300 is another one of those movies that has completely changed my reaction to the film over subsequent viewings. I initially felt the heavily-stylized approach to the movie wasn't really as required for a true adaptation as it was for Sin City. For the previous movie, the visual style not only brought Miller's work to life, but it also worked as an extension of the film's noir genre, which is already dark and shadowy. Zach Snyder's sepia approach to 300 felt unnecessary and, while visually stunning, I didn't wonder if it was more gimmick than tool.
Seeing the film again I feel like my initial reaction was wrong. 300 is not a historical piece, even if the battle of Thermopylae is a historical event. This is an artistic depiction of those events, based on how Frank Miller chose to create them. In that case, the visual presentation is not only fully justified, it's necessary as it completes the artistic vision just as much as the inclusion of the monstrous beasts with swords for arms that couldn't possibly have existed at that time or the inaccurate fighting styles. That same artistry is the movie's primary excuse against the claims of racism some have chosen to beleaguer the movie with.
Politics and artistry aside, the movie is more than just a visually stunning picture. There is some great depth here to be found in the characters, whether it's the soulful narrative that unfolds the story by David Wenham's bardic Dilios or the bureaucratic slime of Dominic West's crooked senator Theron. The true heart of the story lies between the leader of the Spartan warriors, King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and his queen, Gorgo (Lena Headey). Although their screen time together is limited, the love the two share dictates almost every action their characters do, from Leonidas leading his men to battle to protect Sparta and his queen, to Gorgo taking extreme measures in order to rally support for her king's sacrifice. The visual style of the movie may mask their expressions in shadow frequently, but the depth of these characters can't be hidden away. They're just too strong.
With all of that praise, there are a couple of complaints I have that have remained through multiple viewings. The biggest, of course, is the emphasis put on the value of the Spartan's phalanx maneuver. The concept is sound and definitely a needed method of defense - protecting each other in battle. However, Leonidas uses the maneuver as an excuse to turn out the deformed Ephialtes (Andrew Tiernan) who can't lift a shield. That's right, the army of 300, going up against thousands, turns down the help of one person. That wouldn't be so bad if they used the phalanx maneuver beyond the first battle, but after the initial conflict the Spartans start pretty much fighting mano-y-mano, without any kind of solid defense from their kinsmen; a kind of comitatus while it's convenient, and then gone when the camera work needs to get more interesting.
Zack Snyder is able to play on both the visually impressive ideas created by Frank Miller, as well as drawing an emotional depth to these characters. If the story isn't exactly consistent all the time it's a minor quip and one that doesn't detract much from the story. That makes me absolutely confident that he's the right man for the job for Watchmen, which is a good thing. He's going to be taking all of comic book fandom's favorite story in his hands with that one. Much like the Spartan warriors, he should celebrate this victory, however, before building back up for the battle ahead.
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300 - HD DVD Review 
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