not like we are going to like have a share in the money that they make.

All I am looking for is a good movie with a high quality content. There is no prove that Alexander is gay or not gay, this movie is just an interpretation of a group of people who want to show us what they believe or thing Alexander is like. What you have to do is think and decide it for yourself if you belive or like it or not.

Another thing is that there is a more likely chance that Alexander will be used and learning resource in school and college rather than TI.

I don't think they should change the release date. But who know, they might. The filming is not even close to be finished. They might end up move back the date.

[Garnet Spring]

If you don't care about the BO, then why did you respond in the first place? When I brought up the issue I thought it was clear that I was addressing people who found watching the BO to be interesting.

You don't have to have to care about the BO it's no big deal, but I don't get why you say you don't care and then you turn around and start analyzing the situation.

[KayTang999]

Just because I don't care about it doesn't mean that I can't talk about it. There is no law state that is there? When a movie make a lot of money doesn't mean it is a good movie. If you only care about how much it makes rather than how good the movie is, then that is up to you.

The reason I posted a formative arguement is to show you my point of view with evidences rather than giving pointless arguement and so that I can state my opinion without getting myself banned from the board because I started to attack someone. Unless someone want me to start.

And if you don't want certain people to answer your posts, next time indicate that or other wise I will answer.

Anyway, back to the topic of the movie, Nichol, do you know when they will wrap up the filming and is Thailand the last location that they are filming?

[Garnet Spring]

I just assumed that only people who found the BO interesting would want to discuss it. And it was a perfectly logical assumption.

And who said that more money equals a better movie? I know it wasn't me.

[KayTang999]

Link to the report from the set that CS has posted up http://ropeofsilicon.com/moviearticle.php?artID=217

At least they keep it authentic that no one is allowed to wear sneakers.

[Nichol]

Originally posted by KayTang999
At least they keep it authentic that no one is allowed to wear sneakers.

Ha! Yeah, if you watch the first battle scene in "Gladiator" really closely, you can see some of the ancient Roman soldiers wearing modern-day wris****ches! I guess Oliver Stone doesn't want some Macedonian soldier whipping out a cell-phone while hacking away at a Persian with his other hand.

I feel kinda sorry for the extras, though. Stone hired a United States Marine Corps Advisor to oversee the extras and help with the battle scenes. Those guys are not terribly friendly.

I did find it interesting that the actor portraying the commander was described as having "a very deep English accent". If so, then whoever said all the Macedonians were speaking with Irish accents was blowing smoke out his you-know-what.

[KayTang999]

I think that making this big of a movie, the people who suffer most would be the extra and they get paid less than other people. I do feel that they deserve more respect from us as a viewer. A lot of extreme effort there.

[nickodimas]

I totally agree. I don't think extra's get enough credit.

[KayTang999]

Do they even get a credit at the end of the movie? I remember watching LOTR's credit but I don't remember seeing any extra being credit. I know that they do credit stunt double.

[nickodimas]

I don't think they do, otherwise the credits would be a LOT longer. I think the only credits that are given is if there is some type of spoken part or interaction with the main characters of the film.

[KayTang999]

Right, thought so too. But physical attribution is more tiresome than talk. Oh well.

ETA:

Whoa!!! http://www.techcomforces.com/

[Nichol]

New article (http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/cl-ca-gritten18jan18,2,2623711.story)! With new piccie (http://images.calendarlive.com/media/thumbnails/photo/2004-01/11013944.jpg) of Jolie and Farrell as mother and son!

Excerpts: The production itself is conceived on a truly monumental scale, spanning three continents. Shooting began in Morocco's deserts and Atlas mountains in late September. Interiors were shot here for three weeks over the Christmas-New Year period. "Alexander" has now moved to Thailand for jungle battle scenes; the 85-day shoot concludes early next month.

As for Stone, he's thrilled with his leading man. "See that?" he said, after the day's filming. "Colin has the flu, but you wouldn't know it. I ask him for choices with a line, and he just adjusts it four different ways. He's so upbeat…. Oh, yeah, and he's nasty in an Irish way. All his best lines are under his breath. It's hard to get all that. This is a young man's story, and what young American actor has all that?"

It's an extraordinary spectacle — a huge space with pillars, columns, fountains and real hanging plants, imported from Holland. The costumes of the extras, representing half a dozen nationalities, are so vivid that at first glance it can give one a sense of visual overload. The scene marks the entry into Babylon of Alexander and his Macedonian comrades, who are greeted warmly. But a member of the city's ruling family is concerned about how they will be treated by these invaders, and Alexander speaks to her reassuringly.

[KayTang999]

Damn, only if it would be bigger but you can tell that Colin looks so young. Seems like Olympia is saying something important to him.

Nice Nichol!!!

[Nichol]

Ask and ye shall receive: the big picture (http://alexander-rc.com/pictures/01-24-04alex_and_olympias.jpg).

Whoa, is Angelina gorgeous! And Farrell has to be about the handsomest 17-year-old I've ever seen. :D She looks majorly P.O.'ed about something though, you feel so bad for him when you see the look on Alex's face.

[KayTang999]

Wow, and they are supposed to be mother and son?

Thanks Nichol, you are the best!!!

[Gone In 60sec]

God i can't wait for this movie , great pic and info

[Blairish]

Is anyone else really nervous about the accents they're going to use in this film? Apparently they're drawing Scots/Irish parallels with the Macedonians, so the Greeks will have English accents and the Macedonians will have Irish ones.

I can't help but worry that this will take me out of the film a bit, I just hope it's soft Irish and won't reduce the dialogue in any way (I say all this as a Scot btw).

Fingers crossed

[KayTang999]

Do we even know what accents they will use? Do we even know how the Macedonians talked back then? As long as they keep it authentic, I think it will pay off.

[Undome-Elenamin]

WOW! Those pics look awesome. And yes Angelina looks gorgeous if not majorly pissed about something. And Farrell's blonde ceasar cut is growing on me. I use to think it looked like crap.

[KayTang999]

Yeah, now that I think about it, the blonde kind of grow on me too. I will most likely get used to it.

[Gone In 60sec]

same here besides im not goin to let a hair color and the style ruin a historical epic like Alexander.

[KayTang999]

^ Thank you!!! That is a good sentimental man!!!

[Knerys]

Hmm I wonder if it was a directoial choice to make them so close in age. Just thinking a loud....

But they both look good.

[KayTang999]

Well, the thing is women tend to have child early back in the old day, but Colin looks like a kid, may be it's the hair.

[Tenaciousd1212]

The only thing that could get me to think about seeing this movie is if Christopher Walken is written into the script.

[Knerys]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Well, the thing is women tend to have child early back in the old day, but Colin looks like a kid, may be it's the hair. I'm not saying it wouldn't work but Jolie herself is 28 I think and farell is something like 25.

[DolAmroth]

I was just reading about Alexander the Great in my Histroy book and some of the battles are amazing. The first huge battle he fought in it was 30,000 against 40,000 and then another one after that had over 100,000 people in it. if its done right the battles could beat Troy or ROTK.

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Knerys
I'm not saying it wouldn't work but Jolie herself is 28 I think and farell is something like 25.

Oh, I know what you mean. I just say that may be it was because of that at all. But yeah, they both are really close. Not like Ashton and Demi :D

[Gone In 60sec]

Originally posted by DolAmroth
I was just reading about Alexander the Great in my Histroy book and some of the battles are amazing. The first huge battle he fought in it was 30,000 against 40,000 and then another one after that had over 100,000 people in it. if its done right the battles could beat Troy or ROTK.

I Agree, i think Alexander could beat Troy and i think Troy could beat ROTK or Troy beating Alexander. ROTK had great battle scences but i think Alexander and Troy have the possobility of beating ROTK.

[KayTang999]

I guess that is depend on each person's taste in battle scene. There are possibilities, but I am not sure if Stone or Peterson used CGI to help created massive look of the army or not, we'll see.

[DolAmroth]

well of course the battles will have CGI in them you dont really think they would get 30,000 extras.

[KayTang999]

You never know but probably not. Because I haven't heard anything on that department at all.

[KayTang999]

http://www.techcomforces.com/alexander_teaser.jpg

Someone posted at a board I am a member and the person said this is from Joblo.

I really like it. I like that fact that it is not Colin's face. It shows that the movie is not focus on the actor but Alexander.

[Gone In 60sec]

well it is only a teaser poster so I think the Official Poster will have the starts face.

[anaria22]

yeah, but I do like this one. It has a nice catch phrase, and picture.

[KayTang999]

Yeah me too, I like it too. You can see eagle shadow on the flag too.

[Gone In 60sec]

yeah I do like the teaser poster too, I have it as my wallpaper.

[KayTang999]

I hope they make an official wallpaper. I wish they make an official website, now!!!

[Gone In 60sec]

same here.

[KayTang999]

I guess we will have to wait for sometime for them to launch the site.

[Macy]

Originally posted by KayTang999
I don't know, I think Tom doesn't have the Greek look. But then again, make up always does the magic.

Well, First of all, you should know that Alexandar the Great was not Greek. Historical records indicate that the Macedonians looked nothing like the Greeks (typically), Second our perception of how people looked like at that time is totaly inacurate, so looking for the dark, (what you call) greek god look is also inacurate. I don't like Tom Cruise but on the picture posted he looks perfect for the role. He has the stature the correct bend in the neck , the nose, just needs some make up and curly hair.
The pictures I have seen of Colin in full costume are terrible.


A Macy
(macedonian)

[KayTang999]

I might not know what a Macedonian looks like back in Helenistic Era, but in my opinion, Tom Cruise would never fit this role anyway.

[Blairish]

I don't think Tom Cruise would *ever* play a role that required textual homosexual contact, wouldn't want anyone to think he was gay would he? :rolleyes:

On a different note, does anyone know if Alexander will be released in the UK on November 5th or will they make us wait? I've been hearing slightly different reports on this and was hoping for a bit of clarification.

[KayTang999]

As far as I know, that release date is currently only apply to US but who know.

[Nichol]

Hidey-hi.

New interview from Val Kilmer from the March 2004 Premiere article: Oliver keeps adding stuff, but I honestly think he's making a classic. Unfortunately, I had to gain a lot of weight for it, though, and have just suffered with it.

Angelina Jolie also gave an interview for Vogue, and here's her thoughts on Olympias: I age to 52, and strangely enough - and maybe to Colin (Farrell)'s credit as an actor - he plays young and I play older. It didn't feel weird at all. We were very connected to some very intense scenes. Somehow, it's the essence of the story. Olympias is wild. She's quite strong and quite...dark. She's an extreme, ruthless character, and yet I LOVED her.

According to the Associated Press, Colin Farrell injured his foot during the end of filming, and several reels of footage from the Thailand shoot were damaged. No word on possible reshoots.

[anaria22]

He had to gain a lot of weight and suffered for it? Come on. He got to eat whatever he pleased, all the good stuff, and got paid to get fat. I am unsympethetic.

[KayTang999]

I never picture King Phillipe as a fat guy but oh well.

[Nichol]

More stuff from Kilmer's interview with Comingsoon:

"I was the big, drunken, fat happy king. King Philip," Kilmer revealed with a chuckle. "There's a party for his wedding where I kiss four other women, and my wife, Queen Olympias (played by Jolie) isn't even there, and then on page 5, he rapes her. He hasn't been with her for a while, and they start fighting. I knock over her basket full of snakes, and the snakes are all over the floor. I then pull the sheets back when we're on the bed, and my five-year-old son, young Alexander, is in the bed. I'm so horrified that I leave. All through the film, he thinks that Olympias is destroying his psyche, and she ends up doing that, which is kind of why he dies."

Btw, the scene with Philip pulling back the sheets to reveal young Alexander seems to be taken directly from Mary Renault's "Fire From Heaven". Oliver Stone appears to have been heavily influenced by Renault's novels, as was earlier evident from his development of Bagoas.

[KayTang999]

I've never read that book, how much different from textbook or history? Do you know?

[Nichol]

Mary Renault wrote a trilogy of books about Alexander the Great; they are:

1. "Fire From Heaven" -- covers Alex's childhood and young adulthood, his relationships with Olympias and Hephaestion, etc.

2. "The Persian Boy" -- narrated by Bagoas, who describes Alex's actual conqueroring up to his death.

3. "Funeral Games" -- a book-length epilogue, Alex isn't actually in this one. This novel covers the wars between his successors to rule his empire.

"Fire From Heaven" is my favorite. For an analysis of the historical accuracy of Renault's novels, along with some reviews of Alexander fiction in general, check out Jeanne Reames-Zimmerman's Beyond Renault (http://home.earthlink.net/~mathetria/Beyond_Renault/beyondrenault.html).

[KayTang999]

How are the historical facts, can it be reliable? I mean it said fiction genre. Stone is making his movie based on this?

[Nichol]

Jeanne Reames-Zimmerman is a classical historian and has a good overview of Renault's novels (http://home.earthlink.net/%7Emathetria/Beyond_Renault/renault.html) which she reviews for historical accuracy.

Short and sweet: Renault's stuff is very well-researched considering the limits of the knowledge of the time. She wrote "Fire From Heaven" in 1969, "Persian Boy" in 1972, and "Funeral Games" in 1981, and lots of discoveries about Alexander and his time have been made since then. Considering what she had to work with, Renault stayed very faithful to the history as she knew it.

Oliver Stone is a big fan of Renault's books but, for copyright reasons, was unable to base the "Alexander" movie on them. This doesn't seem to have stopped him from "borrowing" liberally.

[KayTang999]

Yeah, I read the review and I am a bit not sure if she see the works as accurate or not.

I mean there isn't much you can do with this historical figure because his story is well known, just how much of the fabrication Stone will put it is the question. I just hope there is none.

[Nichol]

UPDATE: New pictures, courtesy of a Spanish magazine! If anyone cares to translate the text, that'd be cool.

#1 (http://www.allstarz.org/~colinfarrell/articlescans/elpais21mar04_1.jpg ) -- Alexander (Farrell) in a battle scene, bleeding.

#2 (http://www.allstarz.org/~colinfarrell/articlescans/elpais21mar04_4.jpg ) -- Alexander at some sort of party; Olympias looking regal.

#3 (http://www.allstarz.org/~colinfarrell/articlescans/elpais21mar04_3.jpg ) -- this appears to be a wide-shot of Alexander and Roxanne's wedding.

#4 (http://www.allstarz.org/~colinfarrell/articlescans/elpais21mar04_2.jpg ) -- a battle scene, probably set in Persia.

[Nichol]

UPDATE: the official site (http://www.AlexandertheMovie.com) is now online.

[rayzor09]

Oliver Stone sux and therefor ought to be punished.

[Andrey83]

From that first pic it looks to be realy violent. And the movie looks to be good so far.

Rayzor: what your problem?

[rayzor09]

Guys a jackass

[KayTang999]

Can you name one movie by any director that is 100% true? Yeah, I didn't think so. So get off Stone's back.

[Undome-Elenamin]

I could probably translate those articles but I can't read the text. It shows up huge at first but when it's done loading it gets really tiny. Where did you get them Nichol?

[rayzor09]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Can you name one movie by any director that is 100% true? Yeah, I didn't think so. So get off Stone's back.

hm howsabout JFK was trying elevate Vietnam tension is a load of doodly****.

[KayTang999]

You didn't answer my question and I didn't say that JFK was accurate.

[rayzor09]

Oliver Stone didn't write the book so I guess he's ok...

[KayTang999]

So instead of saying movie sucked, you should find a good forum for books and start complaining about it there.

[rayzor09]

well the movie sukked too... cuz it was based off a lot of propoganda

[KayTang999]

But you said it based on the book and to keep the politics tone, of course they were going to have to used a lot of propaganda.

[Nichol]

CASTING UPDATE: According to the website of Thai actor/model Kamron Boonteesud (http://www.kamronmodel.com/), he is starring in "Alexander" as an Indian prince, alongside Jaran Ngamdee (another Indian prince) and Bin Bunluerit (as the Indian king, who can only be Poros).

Photos -- Farrell on set with the Thai actors (http://www.colinfarrellfansite.org/viewtopic.php?t=2102&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=440).

[KayTang999]

Interesting, I know all 3 of them. I have seen of their work in Thai. Cool!

[Glordreen]

I think Troy will be better.

[KayTang999]

I don't know about that. Wolfgang and Oliver are totally different kind of film makers. But I think Alexander would be better because the story of Alexander the Great himself is more defying when compared to Trojan War. I mean Alexander's life is all about conquering and fighting. Trojan War didn't even start on the ground of something that is as powerful as Alexander's ambition. It was about getting Menelaus' wife back. Even though there are something behind that but the movie seems to focus on the so call "love" between Paris and Helen, that "might" hurt movie a little. The only issue with Alexander is the homosexual undertone. No one can prove that he was or not so I am not really counting anything against it. But Troy seems to change a bit from original work of Homer.

We'll see.

[Andrey83]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Interesting, I know all 3 of them. I have seen of their work in Thai. Cool!

Are they good? I'm not so into Thai Movies so i havent heard of them.

[KayTang999]

The reason I have seen their works is because I am Thai. I think they would be ok. It has been a long time since I have seen any of these guys' works. But I don't think their role would be that big anyway.

[jenna]

any new word on Luhrmann's Alexander?

[KayTang999]

Not that I know of. That project is pretty much up in the air right now.

[Queen Arwen]

I look forward to seeing Colin Farrell in a historical epic. He looks brilliant as Alexander. Will it be Oscar-worthy, do you think?

[ILOVEKATIE]

Many Oscar prediction websites seem to think so. I'm not really sure about this film, I'm definitely looking forward to the first teaser or trailer to make up my mind.

[Andrey83]

Any idea when it will be out (the teaser)?

[ILOVEKATIE]

I have no clue, we will probably see it during late May or early June since the film is coming out in the Fall; just a thought.

[KayTang999]

The reason I think this movie can give The Passion of the Christ a run for its oscars is because Oliver Stone and his love for gore violent. I am not saying that violent is good, but in this case of Alexander the Great, it shows how ruthless this person is. It will be really effective.

No idea when the teaser will be out but the official site is already up. Troy and Alexander the Great are both Warner Brothers, interesting.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Really? I didn't know they were both WarnerBros., that means the company probably have to choose which has a better Oscar chance and through a campaign for it.
Probably the most successful in the boxoffice and critically.

[jenna]

the success of The Passion had more to do with its religious content than the violence. Unfortunately I don't think Alexander will appeal to such a broad audience, although Colin will help that a little bit... *D-R-O-O-L*

[KayTang999]

I don't know about the appeal of Alexander the Great but he was the only person in the world that almost conquer the whole world society, he came close to it. I don't know if that is appealing or not but to me his life is more that his accomplishment, there are more to it.

[Andrey83]

http://www.alexanderthemovie.com/images/index.gif

[KayTang999]

I can't wait to see the first teaser of this movie.

[Boods]

the poster is really cool imo...i cant wait to see the first teaser of this movie..i think this movie has a many chances of being great as of being crap...i sure hope its great..i am looking way more forward to troy cos it looks incredible but we alexander is still far of now...we'll see...

[KayTang999]

As a historical figure, Alexander the Great is really interesting to look into. As a historical event, Trojan War is also interesting to look into. But Troy is focusing a lot of the romance part rather than the war itself. Sure the trailer look really massive on battle wise but I wonder how much they are focusing on the aspect of the war.

[Andrey83]

Very much i think. Much more than in the book. But i cant wait for alexander either. When is it out? summer 2005?

[KayTang999]

No, winter 2004, that is their schedule date but I think they might push it for next year, early, possibly January. Depend on how the post production goes.

[Andrey83]

hmmm...you sure? i thought they just started filming.... but i'm probably wrong then :)

[KayTang999]

Oh, they done filming, they are doing post production now. They finished like may be sometime last month with the principle photography.

[anaria22]

Who else is in this besides Angelina and Colin?

[KayTang999]

Val Kilmer, Anthony Hopkins, Jared Leto, Rosario Dawson, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. There are just some of the more known actors that I listed.

[Nichol]

Originally posted by anaria22
Who else is in this besides Angelina and Colin?

Basic, basic rundown...

Colin Farrell is playing the title character, Alexander the Great, from age 15 till 33. Angelina Jolie is playing Olympias, Alexander's mother. Val Kilmer is playing King Philip, Alexander's father and Olympias' husband.

Jared Leto has the role of Hephaestion, Alexander's best friend and lover. Rosario Dawson is playing Roxanne, Alexander's first wife. Ballet dancer Francisco Bosch is portraying Bagoas, Alexander's Persian lover.

As for Alexander's Companions (his generals/bodyguards) we have Joseph Morgan as Philotas, former boxer Gary Stretch as Cleitus, Ian Beattie as Antigonus, Rory McCann as Crateros, Elliot Cowan as Ptolemy (the older version of this character is played by Anthony Hopkins), and last but not least, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Cassander.

Raz Degan is playing Darius, the Shah of Persia. Brian Blessed is Leonidas, Alexander's mentor. Connor Paolo is playing the younger version of Alexander. Military advisor Laird Macintosh will be Neoptolemos, one of Alexander's generals. Bin Bunluerit will be Poros, the King of India, with Kamron Boonteesud and Jaran Ngamdee as two Indian princes.

[KayTang999]

Would Cassander count as Alexander's general or enemy?

[jenna]

some interesting casting there, I'm glad Stone didn't just go with safe, familiar actors for the supporting roles. ATG is my personal hero so I think I'll be a harsh (yet fair!) critic, but I have a feeling this movie's going to be spectacular! I'm wetting myself with excitement, I don't think I can wait until the end of the year!

[KayTang999]

I don't know anyone else of have seen theirs works beyond the 7 leads.

I love both ATG and Trojan War and I have been dissing both ever since I heard it was being made.

[jenna]

I love Troy too, I'm a bit more worried about that movie. You'd be hard pressed going wrong with ATG (unless you did something insane like casting Leo Dicaprio in the lead *shudder*) but Troy is different. The trailer looks good but they can be misleading! So I choose to reserve my judgement until AFTER I've seen the movies, that way I wont look stupid if I change my opinion (that's the theory anyway!!)

[KayTang999]

Well we are not sure about Baz/Leo version yet, I haven't heard of that in a long time now. My only concerned with Oliver/Colin is the homosexual content, that's all.

Troy, well I am beyong piss with that movie, I will just move on.

[Knerys]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Well we are not sure about Baz/Leo version yet, I haven't heard of that in a long time now. My only concerned with Oliver/Colin is the homosexual content, that's all.
Well Alexander had atleast one male lover.

Baz doesn't strike me with "historical drama", theaterical drama yes, but not historical. Stone is hit and miss with me, but I like Farrell and Jolie, so i willign to check it out.

[KayTang999]

Baz has never done anything historical, yet. I like Romeo + Juliet as a film but not for educational source if one was to ask for one for Shakespeare's resources.

[Nichol]

CASTING UPDATE: I've learned that Spanish actress Evelina Manna is part of the Best Looking Cast Ever, aka Oliver Stone's "Alexander". No word on her character, but I'm betting she's playing Stateira, Alexander's second wife and the daughter of Persian King Darius.

Pictures of Manna and Farrell can be found here (http://www.allstarz.org/~colinfarrell/ ).

[KayTang999]

I can't find her picture.

[anaria22]

I looked and stumbled across a few pictures of her breasts. Obviously she's not scared to pose naked. But unfortunately, I couldn't find a full, big picture of her face.

[jenna]

it's a common belief that ATG had male lovers but it's not necessarily fact. We just don't have enough records of the BC's and early AD's, and what we do have is often mis-translated (just look at the big mess of the bible translations!).

[KayTang999]

Yeah, that why I don't entirely have an issue with that much.

[Blairish]

I have an issue with it, I've read Curtius and he's very specific about Bagoas being Alexander's lover.

As for Hephaistion, I think people are looking at the issue backwards. The fact is that it was the norm for men to have male lovers during Alexanders time, therefore we don't need to have proof that he had male lovers, we need to have proof that he *didn't*.

[Andrey83]

Originally posted by jenna
it's a common belief that ATG had male lovers but it's not necessarily fact. We just don't have enough records of the BC's and early AD's, and what we do have is often mis-translated (just look at the big mess of the bible translations!).

Correct. Though many have believed that he had male lovers...but then again , many dont ;) There are indications on both things.

[KayTang999]

This is where Alexander and Troy are different. Troy is 'supposedly' based on Iliad, so 'naturally' it should be exactly or not much different from the original. Alexander based on 'known' fact, hence keyword 'known'. Sure, who know if Alexander was gay or not, we know it was commonly practice and if Alexander was part of norm, wouldn't he be part of it too? Since there are no prove, there are no wrong to put it in the movie.

[Knerys]

There is eviedence for both cases, but I wouldn't put it past early Medieval historians to overt certain things becasue they didn't go along with the current beliefs.

It up to the story teller to interpret the facts as best they. If that means Alexander had male lovers fine, and if it means he didn't then alright too.


Though I don't honeslty think there was the concept of "gay" in Anicent Greece....it was just life as usually. Just means a little odd to me to label it like that, heh.

[KayTang999]

I don't think there was a concept of homosexual because it was commonly practice, especially in military. Young boys wanted to be acknowledge in his field so he has to you know lobby his way in and old men just want to get some when they were away from their wives during war. But wasn't a concept, it was practice. Common practice = Social norm, right? So was Alexander part of that norm, who know.

[JackBauer]

are they gonna show gay scenes in the movie? i hope not. imagine Farrel and Leto kissing each other. and then the award for the best kiss....awww....

waiting for the non-gay-version of alexander

[KayTang999]

I am not sure how explicit it would be but I am prepared. Then you might have to wait for Baz Lurman to wake up if you want that version.

[JackBauer]

i thought they are going to make 3 alexander movies, one without gay content. it just what i heard

[KayTang999]

There were at least 3 that were going to be made, Oliver, Baz, and Ridley. I don't think Ridley wants to do it anymore. Baz, well like I said, he just need to wake up. Oliver, well here we are.

[Nichol]

Baz Luhrman talked big about doing an Alexander movie, and even had Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman interested in the Alexander and Olympias parts, respectively, but his project seems to have sputtered and died before it ever got started. He did however get by far the most publicity and people still ask about his version, forgetting that Stone's is already finished shooting.

Mel Gibson had plans to do a TV miniseries based on Mary Renault's novels, the rights to which he owns. Those plans seemed to have been scrapped for the time being. Ridley Scott made some noise towards an Alexander movie, but lost interest and began planning a Tripoli movie before dumping that one for "Kingdom of Heaven" about the Crusades.

[KayTang999]

I thought Ridley is still doing Tripoli. I mean Russell was working on Cinderella Man and Ridley wants to finish with Kingdom of Heaven.

[Ally]

Nicole,

Baz didn't just talk big about his Alexander film. His film begins production in early 2005 with Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman.Mel Gibson is rumored to be playing Phllip though that has not been confirmed. Baz Luhrmann's film is a $150 mil coproduction of Dreamworks and Universal studios. Produced by Dino De Laurentis with Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg as executive producers. It will no doubt be one of the big event films of 2006.

Jack,

You should like Baz's film as it will be based on Valerio Manfredi's international bestselling Alexander novels. The novels contain lots of action, history and romance, with all of Alexander's wives and mistresses well represented.

[jenna]

It's funny that a discussion about ATG ALWAYS turns to his sexuality and seems to stall there! To me, who he did or did not sleep with is a topic totally overshadowed by his awesome achievements as a general and leader. WHat he managed to do in just a few short years is mind-blowing. You can count on one hand the number of other strategists in all of history who even came close to the gift he had, that is the reason why I admire him so much.
I'm still not sure I'll be able to watch Baz's movie. AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH! what was he thinking? who sits down and thinks "hmmmm Alexander the Great.... Leo Dicaprio would be perfect!"?

[Ally]

Jenna,

You asked who sits down and thinks Leonardo would be great as Alexander. Well Martin Scorsese and Baz Luhrmann. Leonardo was Scorsese choice to play the Macedonian King when he was making his own film about Alexander. I can't wait for Baz's film especially with Steven Spielberg being involved in the production. BTW- I happen to think Colin Farrell is horribly miscast as Alexander but I suppose he's better then Stone's first choice Heath Ledgers.

[KayTang999]

Actually, I was surprised that Heath was first pick of Stone's choice. But now that I have seen production pictures, I don't think Heath would be right for that part and Leo wouldn't be right for Stone's version either. As for Colin, well I know he can act the part because he is one really good actor but physical appearance, well I will get use to it.

I don't know and I am tired of arguing about Stone and Lurman but as their "body of work" show, Stone is a more intense director than Lurman and this story needs that kind of director because the story itself is extremely intense. I don't care about who Alexaner slept with, I want to see how he achieved what he had and his relationship with his soldiers and mother.

[pirlo_21]

Originally posted by KayTang999
I thought Ridley is still doing Tripoli. I mean Russell was working on Cinderella Man and Ridley wants to finish with Kingdom of Heaven.

he is but crowe has been replaced by Keanu reeves

[KayTang999]

Oh wow, where have I been!!! I didn't heard that at all!!! Interesting!!!

[jenna]

i know Stone is a good director but I'm actually more of a Luhrman fan, loved Moulin Rouge and of course he's an Aussie too so i have to be patriotic! that's why i'm so upset at his decision, i thought better of him than that...

[Hugh]

Just saw the trailer that had some of the story in it. The fight scenes look pretty effin' amazing.

Brad Pitt's accent is a little shaky. Helen is hot but doesn't look like she belongs in ancient greece though... Peter o'Toole, though, hard to pass up.

[KayTang999]

HUH!!! Alexander's trailer??? WHERE???!!! I think you are talking about "Troy"s trailer, not Alexander.

[Andrey83]

Yeah, since he is talking about brad pitt, helen and peter o'toole :)

[KayTang999]

I was like happy because I thought the trailer was out already. It should be soon though.

[Andrey83]

At least a teaser. And yeah, shouldnt be far away now. the film is out in 199 days now so....

[KayTang999]

Since Alexander and Troy are both Warner Brother, I got a feeling Alexander's trailer will be attach to Troy.

[anaria22]

That would be awesome if it was! It's the trailer I'm looking forward to most right now.

[KayTang999]

It would be the smartest thing to do, so they should.

[nickodimas]

does anyone know when the trailer or even a teaser is coming out? they have been in post production for a short while now and I haven't heard anything else about it?

anyone got a date of release?

[Gone In 60sec]

Nov. 5th Release Date

[KayTang999]

I was hoping that it would be attached to Troy but I don't know. I haven't heard anything. That is the release date as of now but I won't be surprised if they move it.

[DolAmroth]

In the movie The Last Samurai tom curise talks about a battle at Tripoli where 300 Greeks fought off an army of a million persians for 2 days that would be quite a battle to see on film but maybe a little unbeliveable I hope its made into a movie

[Andrey83]

Originally posted by Gone In 60sec
Nov. 5th Release Date

That is the movie release. Not trailer release ;)

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by DolAmroth
In the movie The Last Samurai tom curise talks about a battle at Tripoli where 300 Greeks fought off an army of a million persians for 2 days that would be quite a battle to see on film but maybe a little unbeliveable I hope its made into a movie

That actually have been planned. Ridley Scott wants to make Tripoli with Russell Crowe. But I think the production is still in waiting.

ETA:

http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&cf=prev&id=1808469292

I don't think it is the same one that you are talking about and they now have Keanu instead of Russell. I think this is different. So yeah, it would be great to make that one that you mentioned.

[JackBauer]

yippiiii hate russel crowe, love keanu reeves

[Andrey83]

Originally posted by KayTang999
That actually have been planned. Ridley Scott wants to make Tripoli with Russell Crowe. But I think the production is still in waiting.

ETA:

http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&cf=prev&id=1808469292

I don't think it is the same one that you are talking about and they now have Keanu instead of Russell. I think this is different. So yeah, it would be great to make that one that you mentioned.

Trippoli is another project. It is not the same story.

[JackBauer]

Now i'm quiet interessted to know about Tripoli,...

[KayTang999]

Man, they should have attached Alexander's trailer to Troy, oh well.

[LS2002]

Uh I think the King Arthur Trailer was war enough for the Trailers.

[KayTang999]

That is not what I mean. I think it would be a great boost for Alexander to attach its trailer to Troy it is a same genre and people who saw Troy would mostly will see Alexander when it is released. But I think they are not that far in the production yet to send the trailer out.

Beside, many people already have seen King Arthur's trailer.

[DolAmroth]

well looks like theres no Alexander Trailer in front of troy but hopefull it will come out this Summer

[KayTang999]

It better comes out soon. The filming is finished for quite sometime already.

[Movie mogul]

Can't wait for this flick, Colin Farrell kicks ass in most of his movies and i think he will in this too.

[KayTang999]

I can't wait either and I hope he will kick ass. He probably will since Alexander the Great kicked many asses before.

[JackBauer]

i hope its as good as Troy but i doubt it since i love this movie a lot.

[KayTang999]

I hope it will be better than Troy since I didn't like it so much.

[trojan war]

The plot:

Alexander the Great (COLIN FARRELL), who would become the Conqueror of the Ancient World, was born at Pella, Macedonia in 356 B.C.E. His father was King Phillip 11 (VAL KILMER) and his mother was Olympias (ANGELINA JOLIE), a deeply spiritual woman .who taught her son that he was an ancestor of Achilles and Hercules . From the earliest age, then, Alexander was conditioned for conquest and kingly glory . He, thus, became focused on being a great ruler.

When he was 13, Alexander became student to the great Greek philosopher Aristotle. Under Aristotle’s tutorship he gained an interest in philosophy, medicine and science. However, Aristotle’s concept of small city-state government would not have gone down well with the young prince who was bent on world domination. Aristotle did, however, cultivate Alexander’s interest in reading and learning.

At age 16 Alexander was called to Macedonia to put down a Thracian rebellion while his father was away. Distinguishing himself immediately, Alexander quelled the rebellion, stormed the rebel’s stronghold and renamed it Alexandroupolis, after himself.

In 336 B.C.E. Phillip was assassinated and 20 year old Alexander took the throne of Macedonia. Within two years he had embarked on his campaign of conquest. His army of 30,000 foot soldiers and 5,000 cavalreymen was small but efficient. Along with the army he took engineers, surveyors, architects, scientists and even historians.

The first engagement was against the Persians at the Granicus River in modern day Turkey. Defeating the Persians he swept through western Asia Minor. The next Autumn the second major encounter against the Persians took place at Issus, in the south eastern corner of Asia Minor. Persian king Darius 111 had amassed an army of 200 thousand strong to wipe out the Greek threat. But the vicious and tactically superb attack mounted by Alexander routed the Persians, despite being outnumbered about 6 to 1.

Alexander now turned south, marching along the Mediterranean coast His only resistance came from the island city of Tyre. Alexander began a siege that would last for seven months. Finally Tyre was completely destroyed in July, 332 B.C.E.

Alexander now pushed further south, conquering Gaza and then moving into Egypt where the people welcomed him as a deliverer from their Persian rulers. Now Alexander turned north west, moving through Palestine towards the Tigris River. In 331 B.C.E. he met the Persians for the third time. The Battle of Gaugamela saw him defeat superior odds once more. Persian King Darius was later killed by his own people. Swiftly Alexander pushed through to take the Persian Capital at Babylon. He humiliated the Persians by burning their great palace at Xerxes. Before long the entire Persian domain was under Alexander’s control. He now crossed the Indus River and entered the region bordering the Persian province of Taxila. Here he met the feared Indian Monarch Porus who, with 25,000 men and 200 elephants nearly did what the entire Persian Kingdom could not. After fierce fighting, however, Alexander was once more victorious. Porus surrendered and became an ally.

After an eight year campaign Alexander was now ruler of a massive empire. He was keen to push further west but his men were weary and intent on returning to their families. Reluctantly he complied with their wishes.

Alexander was a caring military leader. He would visit his men after the battle, examining their wounds and praising them for their valiant efforts. He would also arrange extravagant funerals for the fallen. He would arrange games and contests for his men. The affection for their leader was what galvanized his troops.

Returning to Macedonia Alexander assumed the role he had coveted for so long – The great Conqeuror. In June, 332 B.C.E Alexander fell victim to malarial fever. He never recovered. The man who no man could defeat died on June 13, 323 B.C.E. He was just 32 years and 8 months old.


WARNER BROTHERS PICTURES presents COLIN FARRELL

in a BORMAN- KILIK - SCHUELY -STONE production ALEXANDER

VAL KILMER - SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS - ANGELINA JOLIE

ROSARIO DAWSON - JARED LETO music by VANGELIS

screenplay by OLIVER STONE directed by OLIVER STONE

It is incredible how all the the Greek history is connected to Homer's poem <<Iliad>> , for that reason I love it. Alhough the Greek city-states usually made wars each other for power (Mycenae then Athens- Spartas , later Makedonias-Thessalies ) , always their nation-connections were the Homer's poem with the legendery Achilles and ,of course, the olympic games (things that we still have ) .
Great Kings-warrions was trying to take after Achilles like Alexander of Makedonia and Leonidas of Sparta .

[KayTang999]

Where did you get the info? It great!

[DolAmroth]

Sounds like the movies gunna have some big time battle scenes always a good thing.

[KayTang999]

I think so too and I think there will be huge elephant fight too.

[JackBauer]

I WANT TO SEE THE DAMN TRAILER! :mad:

[KayTang999]

Me too and there is no sign of it coming out anytime soon. The movie suppose to be out in November or December too.

[trojan war]

I think that Oliver stone choosed the best for Alexander score .He is not only a very good musician who has experience in epic score (1492 Colombus movie) but also he is Greek ,I am sure that he will do his best for his ancestor .


http://www.sonyclassical.com/gfx/artists/vangelis.jpg

Vangelis began making music at the age of four. At six, and without any formal training, he gave the first public performance of his own compositions. Even as a child, his unique, spontaneous technique – which allows him to obliterate the distance between the moment of inspiration and the moment of execution – was apparent. In touch with the code of creation he says lies within us all, the whole of the universe was and is at his fingertips. Vangelis simply calls it memory.

As a young man in the 1960s Vangelis moved to Paris. There, he enjoyed a three-year-long “teenage rite of passage” with what became Europe’s most popular musical group, Aphrodite’s Child. Using this as a first step in the music industry, he then set out to further expand his exploration of music and sound through electronics. His poeme symphonique, Fait Que Ton Reve Soit Plus Long Que la Nuit, and the Earth album followed, as well as his impassioned soundtracks for the art and wildlife films of Frederic Rossif, most notably L’apocalypse des Animaux and Opera Sauvage.

In the mid 1970s Vangelis left Paris for London, where he established his own studio/laboratory, enabling him to further develop his musical theories and sound. Heaven and Hell, Albedo 0.39, Spiral, Beaubourg, China and See You Later – as always, composed, performed and produced by Vangelis – are resultant examples of his almost complete fusion of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, a pioneering sound that soon gained global acceptance and acclaim. In the early 1980s he released two albums of traditional music featuring Greek actress Irene Papas, as well as a series of albums with Jon Anderson of Yes.

In 1982, Vangelis’ Oscar-winning soundtrack for Chariots of Fire brought him international success even greater than that which he had already known. He then chose for his next film projects the darkly prophetic Blade Runner (early Ridley Scott), the politically dangerous Missing (Costas Gavras) and the disturbingly true Antarctica (Koreyoshi Kurahara) – all three attaining major commercial as well as artistic success, Antarctica becoming the highest grossing film ever produced in Japan.

During the 1980s, Vangelis added music for theater and the ballet to his collaborative repertoire. In 1983, he composed the music for Michael Kakoyannis’ staging of Electra, featuring Irene Papas and performed at the ancient Epidavros amphitheater in Greece. He contributed original scores for the ballets Frankenstein – Modern Prometheus in 1985 and The Beauty and the Beast in 1987, both choreographed by Wayne Eagling and performed by the Royal Ballet at London’s Covent Garden. Vangelis also continued his film work with The Bounty (starring Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson and newcomer Daniel Day Lewis), and he released the albums Direct, Mask and Themes. It was also during this period that Vangelis’ music was used extensively for the TV series Cosmos, with astronomer Carl Sagan.

In 1989 Vangelis received the annual Max Steiner Award for composition and presentation of distinguished film music. This award, given in the name of one of the film industry’s most important and legendary composers, was presented together with their Hall Of Fame Award – an award in recognition of untiring effort in the composition of film music, adding dignity and classical artistry to the background of motion pictures.

The 1990s began with the release of the album, The City. In 1991 Vangelis served as a jury member for the Cannes Film Festival. From there he traveled to Holland, where he orchestrated and directed a live outdoor event for Europe’s Eureka Project, attracting an audience of over 250,000. In the summer of that same year he hosted, on behalf of the Greek government, its International Day of Poetry, a gala concert staged at the Herod Atticus Theater beneath the Acropolis. A tribute to the arts and literature, the concert featured guest stars Alan Bates, Fanny Ardant and mezzo-soprano Markella Hatziano.

In Paris in 1992, Vangelis composed and recorded the soundtrack for Roman Polanski’s psychological thriller Bitter Moon. He followed that with the soundtrack for 1492 – Conquest of Paradise, Ridley Scott’s epic story of Christopher Columbus. Vangelis’ main theme for 1492 began topping charts all over the world, and soon became the biggest selling record in Germany’s chart history. The soundtrack album went on to be certified gold and platinum in over 17 countries, including Belgium, France, Holland, Italy, Spain, Austria, the U.K. and Canada, culminating with a “double top” in Germany – winning him Germany’s prestigious Echo Award as International Artist Of The Year 1995, as well as its Golden Lion for Best Film Soundtrack.

Two more awards of merit and distinction were given to Vangelis in the 1990s. In 1992, France’s Minister of Culture Jack Lang presented him with that country’s distinguished Chevalier (Knight) Award Of Arts & Letters, and the following year he received Greece’s prestigious music award – the Apollo – bestowed by the Friends of The Athens National Opera Society. It was also around this time that an ongoing relationship with scientist/filmmaker Jacques Cousteau resulted in Vangelis composing, recording and producing the soundtracks for many of Cousteau’s films, including We Cannot Permit, which premiered at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

In 1994 Vangelis released his soundtrack for the 1982 film, Blade Runner, adding several new tracks to the original – rare pirated copies of which had since become coveted collector’s items. The sensuality he culled from his synthesizers for this score – a perfect soundscape for the film’s futuristic love story – proved once again his innate mastery of technology and his ability to imbue it somehow with a soul. Numerous critics now consider Blade Runner one of the best films of the twentieth century, and the soundtrack – according to a critique on the World Wide Web – “has become as legendary as the film itself.”

Inspired by the painter El Greco, Vangelis – in association with the National Art Gallery in Athens – led a campaign in 1995 for Greece to buy El Greco’s painting of St. Peter and to establish a trust fund for the National Gallery to continue to acquire great works of art[I]. Each of the 3,000 copies of Vangelis’ limited-edition, specially boxed CD A Tribute To El Greco (featuring performances by the great Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe and Greek tenor Konstantinos Paliatsaras) was sold exclusively through the National Gallery as an objet d’art, thus substantially contributing to this end.

Also in 1995, the global appeal of Vangelis’ work and his fascination with the Universe led the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory to name a small planet in his honor. Asteroid 6354, now and forever officially called “Vangelis,” is approximately 247 million miles (mean distance) from the sun and in a 4.33-year orbit around it, wholly between Jupiter and Mars.

Close by, in space terms, are the small planets Beethoven, Mozart and Bach. Vangelis’ Voices CD, featuring vocal contributions from Paul Young, Caroline Lavelle and Stina Nordenstam was also released in ’95.

Vangelis garnered yet another award in 1996, when he was officially recognized as the world’s largest selling Greek artist, based on the sales of his recordings, at the World Music Awards held in Monte Carlo under the patronage of Prince Albert of Monaco. In the same year, he released the compilation CD Portraits and the CD Oceanic and also composed and recorded the soundtrack for the Yannis Smaragdis film, Cavafy, an evocative portrait of the renowned Greek poet Constantinos Cavafy. His music for Cavafy won him the Best Soundtrack Award at both the Flanders International Film Festival in Belgium and the Valencia International Film Festival in Spain. In 1997, Vangelis was once again named as the world’s largest selling Greek artist at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo.

In the summer of 1997, making a rare live appearance, Vangelis designed, directed and coordinated the entire opening night ceremonies for the IAAF Summer Games for classical athleticism held at the Panathinaikon Marble Stadium in Athens, Greece. Using many of his existing musical themes, he also created several new pieces especially for the event. Thanks to the massive scope, breathtaking beauty and technical perfection of the production broadcast via live TV worldwide and the presence of high-ranking officials of the International Olympic Committee, it is widely believed that the decision to award the 2004 Olympic Games to Greece was sealed that night. In 1998, the long-sought El Greco CD, which for three years had only been obtainable through Greece's National Gallery of Art, was at last released to the public.

In 1999 Vangelis created the music for the unveiling of the official emblem for the 2004 Olympic Games, as well as the logo music that will accompany the emblem whenever it is displayed. He also released his ten-year retrospective CD, Reprise. In May 2000, he composed the music and designed and executed the entire artistic ceremony for Greece’s handing over of the Olympic flame to Australia for the 2000 Sydney Games.

The following October, he created the music and the staging for Australia’s passing of the Olympic flag to Greece during the closing ceremonies of Sydney Olympics.

On June 28, 2001, Vangelis presented a monumental performance of his choral symphony, Mythodea at the Olympian Temple of Zeus in Athens – the first major concert ever to take place at this hallowed site. The evening featured world-renowned sopranos Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman with the London Metropolitan Orchestra, the 120-member chorus of the National Opera of Greece, twenty-eight percussionists and Vangelis performing on electronic keyboards. Chosen by NASA as the music to accompany its current Mars Odyssey Mission, Mythodea is Vangelis' first project for Sony Classical and will be released on CD, televised internationally and available on DVD later this summer.

Perhaps the only way Vangelis could communicate his music more instantaneously and directly than he already does, would be through telepathy from his psyche to ours. Until such time, mostly using devices of his own design, he continues his method of “direct electronic intervention” – capturing, mixing and taking the music to its final execution without the influence of reasoning, the probability of alteration or the assistance of a computer. A scientist, using music as a tool, he is always on the frontier of musical discovery.

“ … and each time I remember, I discover and I reveal something else.”

- Vangelis

It's pity that Vangelis didn't compose Troy music. At lease Warner try not to make the same mistake . Also As a football fan I khow that Vangelis compose the official music for 2002 Mudial singed by Anastazia.

[KayTang999]

Great, now we know who is doing the score. I guess this will be a really good score consider the composer resume.

[JackBauer]

yep, AND the time he has left to compose it..

[KayTang999]

Well James Horner didn't do so bad with Troy with the amount of the time he had. Vangelis should be ok too.

[DolAmroth]

I hope the music in Alexander is good cause Troy didnt really have that good of music