'300'

[orlov]

So, 300 is releasing at midnight tonight, just curious how many of you are hyped up to go see it?

[kwok_talk]

Oh CRAP! I totally forgot that came out this weekend! Thanks for the reminder.

[humphrey-lee]

I'm going to try my ass off to get there, but I work starting at 5. Sucks.

[fred]

I'd love to but I gave Frank Miller $100 yesterday so I might hold off until next weekend

of who the **** am I kidding? I'll be there

not at midnight, I do have a job after all
but this weekend

[fred]

Review of 300 at Newsarama (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=104274)

[kwok_talk]

Review of 300 at Newsarama (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=104274)

Awesome. Looking even more forward to it! I’ll probably catch it over the weekend if I can.

[davegraham]

Review of 300 over at www.populardistractions.com ;)

[jaflanagan]

My first instinct was to close this thread and direct you over to iFanboy.com, where the podcast will be posted this weekend.

http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/weblog/300.html

But we don't want to tick anyone off, and if you like posting here, so be it.

So, I guess my question is, what do you think of that? Should I just leave this open?

[fred]

I get the whole not wanting to duplicate content thing but some people only post here(or there)

[watsonglenn]

So, I guess my question is, what do you think of that? Should I just leave this open?

The origanl board is hard for me to use. I like this one better.

[hometeam790]

This one did sneak up faster than expected. I won't be able to see this until Saturday, but I know it'll be worth it.

[mikegraham6]

The origanl board is hard for me to use. I like this one better.

I agree, i think these boards are a lot more conducive to having an actual conversation while the other page i feel like i should only be posting once with my thoughts.

Im going to see this flick tomorrow night with a bunch of my "history buddies". sure i know its not really a history movie, but its still a "period piece"
i bought the graphic novel last week and just finished reading it a couple of days ago (wanted to read it before i saw the movie) and im really looking forward to see what they are going to do with the material, from the trailer alone it looks like we are in for a treat. they are going to have to flesh it out a bit though, there wasn't much story in the book, but even if it was all action i'd be happy (it worked for Black Hawk Down)

[xyzzy]

My first instinct was to close this thread and direct you over to iFanboy.com, where the podcast will be posted this weekend.

http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/weblog/300.html

But we don't want to tick anyone off, and if you like posting here, so be it.

So, I guess my question is, what do you think of that? Should I just leave this open?

It's your board, so do what you want. I doubt anybody would get pissed off.

That said, I only post here. It's just easier. Plus, my office makes it difficult (though not impossible) to access the weblog site. But that's my problem, not yours.

[kwok_talk]

Extended trailer here

http://www.digg.com/movies/The_Uncut_R_Rated_Trailer_for_300

[ariastar]

Ha ha, yeah. I've been waiting for this movie since I heard about it ages ago. But I'm having such a bad week that there's no way I'm going to get out there tonight.

[watsonglenn]

Slate did an unfavorable review of the movie. Apperantly according to Dana Stevens its racist, nationalist, and homophobic.

Here are a few parts of the review

"The comic fanboys who make up 300's primary audience demographic aren't likely to get hung up on the movie's historical content, much less any parallels with present-day politics. But what's maddening about 300 (besides the paralyzing monotony of watching chiseled white guys make shish kebabs from swarthy Persians for 116 indistinguishable minutes) is that no one involved—not Miller, not Snyder, not one of the army of screenwriters, art directors, and tech wizards who mounted this empty, gorgeous spectacle—seems to have noticed that we're in the middle of an actual war. With actual Persians..."

"300 is a mythic ode to righteous bellicosity."

"It conflates moral excellence and physical beauty (which, in this movie, means being young, white, male, and fresh from the gyms of Brentwood)."

"the "bad" (i.e., Persian) side in the movie: black people. Brown people. Disfigured people. Gay men (not gay in the buff, homoerotic Spartan fashion, but in the effeminate Persian style). Lesbians. Disfigured lesbians.

"the picture's vision of the West as a heroic contingent of sculpted badasses and the East as a cauldron perversion and iniquity "might be greeted with muted enthusiasm in the Middle East." Replace the words "muted enthusiasm" with "a roadside bomb," and you've got yourself a tagline for the Baghdad premiere."

[mikegraham6]

i was watching the National canadian news broadcast and they had a story about the montreal special effects company that worked on 300. apparently they also did the effects for the SIN CITY movie. obviuosly they are the right choice to go to but i was surprised to hear that they actually DID go to the same company for both Frank Miller movies

[mikegraham6]

But what's maddening about 300 (besides the paralyzing monotony of watching chiseled white guys make shish kebabs from swarthy Persians for 116 indistinguishable minutes) is that no one involved—not Miller, not Snyder, not one of the army of screenwriters, art directors, and tech wizards who mounted this empty, gorgeous spectacle—seems to have noticed that we're in the middle of an actual war. With actual Persians..."

This guy is an idiot, he complains about the historical inaccuracy and then goes on to say that America is at war with Persians. THE IRAQIS AREN'T PERSIANS!!!! THE IRANIANS ARE!!!!! and no matter how much chest thumping is going in the news and in American politics, you guys aren't at war with Iran (at least not yet...) that is an ignorant statement on his part and its only made worse by the fact that he criticizes the flick for being ignorant. what a jackass, ignore his opinion and read another movie critic's review.

[masherscf]

This guy is an idiot, he complains about the historical inaccuracy...

Personally, I don't see why a movie adapted from graphic novel based on 5th century BCE events has any expectation of historical accuracy at all.

[mikegraham6]

Personally, I don't see why a movie adapted from graphic novel based on 5th century BCE events has any expectation of historical accuracy at all.

Im a huge history buff, and that not the reason im seeing it, its gonna be a great action flick and i just like seeing movie set in a historical backdrop. im not gonna watch it and think this is what happened historically though.

anyway isn't this based on a greek myth/tale, hasn't it been exagerated to begin with?!?!?!?

[acomicbookgirl]

I'd love to but I gave Frank Miller $100 yesterday so I might hold off until next weekend

of who the **** am I kidding? I'll be there

not at midnight, I do have a job after all
but this weekend


Ay.. I miss the days when I did the midnight screenings... I remember doing a 10 screening for V for Vendetta when it came out. Why can't they just do that?!

I'm so at the movie theater after work. I need to see that movie! :cool:

[kwok_talk]

The last time I did a midnight screening was for the last Matrix movie. I think that scarred me from ever doing it again

[acomicbookgirl]

The last time I did a midnight screening was for the last Matrix movie. I think that scarred me from ever doing it again

For me it was the last Harry Potter movie.. Why were you scarred?

[kwok_talk]

For me it was the last Harry Potter movie.. Why were you scarred?

Oh, like it left a metaphorical scar (not scared) b/c it was such a bad movie.

[acomicbookgirl]

Oh, like it left a metaphorical scar (not scared) b/c it was such a bad movie.

Ahhhhh.. :o

[humphrey-lee]

Just got back, liked it alot. It really is probably about Sin City good. Solid and occasionally inspirational acting performances, high on adrenaline, and very tense throughout. Only thing that kinda bugged me was the insertion of "mini bosses" I guess you could call them to break up the battles, but I understand why it did. Liked it alot though, probably see it one more time but at the IMAX.

[pv_2]

For what it's worth, Roeper's review today was a 4-star gush-fest - called it "the Citizen Kane" of comic book adaptations.

I think I've managed to carve out some time to see this tomorrow - looking forward. OK.

[cam-]

I'm gonna see it on IMAX sat mat, awesome.

[masherscf]

Im a huge history buff, and that not the reason im seeing it, its gonna be a great action flick and i just like seeing movie set in a historical backdrop. im not gonna watch it and think this is what happened historically though.

anyway isn't this based on a greek myth/tale, hasn't it been exagerated to begin with?!?!?!?

I guess my point is that this episode has been well documented in half-a-dozen History channel documentaries. I don't think when Miller penned the tale he was particularly interested in historical realism. Instead, he was probably most interested in creating a story with mythological proportions. When people returned to Greece in the 5th century BCE with stories of the 300 Spartan's at Thermopylae, I doubt very much they stuck to historically accurate detail either. Why should the modern 21 century retelling of the adventure be held to a different standard.

[watsonglenn]

Im a huge history buff, and that not the reason im seeing it, its gonna be a great action flick and i just like seeing movie set in a historical backdrop. im not gonna watch it and think this is what happened historically though.

anyway isn't this based on a greek myth/tale, hasn't it been exagerated to begin with?!?!?!?

No, the event really did occur, That is clear. There is some exaggeration and debate over the numbers of Persians.

[mikegraham6]

No, the event really did occur, That is clear. There is some exaggeration and debate over the numbers of Persians.

from what i heard, there were 300 spartans but there were also greeks that faught alongside. their numbers weren't counted. and there definitely weren't a million persians, but meh, still makes for a good story :D

[jo-relrollins]

well i'm going at 11 tonite but i won't come back and spoil it for u guys, i don't work for the AP.

[mikegraham6]

im there at 10 and seeing it in IMAX! i cant wait, ive never seen a hollywood film in IMAX before, let alone a comic book movie!! YAY:D

[mikegraham6]

well that fell threw, all the shows are sold out!!!! F*UCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad: :mad: :mad:

[luthor]

Just got back from it.

Quite good, not Sin City good. But good.

[paper]

Just got back. It was a good time and I look forward to the DVD. It 's a feast for the eyes. Loved the end credit sequence. My only complaint is that certain prosthetics looked a little awful. But there was so much more making up for that. Visual candy.

There was a baby in the audience. I couldn't believe it.

[kwok_talk]

There was a baby in the audience. I couldn't believe it.

Parenting at its best

[acomicbookgirl]

I just got back. Full house at the movie theater. For now, all I can say is that movie is the shit! I loved it! I can't wait for the DVD and I might watch it again on Imax. ;)

[comhcinc]

i'll be going some time during the week. can't stand crowds.

[jo-relrollins]

just got back and i thought the movie ROCKED!!!! It was packed and all shows had sold out. Glad i went.

[k-dizzle]

just got back and i thought the movie ROCKED!!!! It was packed and all shows had sold out. Glad i went. I loved it too!!!!!!! one problem for me and it a big one. Gerard Butler is a ham actor. Aside from that it was awesome.

[unnamedfrenchguy]

Gaaaaa!

Look, I'm getting older and my memories of age 15 and being the center of the universe are fading... However, I'm fairly sure that when I was watching a movie with a sex scene I didn't giggle every 20 seconds. In fact, I'm fairly sure that I was staring in rapt attention. Anyhow... I think I'm with Josh on the quality of the movie theatre experience.

[k-dizzle]

UNFG can you translate French to English?

[jo-relrollins]

I loved it too!!!!!!! one problem for me and it a big one. Gerard Butler is a ham actor. Aside from that it was awesome.

One thing i can also say,is it just me or did they give gerard butler a slew of one liners.

"Make sure u've all eaten breakfast. Cause tonight WE DINE IN HELL". Theres others but thats my favorite.

[k-dizzle]

One thing i can also say,is it just me or did they give gerard butler a slew of one liners.

"Make sure u've all eaten breakfast. Cause tonight WE DINE IN HELL". Theres others but thats my favorite. despite how beautiful the movie was visually, I giggled throught because of these 'one liners'.

[unnamedfrenchguy]

UNFG can you translate French to English?

Sure, assuming it doesn't have too many regional idioms.

[k-dizzle]

Sure, assuming it doesn't have too many regional idioms. Thanks I was wondering what the song titles meant froma record by a french band Les Draguers...a la surboum
1 Mon Allumeuse
2 Decalee
3 Lunettes de soleil
4 Sheherazade
5 Je ne suis pas ton chien
6 Aspirateur a gonzesses
7 Pique-nique au Havre

[conorkilpatrick]

Thanks I was wondering what the song titles meant froma record by a french band Les Draguers...a la surboum
1 Mon Allumeuse
2 Decalee
3 Lunettes de soleil
4 Sheherazade
5 Je ne suis pas ton chien
6 Aspirateur a gonzesses
7 Pique-nique au Havre

I think this is what PMs are for.

[ariastar]

I was crying. I think this is the best movie EVER.

[unnamedfrenchguy]

Off topic. Can we delete my reply?

[paper]

It's difficult to critique the acting. The film was obviously crafted to be an over the top geyser of adrenaline. Personally, I thought Butler did a good balancing act between absolute madman and caring king.

Can't believe Xerxes = Paulo from Lost ...

[fred]

I can't wait to see this. I got stuck at work until 9 last night and the rest of the weekend is too hectic. I don't think I'll get to see until next weekend.

[alexg]

from what i heard, there were 300 spartans but there were also greeks that faught alongside. their numbers weren't counted. and there definitely weren't a million persians, but meh, still makes for a good story :D

Check out Herodatus' histories if you want to read about the 'real' event. Herodatus was a 'historiographer' so take his history as a good story. There were other greeks there, but when the pan hellenic army found out they had been betrayed, Leonidas told everyone to beat it and that the Spartans would guard their retreat...which they did. The only thing that bugs me about this story/movie/event is that Herodatus wrote, and doesn't get credit for, what is probably the best line "...then we'll fight in the shade..."

[jo-relrollins]

Now I'm debating should i just make the purchase of Frank Millers 300 graphic novel. I've read it and picked it up at barnes and nobles but never made a purchase.

[six-gun]

Check out Herodatus' histories if you want to read about the 'real' event. Herodatus was a 'historiographer' so take his history as a good story. There were other greeks there, but when the pan hellenic army found out they had been betrayed, Leonidas told everyone to beat it and that the Spartans would guard their retreat...which they did. The only thing that bugs me about this story/movie/event is that Herodatus wrote, and doesn't get credit for, what is probably the best line "...then we'll fight in the shade..."


If you like Herodotus' stories, you also may want to look into Livy's History of Rome. Same kind of thing, just a few hundred years later.

[six-gun]

Yeah, get the hardback 300

[watsonglenn]

If you like Herodotus' stories, you also may want to look into Livy's History of Rome. Same kind of thing, just a few hundred years later.

Herodotus is a tough read. There is a more modern novel about this battle called Gates of Fire. and another that is called, I think, Thermopylae (sp). I seem to remember another called, The Hot Gates.

[alexg]

Herodotus is a tough read. There is a more modern novel about this battle called Gates of Fire. and another that is called, I think, Thermopylae (sp). I seem to remember another called, The Hot Gates.

Tough read doesn't mean it isn't worth trying. Maybe you had a particularly dry Herodatus translation? Most of them are admittedly bland. I found Pressfield's writing in Gates of Fire really tedious for some reason, I know a lot of people like his stuff, but it doesn't work for me. Besides, going back to the first source material can be sort of fun sometimes. Now you want tough read, Try Thucididyes on the Pelopennisian war, when the Spartans go against the Athenians...Although there is one amazing section in there, Pericles gives a speech to commemorate the all the soldiers who died in the first year of the war, I think that speech still has resonance today. It's all about how a democracy fights and deals with the consequences of war. Deep.

[fred]

Now I'm debating should i just make the purchase of Frank Millers 300 graphic novel. I've read it and picked it up at barnes and nobles but never made a purchase.

It's really awesome. You will not regret the purchase

[fred]

I just got back from seeing 300. It was ****ing amazing. I loved it so much. I can do nothing but gush. For all the talk of historical accuracy, who cares? Seriously, the movie kicks so much ass that I don't even care if there ever were a place called Sparta in a country called Greece. It's immaterial to this greatness of this movie.

Gush done

[rabidbadger]

Good Gush. Couldn't agree more.

[fred]

Good Gush. Couldn't agree more.

It really was awesome. It wasn't a 'good comic book movie', it was a good movie. I'm so full of the adrenaline of awesomeness right now.

[pv_2]

It really was awesome. It wasn't a 'good comic book movie', it was a good movie. I'm so full of the adrenaline of awesomeness right now.

Same here - it was inspiring in its execution and purity of vision - both of the filmmakers and the spartans themselves.

And now for the geekiest thing I have ever said - I think we can award next year's Oscar for Sound Editing now. Seriously, the sound of those shields! When they made that first stand! That was some shit right there.

[fred]

the look of the movie was stunning

also the blocking out of the sun with the arrows(then we'll fight in the shade) was cool as hell

[jgg0610]

Had a chance to see it this afternoon and it was great. The only problem I had was that somebody actually brought a toddler and it kept crying and crying all through the movie. Every time they would get up and take it out but when they came back, it would just start up again. Is there any clearer sign that a toddler shouldn't be brought to this movie?

[fred]

Is there any clearer sign that a toddler shouldn't be brought to this movie?

How about the 62 beheadings?

I realized yet again tonight that I am an old man. The row of kids behind just wouldn't shut up. The kid directly behind me literally sounded like he was orgasming every 45 seconds or so. It lasted about half an hour before I lost my shit and asked them very politely(at the top of my lungs) to 'shut the hell up.' This happened to coincide with a suprise quiet moment in the movie.

There was applause. I'm not kidding.

Now if I could just keep kids off my lawn

[conorkilpatrick]

I find it interesting that people are bringing up the historical accuracy of a movie that features monsters and giants.

iFanboy saw the movie today. Look for the 300 podcast tomorrow.

[acomicbookgirl]

I find it interesting that people are bringing up the historical accuracy of a movie that features monsters and giants.

iFanboy saw the movie today. Look for the 300 podcast tomorrow.


Will there also be a POW podcast as well?

[conorkilpatrick]

Will there also be a POW podcast as well?

Yes, ma'am.

[acomicbookgirl]

How about the 62 beheadings?

I realized yet again tonight that I am an old man. The row of kids behind just wouldn't shut up. The kid directly behind me literally sounded like he was orgasming every 45 seconds or so. It lasted about half an hour before I lost my shit and asked them very politely(at the top of my lungs) to 'shut the hell up.' This happened to coincide with a suprise quiet moment in the movie.

There was applause. I'm not kidding.

Now if I could just keep kids off my lawn

As there should be. I had someone in the back of me talking on their cellphone for like lord knows how long when I watched it last night. I turned around and stared at them. I got a dirty look but the person got off the phone.

[ariastar]

Yeah, get the hardback 300

Why specifically the hardback?

[fred]

As there should be. I had someone in the back of me talking on their cellphone for like lord knows how long when I watched it last night. I turned around and stared at them. I got a dirty look but the person got off the phone.

I've been known to throw popcorn over my shoulder at people like that. I'm a theater silence nazi

[acomicbookgirl]

Yes, ma'am.

Two podcasts?! Gosh, the week is getting better.. :)

[acomicbookgirl]

Why specifically the hardback?

I didn't know there was a softcover for this.. Anywho, hardback is sweet. Its a little pricey but its sooo worth it.. :)

[jaflanagan]

Why specifically the hardback?

There isn't a softcover. It's only a hardcover. But the format of the book is such that each page is like a two page spread of a regular comic book. So it would be extra floppy in softcover.

I think you can get a look at it in our first episode of the video podcast.

[jgg0610]

When 300 was originally published in single issue form, was everything a two page spread? God I hope this wasn't originally a Marvel title otherwise there'd be an insert right in the middle for the 18th X title.

[pv_2]

As there should be. I had someone in the back of me talking on their cellphone for like lord knows how long when I watched it last night. I turned around and stared at them. I got a dirty look but the person got off the phone.

On my left I had a kid - too young to be at this movie, for sure - slurping incessantly at an empty ICEE cup, making that loud there's-nothing-left-to-get noise, and on my right a chatty couple "whoa-ing" and giggling at every beheading. It's always something or someone.

[mikegraham6]

was it just me, or was the flick pretty racist? persians came off as monters... but i guess the graphic novel is more to blame than anything

(Frank Miller: Racist????, he does use lots of swastikas and nazi villains?......just putting it out there.....:rolleyes: )

[masherscf]

was it just me, or was the flick pretty racist? persians came off as monters... but i guess the graphic novel is more to blame than anything

(Frank Miller: Racist????, he does use lots of swastikas and nazi villains?......just putting it out there.....:rolleyes: )

Dude, take a good look at most of Greek Mythology. It's all entirely racist.

[rabidbadger]

was it just me, or was the flick pretty racist? persians came off as monters...

I don't think so. It's loosely history based, and a good story well told usually has a good v evil thing. I bet someone could tell this story from the Persian side and make the Spartans look like Borgish warlike automotons and the Persions just looking for land to feed their starving populace or something.

Racist? Nah. That's like saying Star Wars is racist because the Stormtroopers where all white.

[fred]

You write about war - you pick a side and they are heroic while their opponents are schmucks - it's just the way it's done. Miller is no more racist for writing this in the way he did than the people behind Saving Private Ryan.

It does also help to pick the more believably good side. Who are the champions here? Who can people get behind? Is it the 300 crazy bastards who help off 1.5 Million soldiers (and elephants and rhinos) for a few days or the dickhead with the 1.5 Million man army that attacked a group of 300 men?

I think it's all about story rather than a racist agenda or something like that.

[mikegraham6]

I don't think so. It's loosely history based, and a good story well told usually has a good v evil thing. I bet someone could tell this story from the Persian side and make the Spartans look like Borgish warlike automotons and the Persions just looking for land to feed their starving populace or something.

Racist? Nah. That's like saying Star Wars is racist because the Stormtroopers where all white.

they made xerxes into a drag queen, the immortals (who had a very asian look) once unmasked where hideously deformed like many of the other persians,. sure is its a good vs evil thing but when all the spartans are white, good looking, and have chisiled perfect physiques, it just strikes me as a bit uneven.
if anything i think it was done blatantly, in a sort of post-modern self acknowledgement of how films/stories/myths portray "the other" as being monters/less than human. thats what i found interesting about the movie.

[mikegraham6]

You write about war - you pick a side and they are heroic while their opponents are schmucks - it's just the way it's done. Miller is no more racist for writing this in the way he did than the people behind Saving Private Ryan.

It does also help to pick the more believably good side. Who are the champions here? Who can people get behind? Is it the 300 crazy bastards who help off 1.5 Million soldiers (and elephants and rhinos) for a few days or the dickhead with the 1.5 Million man army that attacked a group of 300 men?

I think it's all about story rather than a racist agenda or something like that.

but fred can you tell me why frank miller has an obsession with swastikas???? it was something that always bugged me when reading his stuff (and you can't use the EVIL excuse, miho's shuriken was a swastika remember??):confused:

[fred]

but fred can you tell me why frank miller has an obsession with swastikas???? it was something that always bugged me when reading his stuff (and you can't use the EVIL excuse, miho's shuriken was a swastika remember??):confused:

because he's an anti-semite of course

I'm kidding. I have to go back and look at the Miho thing again. I really think that in general it is evil.

[acomicbookgirl]

You write about war - you pick a side and they are heroic while their opponents are schmucks - it's just the way it's done. Miller is no more racist for writing this in the way he did than the people behind Saving Private Ryan.

It does also help to pick the more believably good side. Who are the champions here? Who can people get behind? Is it the 300 crazy bastards who help off 1.5 Million soldiers (and elephants and rhinos) for a few days or the dickhead with the 1.5 Million man army that attacked a group of 300 men?

I think it's all about story rather than a racist agenda or something like that.

I agree. What does racism have to do with this movie? I just find it annoying when someone has to bring racism into everything. Yes it does exist but come on. This is a movie that is based on an historical event... Star wars? Are you kidding me? :rolleyes:

[fred]

I agree. What does racism have to do with this movie? I just find it annoying when someone has to bring racism into everything. Yes it does exist but come on. This is a movie that is based on an historical event... Star wars? Are you kidding me? :rolleyes:

Star Wars was totally about gentrification

[mikegraham6]

I agree. What does racism have to do with this movie? I just find it annoying when someone has to bring racism into everything. Yes it does exist but come on. This is a movie that is based on an historical event... Star wars? Are you kidding me? :rolleyes:

but really guys, you dont think that the persians historically, actually looked like that!?!?!? i mean that was a conscious decision by the filmakers/writer, im just trying to get to the bottom of the reasoning behind this choice. thats all (and maybe spark some good conversation while im at it :D )

[acomicbookgirl]

Star Wars was totally about gentrification

I just never looked at it like that..

[fred]

but really guys, you dont think that the persians historically, actually looked like that!?!?!? i mean that was a conscious decision by the filmakers/writer, im just trying to get to the bottom of the reasoning behind this choice. thats all (and maybe spark some good conversation while im at it :D )

there's always a temptation with war movies to look at the 'bad guys' as having been wronged because they were demonized to make the story work. I think it's just device though. Aside from the sheer size of the force, the Persians were creepy freaks and it made them seem more terrifying. Who else got sleighted? Tall people because Xerxes was tall and scary.

[mikegraham6]

Star Wars was totally about gentrification

star wars was about blowing shit up :D

[fred]

I just never looked at it like that..

You ever see Chasing Amy? That's what it's from. Star Wars was all about making the galaxy safe for white people.

[acomicbookgirl]

but really guys, you dont think that the persians historically, actually looked like that!?!?!? i mean that was a conscious decision by the filmakers/writer, im just trying to get to the bottom of the reasoning behind this choice. thats all (and maybe spark some good conversation while im at it :D )

Well, there must be a reason why they are wearing masks too.. The movie was great. It was accurate to the book. The first time I read it, I didn't like it. I was going to give it to my best friend. Then I read it again and liked it. I left it at that. :)

[acomicbookgirl]

You ever see Chasing Amy? That's what it's from. Star Wars was all about making the galaxy safe for white people.

I saw it in bits and pieces.. I'll rent that one day.. ;)

[rabidbadger]

but really guys, you dont think that the persians historically, actually looked like that!?!?!? i mean that was a conscious decision by the filmakers/writer, im just trying to get to the bottom of the reasoning behind this choice. thats all (and maybe spark some good conversation while im at it :D )

And do you think Spartans where all chiselled up, gorgeous chunks of muscled man flesh with a non sexist attitude and a deep abiding love for a pure democracy? All great myths have hard extremes. They are supposed to be simple morality tales, not deep thinking, shades of gray, let's all navel gaze about philosophical trends in socio-economic, east v. west platitudes.

[acomicbookgirl]

"300" racks up record body count at box office (http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/va/20070311/117364569500.html)

[mikegraham6]

Well, there must be a reason why they are wearing masks too.. The movie was great. It was accurate to the book. The first time I read it, I didn't like it. I was going to give it to my best friend. Then I read it again and liked it. I left it at that. :)

i really enjoyed it too. i thought it was funny how all the additional scenes that were added into the movie mostly took away from the story. i thought the queen was a interesting and strong character but her scenes were extremely boring (even though McNulty was in them ;) ). and the addtional battle scenes, though better than the senate scenes, weren't as impressive as the ones from the graphic novel.

By far the best part of the flick was the use of slow motion. it really helped capture frank miller's panels on screen and i hope it's going to be a technique implemented in more action films.

[fred]

By far the best part of the flick was the use of slow motion. it really helped capture frank miller's panels on screen and i hope it's going to be a technique implemented in more action films.

I liked that a lot. It's so easy to get lost in giant battle scenes. That helped a lot.

[mikegraham6]

And do you think Spartans where all chiselled up, gorgeous chunks of muscled man flesh with a non sexist attitude and a deep abiding love for a pure democracy? All great myths have hard extremes. They are supposed to be simple morality tales, not deep thinking, shades of gray, let's all navel gaze about philosophical trends in socio-economic, east v. west platitudes.

well i see where your coming from, and i also dont like it when people over analyze things, but like i said earlier, these decisions were made for a reason and i give frank miller the benefit of the doubt in terms of meaning in his imagery. i would be very interested in reading an interview with him on this topic and see what his thoughts, he is putting this stuff in his books for a reason and i'd just like to know why...

[mikegraham6]

i would also like to watch things beyond face value and see if i can find other meaning there. whether it exists or not, it adds another dimension to the work and gets me thinking beyond the "wow that was a great action movie, what movie is coming out next week??".

[acomicbookgirl]

i thought the queen was a interesting and strong character but her scenes were extremely boring (even though McNulty was in them ;) ).


I didn't find her boring. I loved her charater.

By far the best part of the flick was the use of slow motion. it really helped capture frank miller's panels on screen and i hope it's going to be a technique implemented in more action films.


I liked that too. :)

[mikegraham6]

I didn't find her boring. I loved her charater.

i found the scenes very unnecessary, but that could be because i had read the comic and knew that it wouldn't go anywhere. but i do understand why it was added in, the film did need a female lead to even out the testosterone :D

[conorkilpatrick]

Also keep in mind that the whole story is being told by Dilios and he is telling it in the most interesting/theatrical way possible so as to rally the Greeks to fight the Persians. So it makes sense that he'd paint the Persian army in as bad a light as possible.

I had this discussion with someone last night but she still won't go see it because she thinks it's racist. Her loss.

[conorkilpatrick]

As for the Queen, her triumphant senate scene was the only one that got cheers/applause during the movie. I enjoyed her extended role. It gave the battle higher stakes. We got to see what the Spartans were fighting for.

[mikegraham6]

Also keep in mind that the whole story is being told by Dilios and he is telling it in the most interesting/theatrical way possible so as to rally the Greeks to fight the Persians. So it makes sense that he'd paint the Persian army in as bad a light as possible.

I had this discussion with someone last night but she still won't go see it because she thinks it's racist. Her loss.

that arguement makes sense as well, i always liked the idea of a biased narrator and how it affects storytelling. i completely forgot that Dilios narrated the film, thus taking away any objective account of the event. he would be telling the tale to the townsfolk in a very mythological form and would be exagerating many aspects of it.
so that explains 300, now whats up with the swastikas in sin city :D

[fred]

Now Lassie was really racist. How come she never saved any little black kids from drowning in wells? What's so special about timmy? Is it because he's caucasian? I submit to you that it is.

:rolleyes:

[mikegraham6]

Now Lassie was really racist. How come she never saved any little black kids from drowning in wells? What's so special about timmy? Is it because he's caucasian? I submit to you that it is.

:rolleyes:

i think your thinking of rin tin tin, it seems that there were a lot of racist animals in hollywood back in the day

http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/mistered.asp

[rabidbadger]

Also keep in mind that the whole story is being told by Dilios and he is telling it in the most interesting/theatrical way possible so as to rally the Greeks to fight the Persians. So it makes sense that he'd paint the Persian army in as bad a light as possible.

What a great friggen point that I didn't realize until the end, and didn't give much thought to after the fact. Great observation. Explains a lot.

And actually, while watching the movie, heavily engrossed, I felt that the narrator was annoying and interruptive, but now that you remind me of why the character was (basically) over stating the facts, making it mythological, makes great sense. When I see the movie again, I will most probably pay more attention to him instead of being annoyed by him. That and he was the second cutest Spartan in the flick

[mikegraham6]

What a great friggen point that I didn't realize until the end, and didn't give much thought to after the fact. Great observation. Explains a lot.

And actually, while watching the movie, heavily engrossed, I felt that the narrator was annoying and interruptive, but now that you remind me of why the character was (basically) over stating the facts, making it mythological, makes great sense. When I see the movie again, I will most probably pay more attention to him instead of being annoyed by him. That and he was the second cutest Spartan in the flick

i agree. i found the narrator pretty over the top while watching the movie, but i guess i didn't realize just how important a role he was playing. good point:)

[fred]

i think your thinking of rin tin tin, it seems that there were a lot of racist animals in hollywood back in the day

http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/mistered.asp

I miss the Chapelle show so much

[conorkilpatrick]

That and he was the second cutest Spartan in the flick

I liked him too, but... I wasn't aware they had blonde highlights and feathering in ancient Sparta. :)

[fred]

i agree. i found the narrator pretty over the top while watching the movie, but i guess i didn't realize just how important a role he was playing. good point:)

it's important to note too that he was telling the story to fire up the troops. It wouldn't have worked as well if he told it as Leonidis being an alcoholic kitty kicker with a penchant for exposing himself in public. That is not inspiring.

[fred]

I liked him too, but... I wasn't aware they had blonde highlights and feathering in ancient Sparta. :)

It's true - they also had 300 beauticians

[rabidbadger]

it's important to note too that he was telling the story to fire up the troops. It wouldn't have worked as well if he told it as Leonidis being an alcoholic kitty kicker with a penchant for exposing himself in public. That is not inspiring.

Well, that wouldn't have hurt as an addendum, but the narrator would not have said that the Persians just want to have tea and chat. That would not fire up an army. Kitty Kickers should be shot on sight, though. :D

[masherscf]

"The Lord of The Rings" has both sexist and racists themes. The men that work for the evil Sauron are the Easterlings and the Haradrim. Despite Peter Jackson's adaptation, Tolkien describes the Haradrim as "swarthy men from the south." The heros of the tale are the civilized western men and the whiter-than-white elves.

Tolkien's middle earth society also had a very well established caste system.

Most of the noble characters were actually noble because of the proper breading. With the exception of Sam Gamgee, the rest of the hobbits: Frodo, Merry and especially Pippin where all of a noble class in the shire. Sam and Frodo alone of the fellowship were neither King, Prince, Thane, Lord nor some offspring of the same. Blatant classism is all over that tale.

Heck, the lower class cockney attitudes of the Orcs bled straight through to Peter Jackson movies.

Don't even get started on the Chronicles or Narnia.

[rabidbadger]

It's true - they also had 300 beauticians

actually 900 beauticians. From what I know it takes two folks and an assistant to paint abs that well. God, I wish I had that job.

[fred]

actually 900 beauticians. From what I know it takes two folks and an assistant to paint abs that well. God, I wish I had that job.

that takes a lot of higher education

[masherscf]

actually 900 beauticians. From what I know it takes two folks and an assistant to paint abs that well. God, I wish I had that job.

Don't forget the 1,200 personal trainers.

[rabidbadger]

Don't forget the 1,200 personal trainers.

It's a huge timesuck to paint really good thighs on men who already have really good thighs. But Ideally I would want to be loincloth fitter. (Do you dress left or right? Don't know? Let me check that for you.)

Shades of Joey and his Taylor on Friends...:eek:

[fred]

Don't forget the 1,200 personal trainers.

because the 900 beauticians need people to work them out too

[rabidbadger]

"The Lord of The Rings" has both sexist and racists themes. The men that work for the evil Sauron are the Easterlings and the Haradrim. Despite Peter Jackson's adaptation, Tolkien describes the Haradrim as "swarthy men from the south." The heros of the tale are the civilized western men and the whiter-than-white elves.

Tolkien's middle earth society also had a very well established caste system.

Most of the noble characters were actually noble because of the proper breading. With the exception of Sam Gamgee, the rest of the hobbits: Frodo, Merry and especially Pippin where all of a noble class in the shire. Sam and Frodo alone of the fellowship were neither King, Prince, Thane, Lord nor some offspring of the same. Blatant classism is all over that tale.

Heck, the lower class cockney attitudes of the Orcs bled straight through to Peter Jackson movies.

Don't even get started on the Chronicles or Narnia.


Wow. Never took that into consideration. No wonder Sam was my favorite character:


UNION! /normaray

[masherscf]

Wow. Never took that into consideration. No wonder Sam was my favorite character:


UNION! /normaray

Did you ever wonder why Sam did all the cooking and always had to carry all of the shit?

[rabidbadger]

Did you ever wonder why Sam did all the cooking and always had to carry all of the shit?

In retrospect I did notice that. But with everything else going on I just assumed he was just being a good friend. On the other hand, I never saw Frodo, Bilbo, etc as being "elite". I just thought the hobbits were (to quote Monty Python) an " autonomous collective."

[fred]

and see I thought it was because he was the submissive in their relationship

[rabidbadger]

and see I thought it was because he was the submissive in their relationship


Well, now that's just hot. Hobbit on hobbit. Oh wait. This aint the orgy thread. sorry.

[fred]

Well, now that's just hot. Hobbit on hobbit. Oh wait. This aint the orgy thread. sorry.

they all tie in
happens to me all the time.

EDIT: I was just trying to find a nice way to call him the 'bottom'

[k-dizzle]

they all tie in
happens to me all the time.

EDIT: I was just trying to find a nice way to call him the 'bottom' what was the conversation in Clerks 2? about gay hobbits bricking on eachothers chest?

[rabidbadger]

they all tie in
happens to me all the time.

EDIT: I was just trying to find a nice way to call him the 'bottom'


Just 'cause you love a friend doesn't mean it's sexual. Sure the idea might creep into your thoughts. But if it's a straight friend, trust me, it never creeps into theirs.

[fred]

what was the conversation in Clerks 2? about gay hobbits bricking on eachothers chest?

It's 10PM here on the east coast and that made me laugh so hard that my children both briefly woke and rolled over in bed. I completely forgot about that whole LOTR sequence. It was really funny.

[kwok_talk]

sorry to interrupt the gay hobbit bricking, but i just got back from 300. Probably the most visually commanding movie I can recall. It definitely felt a lot less "comic book"-y than Sin City, which I think gives it a much broader appeal. I think most people probably don't even know it was based off of a graphic novel. I haven't read 300, but I don't think it suffered like Sin City, where in some moments following the comic too strictly didn't exactly translate well into the movie medium. I can't wait for this to come out on DVD.

Did anyone else feel super flabby after watching that?

[ekval]

We all thought it was pretty solid too, our review is on this week's podcast at CBM. If you can get past the sound quality which sucked for no apparent reason for us this week.

[iSteve]

300 was #1 at the weekend box office, taking in over $70 million. Sure didn't see that coming.

[cloneboy]

i was watching the National canadian news broadcast and they had a story about the montreal special effects company that worked on 300. apparently they also did the effects for the SIN CITY movie. obviuosly they are the right choice to go to but i was surprised to hear that they actually DID go to the same company for both Frank Miller movies

The company is called Hybride and it is actually 45 minutes north of Montreal...in ski country! I am a compositor there and comped a bunch of shots for 300. They hired us for three reasons:
1) We are good at what we do ;)
2) The entire movie was filmed in a warehouse in Montreal so it was location, location, location.
3) Was because we DID work on Sin City.

There is a meticulous process in recreated printed media to film. It is difficult to get a 'look' that represents a comic but can be watched at 24 frames/second. There was some struggle on Sin City. What you saw on the screen was drastically different than what the original test shots looked like (Which actually looked more like the comics). For 300 it was a bit easier because we had colour to work with.

As I comic fanboy, I loved working on this film. Every shot would start with a scan from the graphic novel, then some concept art, then us trying to recreate it in film. Fun stuff!

[fred]

welcome to the forum and great work on the movie. It was beautiful

[ekval]

Yeah, I echo what Fred said. You guys do some nice stuff, very evocative of the comics medium for this particular case.

Kudos!!

[mikegraham6]

ya, i've definitely got to pat you on the back for those flicks. great work on both of them. good to know that the great white north is contributing to a new and different style of filmmaking

great job!!!!!!!!!!!

[masherscf]

good to know that the great white north is contributing to a new and different style of filmmaking

great job!!!!!!!!!!!

Drinking all that beer from Quebec is bound to create some crazyness.

[mikegraham6]

Drinking all that beer from Quebec is bound to create some crazyness.

you dont even know the half of it! they have a beer that is called "le fin du monde" which translates to "the end of the world" and its about 11 percent. it tastes like ass but it does the job

[masherscf]

you dont even know the half of it! they have a beer that is called "le fin du monde" which translates to "the end of the world" and its about 11 percent. it tastes like ass but it does the job

i grew up near Burlington, VT. I'm well versed in Quebec Beers. Anyhow, not to be contrary, but Fin Du Monde is only a mere 9% and it doesn't taste at all like ass. Ass is much more musky.

http://www.unibroue.com/products/fin.cfm

Unibroue has pretty good penetration into the US market. You're likely to find "La Fin Du Monde" anywhere you can buy craft brews of greater than 6%.

There are some beers from Quebec that are very hard to get in the states. My favorite is "Macauslin's St Ambroise Oatmeal Stout". It's the finest stout on the planet.

http://www.mcauslan.com/en/products/stastout.html

[cloneboy]

welcome to the forum and great work on the movie. It was beautiful

Thanks for the welcome.

I think that these comic movies are important today because it shows how different comics can be. Spider-man, Batman, X-Men are what you expect to come form the comics world. But a Sin City or a 300 shows the average film lover that there is more to comics than webs and capes.

[mikegraham6]

well i guess you know more than half of it;)
thats my bad on fin du monde, i had a few years back so all i remembered was that it was a crazy amount of alcohol in it, and that i didn`t enjoy it too much:D
im not as well versed in quebec beers as you, i either stick to imports like hoegarden (sp?) or Alexander keiths (which apparently is an import, even though its brewed in canada). keiths is by far my favorite beer and i have had a few from all over the world (but i still wouldn't call myself a connoisseur).
your a guiness fan im assuming? its the beer that drinks like a meal:D

[masherscf]

Sin City or a 300 shows the average film lover that there is more to comics than webs and capes.

I'm not sure the "average" film lover is going to connect as completly with '300' as graphic novel fans do. Fans of Miller's work are pretty much a sold audience. The target demographic of 15-30 year old men are gonna love '300' to peices.

However, I was thinking more mainstream movie audiences may be put-off by the beautiful ultra-violence. I've read some pretty mixed reviews. Some praising the movie's landmark qualities and others panning the popcorn emptyness.

Nevertheless, the opening gross was an astonishing $70 million US Dollars. You can't argue with that sort of success (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=300.htm).

I'll be really excited to see if '300' can maintain that kind of interest. If it does, things in the graphic-novel motion picture genre are gonna be looking up.

[conorkilpatrick]

Interesting video piece on Frank Miller and 300 and Sin City (http://video.wnbc.com/player/?id=80630).

[cloneboy]

The target demographic of 15-30 year old men are gonna love '300' to pieces.


Nevertheless, the opening gross was an astonishing $70 million US Dollars. You can't argue with that sort of success
.

I was posting a bit about the demographic on the iFanboy site and it was observed that what makes these numbers impressive is that it was an "R" rated film meaning ONLY those over 17 could see it.

And yes I would agree that $70 million opening weekend is pretty mainstream... lets just see what next weekend brings in

[masherscf]

I was posting a bit about the demographic on the iFanboy site and it was observed that what makes these numbers impressive is that it was an "R" rated film meaning ONLY those over 17 could see it.

It's worth nothing the difference between an "R" and an "NC-17." Indeed, teens under the age of 17 are allowed to see R films with their parents take them. However, who wants to go to the movies with their 'rents. In many cases an "R" rating is a functional NC-17.

[mikegraham6]

It's worth nothing the difference between an "R" and an "NC-17." Indeed, teens under the age of 17 are allowed to see R films with their parents take them. However, who wants to go to the movies with their 'rents. In many cases an "R" rating is a functional NC-17.

i think there should be far more NC-17 flicks, maybe that way i can avoid having little brats yell shit at the screen while im trying to enjoy my movie (plus it would mean more sex and violence:D )

[fred]

i think there should be far more NC-17 flicks, maybe that way i can avoid having little brats yell shit at the screen while im trying to enjoy my movie (plus it would mean more sex and violence:D )

yaaaay sex and violence

[cloneboy]

i think there should be far more NC-17 flicks, maybe that way i can avoid having little brats yell shit at the screen while im trying to enjoy my movie (plus it would mean more sex and violence:D )


There is nothing I hate more then going to see a really cool horror film only to find out that it is PG-13. A) You know it is going to copout on the gore and B) There will be kids of all ages yelling and dicking around.

[mikegraham6]

hmm.. i guess i wasn't the only one who thought it was racist at first glance...

Anger at anti-Persian Hollywood movie

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:05:30
Iranians worldwide have been protesting a new Hollywood blockbuster movie based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller which they say offers an "inaccurate and derogatory depiction of ancient Persians."

Over 6,200 Iranians have signed an online petition addressed to the producers of the film "300", criticizing them for what they say is a distortion of historical fact.

"The author Frank Miller and Warner Brothers Studios should understand that distorting historical data is unethical, and so is feeding ignorance to viewers and readers. Fantasy-like characters should not have names that are based on actual historical figures," the petition reads.

The signatories of the petition seem to agree that the film is an "outrage" and "a depiction of how movie studios and authors sacrifice historical accuracy for would-be profits."

Directed by Zach Snyder, "300" tells the story of 300 Spartans who fight the Iranian king Xerxes and his Persian army.

The petition reads that "Xerxes was one of the many revered and respected rulers of an ancient civilization, the vestiges of which last to this day."

The online petition to promote a boycott of the movie is available at: www.petitiononline.com/BTM3/petition.html


Maybe we should all write them a letter explaining the subtle nuances of storytelling????
My roommates mom (who is iranian) signed the damn petition without even seeing the movie. i think people have a right to form their own opinions but they shouldn't judge something without examining it properly. you can't sign a petition against a movie you've never seen (or have only seen the ads!)

[jaflanagan]

I saw that coming.

[fred]

I give up. I moving into a cave.

[mikegraham6]

A more detailed story for you:

Iran calls Hollywood blockbuster cultural "warfare"

By Fredrik Dahl

TEHRAN, March 13 (Reuters) - Iran denounced Hollywood's
latest blockbuster film, depicting the 480 B.C. battle between
the Persian army and a band of Greeks, as "hostile behaviour
which is the result of cultural and psychological warfare".

Last week's North American opening of "300", while Tehran is
embroiled in a standoff with Western nations over its nuclear
programme, led Iran and its film fans to see the movie as a
Western effort to vilify their nation through history.

The film sold an estimated $70 million worth of tickets in
its first three days, setting a new record for a March release,
the film's distributor Warner Bros. Pictures said on Sunday.

But Iranians were clearly offended at the way their
ancestors were portrayed in the film, inspired by the tale of
300 Spartans under King Leonidas who held out at Thermopylae
against a Persian invasion led by Xerxes in 480 B.C.

The government, lawmakers and Iranian Web logs (blogs)
denounced the movie, which depicts the huge Persian army as
ruthless but repeatedly outsmarted by the Greeks who are only
defeated in the end by treachery.

Even though the film by U.S. director Zack Snyder has only
just hit theatres in the United States, poor quality pirated
copies are already available in the Iranian capital.

Government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham branded it an
insult against Iran, where the first Persian empire emerged to
become the world's most powerful in the sixth century B.C.
before it was conquered by Alexander the Great two centuries
later.

"Not only would no nation or government accept this...but it
would also consider it as hostile behaviour which is the result
of cultural and psychological warfare," he told a regular press
briefing on Tuesday.

Four MPs urged Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and
Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Hossein
Saffar-Harandi to ask other Muslim countries not to show "this
anti-Iranian Hollywood movie," ISNA news agency said.

Iranians take great pride in their history and the empire
they founded, and any perceived slight against that heritage
often sparks criticism across the political and social spectrum.

An Iranian circulated a petition against the film on the
Internet, saying the film was both "fraudulent and distorted."

"It is a proven scholarly fact that the Persian Empire in
480 B.C. was the most magnificent and civilised empire," the
protest letter to the filmmakers said.

Western historians have often said the battle was the first
major conflict between the East and the ancient Greek city
states, seen as the cradle for Western values.

In contrast to the angry reaction in Iran, "300" has earned
largely positive reviews in North America, despite or because of
its decapitations and battlefield carnage.

[fred]

it's a movie

[mikegraham6]

some people need to take the stick outta there ass, how many movies do you there are in iran that bashes westerners???? just a thought.....

you'd think it was presented so over the top, that most people would understand that its tongue in cheek....

[fred]

some people need to take the stick outta there ass, how many movies do you there are in iran that bashes westerners???? just a thought.....

you'd think it was presented so over the top, that most people would understand that its tongue in cheek....

forget just iran, the whole middle east specializes in anti-US and anti-Israeli movies, books, and textbooks.

I'm getting way more annoyed about this than I should be

[conorkilpatrick]

Everyone stay calm, please.

some people need to take the stick outta there ass, how many movies do you there are in iran that bashes westerners???? just a thought.....

Saying that implies that 300 does indeed bash Iranians.

you'd think it was presented so over the top, that most people would understand that its tongue in cheek....

I don't think 300 tongue-in-cheek at all.

[masherscf]

The Iranian's protest anything that reminds them that they were once a great Empire that now sucks ass. They made the same protests over the Movie "Alexander" because it was Alexander who finally put the Persians down. I wouldn't put much stock in a country that specializes in Holocaust denial. However, a country that tries to protect it's national identity from the movies is nothing new. In Turkey, you'll get your ass thrown in jail if you write anything that even suggests that Turkey is anything less than awesome or anything that even remotely insults Turkishness.

Neverthess, think about this the next time someone accuses a movie of being "unamerican."

[mikegraham6]

:eek: sorry guys, your taking what i said completely the WRONG way! i meant that the people who are behind this petition need to relax, there are far more important things to get worked up about, like fred said :its just a movie!
the persians as monsters was tongue in cheek because no rational human being thinks a persian looks like that!

i only posted that article because i thought it was funny, not to piss anyone off (thats the last i want to do!)

[fred]

I get what you were trying to do. It just gets me really worked up because I'm tired of people trying to make things into things they aren't. It's a movie and it's a war movie. It takes a side. How could it not? This isn't: 'Superman says it's OK to punch a Jap'. It's FAR from it.

That's my problem though, I understand that you weren't trying to piss me off.

[horatio616]

I don't think 300 tongue-in-cheek at all.

More like 'sword-in-cheek'.

Ba-dump-bump

I haven't seen it yet; waiting until my girlfriend and I can go together. She almost went without me Saturday because her sister asked her. I've also heard several female friends say that they're dying to see it. I'm a little surprised how this movie is crossing over. I read an article (in EW, I think) about how well this movie tested with women. Glad everyone's liking it.

[mikegraham6]

More like 'sword-in-cheek'.

Ba-dump-bump

I haven't seen it yet; waiting until my girlfriend and I can go together. She almost went without me Saturday because her sister asked her. I've also heard several female friends say that they're dying to see it. I'm a little surprised how this movie is crossing over. I read an article (in EW, I think) about how well this movie tested with women. Glad everyone's liking it.

course women want to see it. i'd go see a flick with half naked chicks in it, even if it was a romantic comedy!

[watsonglenn]

TEHRAN, Iran - Still, it touched a sensitive nerve. Javad Shamghadri, cultural adviser to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said the United States tries to “humiliate” Iran in order to reverse historical reality and “compensate for its wrongdoings in order to provoke American soldiers and warmongers” against Iran.>>>

That darn George Bush again. Now he controls the oil industy and Hollywood, or was it the other way around.

The reality is Sparta and Athens stood up to the Persian threat then and in so doing saved the West. Today the USA doing the same. Thats what upsets Ahmadinejad.

[masherscf]

The weird thing was how the Iranians complained about the monstrous portrayal of Persian people. However, the portrayal of the Greeks in Miller's novel was pretty monsterous in it's own right.

[jaflanagan]

The weird thing was how the Iranians complained about the monstrous portrayal of Persian people. However, the portrayal of the Greeks in Miller's novel was pretty monsterous in it's own right.

That's what I found interesting too. I mean, according to even basic standards of modern morals, the Greeks are no less barbaric than the Persians. The movie is basically a love letter to the winners.

Now, were you to research a story where it's about Xerxes and his amazing conquest of the world, making him the hero of the story, I could see that as well.

It's all about the point of view.

[alexg]

That's what I found interesting too. I mean, according to even basic standards of modern morals, the Greeks are no less barbaric than the Persians. The movie is basically a love letter to the winners.

Now, were you to research a story where it's about Xerxes and his amazing conquest of the world, making him the hero of the story, I could see that as well.

It's all about the point of view.

The Persians and Assyrians basically invented the notion of an empire that would envelop other cultures...but to their credit they did so by allowing those cultures to continue to practice their own religions, etc.

true there haven't been any hollywood movies that portray Xerxes positively, but then, there haven't been any Iranian films like that have there?

I gotta say though, the one Iranian film I did see, white balloon, was really good. Simple story that was loaded with allegory that mostly flew over my head. Highly recommended if for no other reason than to get a window into another culture.

[kwok_talk]

Just in case you want to ever look as jacked as the Spartans

http://joshsgarage.typepad.com/articles/2006/11/frank_miller_mo.html

[iSteve]

Going to see 300 tonight (Wed) with a couple of friends.

[iSteve]

Gratuitous post to reach 900.

[kwok_talk]

Gratuitous post to reach 900.

congrats!!!!!

[fred]

yaaay steve
you will soon be elite

I was expecting to get something at 3000, can't I at least be eliter or something? but no

[iSteve]

yaaay steve
you will soon be elite

I was expecting to get something at 3000, can't I at least be eliter or something? but no

Fred, you're the senior master elitist member of the forum.

[mikegraham6]

yaaay steve
you will soon be elite

I was expecting to get something at 3000, can't I at least be eliter or something? but no

Elitist? ;)

[fred]

Elitist? ;)

hells ya mother****er. I'm the besterest

[iSteve]

Good thing this isn't a debate forum, or else you would be known as the master debater.

[fred]

Good thing this isn't a debate forum, or else you would be known as the master debater.

I think it's spelled mastur

[kwok_talk]

hells ya mother****er. I'm the besterest

The Steve Rogers of all the Captain Americas. Does that make iSteve your Bucky?

[fred]

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/fredhosley/1014.jpg

wow that good weird fast

[iSteve]

wow that good weird fast

It often does on this forum.

[fred]

it's usually my fault

[masherscf]

I love my kids, but I hate having to miss out on these movies when they're released. I have to enjoy them vicariously through you guys until the DVD comes out.

Pray for HD-DVD!

[iSteve]

Just got back from seeing 300. What a beautiful bloody ballet of death and glory. It is a Spartan Alamo charged with testosterone, sweat, honor and bravery.

[kwok_talk]

Just got back from seeing 300. What a beautiful bloody ballet of death and glory. It is a Spartan Alamo charged with testosterone, sweat, honor and bravery.

smells like hulk

[iSteve]

300 won the weekend box-office, taking in $31.2 million. Since it opened, it's taken in $127.5 - more than any other film so far in 2007.

[mikegraham6]

300 sequel in the works????

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news07/070318e.php

[paper]

301: Cruise Control? Ugh.

But that article was kind of vague. Maybe Frank's talking about a comic, not a film script?

[mikegraham6]

301: Cruise Control? Ugh.

But that article was kind of vague. Maybe Frank's talking about a comic, not a film script?

all he needs to do is find another key historical battle and interpret it in his signature Frank Miller style, it doesn't even need to be about the spartan/greeks or the persians.

[iSteve]

all he needs to do is find another key historical battle and interpret it in his signature Frank Miller style, it doesn't even need to be about the spartan/greeks or the persians.

More Spartans! More Spartans! More Spartans!

[fred]

all he needs to do is find another key historical battle and interpret it in his signature Frank Miller style, it doesn't even need to be about the spartan/greeks or the persians.

and then make it racist :rolleyes:

just messing with you don't take it personal

[mikegraham6]

and then make it racist :rolleyes:

just messing with you don't take it personal

i hate u fred;)

[fred]

i hate u fred;)

I do too.

And I hate me way more than you ever will

yes, I'm that competitive

[iSteve]

I do too.

And I hate me way more than you ever will

yes, I'm that competitive

Fear and self-loathing in iFanboy-land.

[fred]

Fred Vegas also works

[iSteve]

Fred Vegas also works

You're not the only one with issues. ;)

[rabidbadger]

More Spartans! More Spartans! More Spartans! More pecs and abs!

More pecs and abs! More pecs and abs! More pecs and abs! More pecs and abs!
:D

[iSteve]

More pecs and abs!

More pecs and abs! More pecs and abs! More pecs and abs! More pecs and abs!
:D

I really liked their pointy beards. Gotta grow me one of those.

[paper]

I really liked their pointy beards. Gotta grow me one of those.

I grew one just in time for the movie!

Spartans, Pecs, Abs, whatever. As long as there's a wall made out of people, I'm good.

And *bug-sex, of course.




*see the WWH thread to find out what Paper's talking about. And to see what happens when Black Bolt encounters an angry Hulk!

[iSteve]

I grew one just in time for the movie!

Spartans, Pecs, Abs, whatever. As long as there's a wall made out of people, I'm good.

I forgot about the wall of people. My favorite scene was when King Leonidas said that there was time for civility, at the same time his men were spearing the wounded through the hearts.

[rabidbadger]

I forgot about the wall of people. My favorite scene was when King Leonidas said that there was time for civility, at the same time his men were spearing the wounded through the hearts.

God, that cracked me up.

[fred]

nice editor's note Paper

[cloneboy]

I forgot about the wall of people. My favorite scene was when King Leonidas said that there was time for civility, at the same time his men were spearing the wounded through the hearts.

I actually hated the wall of people. The artist beside me was working on that shot and every day I would say that it seemed like a lot of work just to kill one immortal....

of course he also responded, 'A lot of work for me or the Spartans?' It never got old.... yeah, it did.

[horatio616]

One thing I learned from 300 is that the first Gold's Gym was in Sparta. Who knew? Should have been called 1800 because of the six-packs...

Teenagers yapped to each other and on phones (!) for the first half hour. They fell silent once the carnage began. Theaters need not look further for the reason attendance is down...

Is anyone following the sales of the 300 trade? 126 million in barely over a week should spark some interest at your local Borders...

Yes, I like ellipses damn it.

[iSteve]

Yes, I like ellipses damn it.

You're... not... the... only... one...

[kwok_talk]

You're... not... the... only... one...

remember when I was a kid writing short stories, I used to automatically assume that using ellipses = dramatic. I used those suckers all over the place!

[six-gun]

One thing I learned from 300 is that the first Gold's Gym was in Sparta. Who knew? Should have been called 1800 because of the six-packs...

Teenagers yapped to each other and on phones (!) for the first half hour. They fell silent once the carnage began. Theaters need not look further for the reason attendance is down...

Is anyone following the sales of the 300 trade? 126 million in barely over a week should spark some interest at your local Borders...

Yes, I like ellipses damn it.


I got the Hardcover about a month before the opening, although when I went to Books a Million this week, they had a bunch of copies.

[iSteve]

They're also good for upping your page count.

[paper]

I love a good em-dash.

[cloneboy]

One thing I learned from 300 is that the first Gold's Gym was in Sparta. Who knew? Should have been called 1800 because of the six-packs...

Here is something that might make you all feel a little better. In the last battle scene at the very end of the movie....the one where all the Spartans run towards camera just before the credits roll. Watch VERY closely at the abs coming at you....rock hard abs shouldn't jiggle up and down like pizza dough.

Make-up is all I'm saying...and a little digital touch ups ;)

That said, if you look online there is a video clip of their Spartan Boot camp.

[rabidbadger]

Here is something that might make you all feel a little better. ....rock hard abs shouldn't jiggle up and down like pizza dough.

Make-up is all I'm saying...and a little digital touch ups ;)

That said, if you look online there is a video clip of their Spartan Boot camp.

Dude. Your ruined the fantasy for me. Jeeze. What biz are you in again, I seen the online bootcamp. That's what turned me on to the movie in the first place. Now, the only job i want more than yours is the ab makeup guy. Meow.

[fred]

One thing I learned from 300 is that the first Gold's Gym was in Sparta. Who knew? Should have been called 1800 because of the six-packs...

Teenagers yapped to each other and on phones (!) for the first half hour. They fell silent once the carnage began. Theaters need not look further for the reason attendance is down...

Is anyone following the sales of the 300 trade? 126 million in barely over a week should spark some interest at your local Borders...

Yes, I like ellipses damn it.


for the next comic movie, I offer to fly to each of your cities(on your dime) and watch the movie with you. I will yell at the kids and keep them quiet.

win/win

[acomicbookgirl]

for the next comic movie, I offer to fly to each of your cities(on your dime) and watch the movie with you. I will yell at the kids and keep them quiet.

win/win



hmm... spider man 3 is out in may... The the Fantastic Four movie in July.. Hmmm

[fred]

I don't fly coach

just saying :rolleyes:

[paper]

Does TMNT count? I was born in 84. I'm contractually obliged to go see it.

[fred]

Does TMNT count? I was born in 84. I'm contractually obliged to go see it.

I've already agreed to see it with my wife

yeah it was almost all her - i don't get it either

[tdarwin]

I know this is really behind in terms of when the movie came out at all. But I saw it the weekend it came out, and one of my good friends saw it shortly thereafter on my glowing review.

As a preface, this is the roman/greek era history lesson that got me to absolutely love history during my freshman year of high school. This battle is amazing and I loved it. A couple years later I read 300 and was a huge fan. So this movie was absolutely amazing for me to see. I just wondered why it took them so long.

Needless to say, my friend hated it. He was very upset. Not by the violence, or necessarily the demonization of the bad-guys (though there's an element of racism in this that I think goes over the top - and I do mean racist, knowing the Neo-Conservative background of the director, there is a strong anti-arab/asian facet of that whole political stance), but the political overtones of the film itself that are aimed at unquestioning support of "a" war against "some" arab/asian "nation".

Looking at the neo-con philosophy, that whole area of the world is filled with ungodly evildoers that should be forced into submission as they are not smart enough to manage their own affairs and they need a more powerful nation to utilze their resources to be useful to the world (and that doesn't touch on what they feel about the American populace). I don't want to get into too huge of a political debate, but I had only seen Mike somewhat touch on the issue when going through this thread and thought you all had a good discussion on it, I wanted to bring you some more perspective on other reasons why this movie isn't as great as it seems.

Unfortunately, my friend has made me really angry at this movie, and I like it less and less. It's come off my "gotta have" dvd list. But I don't want to do that for those of you I know liked this movie. But I would like to have a good discussion about it.

I'll talk about it here, or you can comment about it where my friend has posted on it at SensibleElection.com (http://sensibleelection.com/entry.php/3440), or at My own forums at www.davintaddeo.com (http://davintaddeo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21).

I do want to be clear, that I still love the comic. And I feel that the demonizations done in the movie are not nearly as drastic as those done in the film, and the political overtones are essentially non-existent. So, this still remains one of my favorite historic battles, and one of my favorite graphic novels.

P.S. I don't mean to bring a very political (and therefore touchy) subject up here and upset people. If it looks like it'll do that I want to apologize to everyone in advance and ask the mods to delete this post if it's causing too much upset. I know I'm new here and don't really have all the social aspect down of what's appropriate forum chatter here.

P.P.S. sorry for the wicked long post. I'm a ranter and it's worse because I've gotten 8 hours sleep since Monday morning. sorry.

[labor_days]

Holy hells, I listened to an NPR commentary (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9587471) piece on The 300 pointing out various stereotypes/historical inaccuracies.

Persians = Black, Muslim and homosexual.
Spartans = White, Christian and patriotic.

No mention of the satyr playing the mandolin in the tent scene though.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/469421860_a8c0c06f6d_o.png

[alexg]

Holy hells, I listened to an NPR commentary (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9587471) piece on The 300 pointing out various stereotypes/historical inaccuracies.

Persians = Black, Muslim and homosexual.
Spartans = White, Christian and patriotic.

No mention of the satyr playing the mandolin in the tent scene though.



That's ironic considering the Spartans had institutionalized homosexuality, but hey, the movie was based off a comic book, not history.

[conorkilpatrick]

Holy hells, I listened to an NPR commentary (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9587471) piece on The 300 pointing out various stereotypes/historical inaccuracies.

Persians = Black, Muslim and homosexual.
Spartans = White, Christian and patriotic.

No mention of the satyr playing the mandolin in the tent scene though.

Dumb .

[keithm]

How could anyone argue that Greek soldiers=Christian?

Also, why doesn't anyone bring up the fact that Frank Miller wrote the comic well before we were involved in a war with the Musilm world?

[labor_days]

Oh yeah. Forgot all about this thread. I thought the 300 post fit the last couple of movie related posts in the other thread. Oh well.

And yeah, I just didn't understand where all the supposed love of Jesus was to be found in the movie. The hell did come from?

[fred]

maybe it's late and all or my history gene's on the fritz but didn't all this take place pre-christ?

[alexg]

maybe it's late and all or my history gene's on the fritz but didn't all this take place pre-christ?

Only but a couplah hunnid years or so...

Ugh...that radio bit sounds like it was annoying.

[labor_days]

maybe it's late and all or my history gene's on the fritz but didn't all this take place pre-christ?
It is the weirdest thing to charge a movie with satyrs and giants in it with. I'd understand if they were talking about the Chronicles of Narnia or some such. But The 300? The hell.

that radio bit sounds like it was annoying.In the link provided, you can listen to the segment. Should you feel like wasting 3:00 of your life.

[fred]

shit like this makes me want to punch people in the mouth

I joke about stuff like that (hell I joke about everything) but I'm not actually even a remotely violent person. stories like this challenge that

[comhcinc]

heh i can't get the media player to work. so i really can't comment. someone want to transcribe it for me?

[fred]

here's the thing - this is NPR.
It's run by allegedly learned people.
They should know that Christianity came after the time of the battle of placeIcan'tspell (the hot gates).
And I really expect that they do know this.
That makes it worse. I am no defender of Christianity. I'm really not. I'll never argue with you that it's wrong, but it's not my thing.
But everyone knows just what they're doing when they equate 300 with Christianity. You can call it 'code' or a 'watchword' or whatever, but they are trying to cheaply apply all of the same negatives to this that they ascribe to Christianity. It's politics, it's a lie, and it's intentional. THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE MEDIA.

[comhcinc]

like i said i can't listen to it here( i will at work tommorrow) but from what i understand this is coming from a muslin point of view?


if it is you have to understand that in most muslin nations everything is an allegory for religion and they don't understand that it isn't loke that here.

as i have stated before one on my jobs in iraq was to get the locals to like us (or atleast quit shooting at us) and i would spend hugh amounts of time dealing with just this problem.

[fred]

to be honest, I haven't listened to it and I won't. This movie has had so much unfair shit thrown at it from the beginning that it just makes me angry and I try to stay away.

[comhcinc]

not to nit pick but how can you be mad at npr if you haven't listened to it?

[fred]

the description - but maybe I flew off the handle
if I did it's for the overall unfairness of 300-related coverage

[comhcinc]

in fairness i haven't heard it yet either, but i have learned to give NPR the benefit of the doubt

[alexg]

as i have stated before one on my jobs in iraq was to get the locals to like us (or atleast quit shooting at us) and i would spend hugh amounts of time dealing with just this problem.

This sounds like a tough job...did anything actually work?

[mikegraham6]

300: The PG version (http://black20.com/black20-trailer-park/300-pg-version)

[kahunablair]

300: The PG version (http://black20.com/black20-trailer-park/300-pg-version)

"THIS IS DELICIOUS!" is usually heard at least once a week around my house. I love this recut.

[k33k3r]

Frosting!!!

[mikegraham6]

Brush! Your! Teeth!