300
By Steven Perdue, Blockbuster.co.uk

Greece. 480bc. The Persian army of over a million soldiers from all corners of the globe threatens to engulf Europe. Only a band of 300 Spartan soldiers lead by King Leonidas stand between Xerxes’ hordes and total annihilation for the cradle of democracy...

300 is a staggeringly beautiful and exceptionally violent adaptation of the graphic novel by Frank Miller (creator of Sin City). Rather than go for the historically accurate re-enactment Miller and Director Zack Snyder have created an impressionistic re-telling of the battle of Thermopylae. The film is drenched in bronze from the swirling skies to the hardened, exposed torsos of the Spartan warriors. Ten effects houses spread over three continents have sprinkled their magic over 300. Barely a single frame is without some effect or colour tint lending the film a surreal edge that echoes the source material perfectly. The battle scenes are simply stunning, revelling as they do in the artistry of warfare and eschewing any real moral or ethical issues for the pure kinetic frenzy of blood lust. Decapitations, mutilations, animal attacks, dead bodies and blood (lots and lots of blood) are all rendered in loving and minute detail. This is violence as aesthetic marvel.

With so much emphasis on the dramatic visuals the dialogue, mostly drawn directly from the novel, has suffered a little. With rousing speeches coming thick and fast it is easy to become a little de-sensitised to their intended effect and whilst they work within the context of a comic book, many fall a little flat on the screen. That said there are some genuinely stirring moments and even some elements of dark humour. Leonidas claiming that ‘there’s no reason we can’t be civil’ as his men skewer the stomachs of the remaining half dead Persians is a laugh out loud moment. Leonidas’ torment too is exceptionally well portrayed by Gerard Butler who delivers a level of pathos that is, at times, almost difficult to bear. The rest of the cast deliver equally powerful performances. Called upon to provide shows of physical prowess rather than emotion they embody the Spartan code and are utterly convincing as an elite fighting unit. Lena Headey is also superb as the Spartan Queen. In an expanded role she shows the effect that the warrior culture has on the women of Sparta and she proves to be more than equal to Leonidas and his men.

Adaptations of graphic novels are notoriously hit and miss. For every Sin City there is a Daredevil lurking around the corner. 300, however, is one of the real triumphs. Remaining (mostly) true to the source material has imbued the film with a beautifully streamlined feel. Just like the solid Spartan bodies on show there is no fat on this film. The only weakness is one that has also carried over from Millers’ novel. It does feel a little shallow at times. Though to say that 300 lacks depth is akin to complaining that a roller coaster isn’t much like going to a poetry reading. This is no Merchant Ivory production and if you want fuzzy feelings and emotion then the Spartans are probably not the people to go to. Unashamedly gory, 300 puts the ‘graphic’ in graphic novel. It is a gorgeous and gruesome guilty pleasure and you should put it on your list right now.