[Movie] 300

Originally Posted by sprouticus

Okay, what I gathered is this - You said that 300 is a combination of mediums, and that it is a faithful translation of the comic, because Frank Miller said so. Here are the problems with that statement-

Your inital response to what I said was an image of an emo kid cutting himself, is it that hard to accept that someone can actually disagree with you and give decent reasons why?

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A film is a film. The end. No matter what it is based off of, be it a comic, a novel, real events, whatever, in the end it is still just a film. You don't need to be a film major to figure that out. Of course Frank Miller is happy with it - It's a near-flawless rendition of HIS comic. This is problematic because if somebody made a near-flawless rendition of my life, I too would be happy with it. Does that make it a good film? NO.

See I don't think you grasped the fact that if something is based off of another, then it is not just one medium. Like I said before, when it comes to something like this, the two merge. Yes, they are two different mediums, but why do you think people compair them to each other. Because they, like the film makers are trying to bring one medium to life with another. This would make it two different mediums, especially since those who made the movie, used the comic as a storyboard. As for Frank Miller saying it is good, well it boils down to this. It was his comic, and he thinks the director and producers didn't fuck it up and make it look like shit (Batman & Robin anyone) so there for, he would be the final say in weather the movie is perfect or not. Guess what, he thinks it is. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it a bad movie.

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300 is a film, and only a film. Therefore, it should follow the guidelines of what make a good film good. It shouldn't have limited itself strictly to the source material, because quite frankly, stuff that works well in other mediums may not work as well in a film. Look at The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy if you want a stunning example of how NOT to translate a book to film. What worked in the book did not work in the film at all.

Correction 300 is a comic that was turned into a film, completely different set of guidelines. If you don't limit yourself to the source matrerial then you might throw in something that is nothing like the source in the first place. On the note of Hitchhickers Guide, they did a pretty damned good job, but you don't seem to remeber that the book has ALOT of stuff that was not put into the movie. Your nitpicking that is the same as nitpicking 300. Also, what works in a book, is imagination, which someone had to bring it to light as a movie, weather or not it was exact to the soucre.

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300 may very well be faithful to the source material, but you could write a book on a piece of dog shit and make a film that is faithful to it. You'll still be left with dog shit in the end.

Now you are just fishing, catch me something good.

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Can we end this nonsense? Can we just both agree that I know more about how films work than you do? It may make me sound like a douche to you, but when you say you wish you could have seen more violence in Saving Private Ryan because it doesn't have slow motion like 300 makes you sound like the meathead jock that 300 was clearly aimed at.

Well I cant agree with you on this one seeing as I was a move theater projectionist for the last two years of my life. See you read, and watched, and sat on your ass studing movies to say that you know how they work. I learned how to thread a projection head from platter to platter, change out the lens from flat to scope or back, fix a brain wrap on a film when it happens. I know how to install Xenon bulbs ( they can melt off your eyelids, but you know that dont you film major) with out them going off in my face. I can fix framing and sound problems on the spot. I also know how to build up and tare down movies when they come to the theaters and when it is time for them to leave. I know how splicing frames work, and I know how to put together a trailor pack. Sir, you think you know how movies work, I have worked with movies.

Like I said, you dont like it, stick it in your ass and make something better, till then, keep your butter knife, you might need later in life.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by IdentikitOfEyes

Well I cant agree with you on this one seeing as I was a move theater projectionist for the last two years of my life.

Using your janitorial experience doesn't validate your opinion either. Stop trying to prove who's opinion is right. I thought it was a kick ass movie. I'm not saying that the movie was kick ass because I've been a mechanic for thirty-five years and I am far more cultured than the both of you. I'm just simply stating that I thought it was cool. End of discussion, thank you.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Vestin

Using your janitorial experience doesn't validate your opinion either. Stop trying to prove who's opinion is right. I thought it was a kick ass movie. I'm not saying that the movie was kick ass because I've been a mechanic for thirty-five years and I am far more cultured than the both of you. I'm just simply stating that I thought it was cool. End of discussion, thank you.

I am not saying my opinion is right because of my experiance, in every post from sprouticus, he keeps saying that he is right because he is a film major. He even stated that he knows how movies work and that is why he "know more" All I was doing with that part was showing that I too have worked with movies in the point that I know how to actually play a movie through a projector. I was just defending myself against someone that keeps throwing their film major title around.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I invented the motion picture by accident while travelling through time once when I was 14. Based on that, I'd say that 300 has a lot of hot dudes running around almost naked, and what sounds like a fairly sexy sex scene. That, plus slow-motion gore equals the movie equivalent of a roller coaster -- one that is being ridden by a bunch of almost naked dudes. I'll probably rent this one.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by IdentikitOfEyes

Well I cant agree with you on this one seeing as I was a move theater projectionist for the last two years of my life. See you read, and watched, and sat on your ass studing movies to say that you know how they work. I learned how to thread a projection head from platter to platter, change out the lens from flat to scope or back, fix a brain wrap on a film when it happens. I know how to install Xenon bulbs ( they can melt off your eyelids, but you know that dont you film major) with out them going off in my face. I can fix framing and sound problems on the spot.

Are you trying to use your ability to do a task, one that thousands of teenagers throughout the nation can also do as well, to justify any opinion on presentation on creativity? I'm not here to say your opinion is wrong, but it's an entirely foolish stance to think that using "experience" involving the avoidance of burning out your retinas will somehow make you more credible.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

the movie was visually captivating and story was enough to keep you hoping that the Spartans would gain victory. Not groundbreaking though, Sin City definitely better since it gave an attachment to the characters.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Diversion

Are you trying to use your ability to do a task, one that thousands of teenagers throughout the nation can also do as well, to justify any opinion on presentation on creativity? I'm not here to say your opinion is wrong, but it's an entirely foolish stance to think that using "experience" involving the avoidance of burning out your retinas will somehow make you more credible.

No, its not like that. I was using it to justify the fact that I know how movies work just as well as sprouticus. Granted it is a task that can be learned by anyone. I was just trying to make the point that throwing around a film major title doesn't automatically make you all knowing in movies. I am a game designer and I don't act like I have played every game ever made.Thats generally what sprouticus has been doing this entire thread. " I am a film major, I know more than you." Yay, that just means you watch alot of movies and will be line to become a film critic, which not alot of people like.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Capo

This guy named Patrick (oh boy was he cool; me and my friends started a "We <3 Patrick" chant before the previews started =o), told us that every single showing at Loew's had been sold out this weekend. We got to the theater at 7 and were forced to buy tickets for the 8 o' clock showing, but it was worth the wait. Such a fun movie. =)

Posted in AA's journal, but it works for a post here, too.

I was speaking idiomatically.

I haven't seen the movie yet but I think its pretty funny that Iran is protesting the movie because its degrading to the Persian army by getting their asses kicked or something like that and that it is "Modern Day Propoganda" to help the war against Iran...

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Devoxycontin

If you don't read history I guess this is true.

Knowing the outcome or not, you can still be instilled with hope.
Kind of like when you watch a movie for a second time and you know what happens, but still wish that so-and-so did the OTHER thing, ya know? uh...

Anyway, I just got back from a late showing and was impressed. It was no Gladiator but it was definitely a good movie.
The speed variation techniques made it feel more like a video game. In my mind I kept trying to draw parallels to the movie and the games Prince of Persia and God of War.

Spoiler:

The ending soldier-charge scene was great because not only did the speed change, but so did the angle!

I was actually impressed by the speed changes, even if it was kind of gimmicky or whatever. It was the movie's "style", and I dug it. It made it feel more and more like an action-packed graphic novel: There's action on the pages, but there's so much visual detail that you have to pause and ogle it a little more in certain parts.

FELIPE NO

best story about 300 everrr.





I would totally hurl a spear at some people.

How ya doing, buddy?

Based on how dissapointed I was by Sin City, I can't see myself going to see this. IMO, CGI is the scourge of modern cinema.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by chibilola

best story about 300 everrr.





I would totally hurl a spear at some people.

That's funny and fucked up all at the same time.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by kinkymagic

Based on how dissapointed I was by Sin City, I can't see myself going to see this. IMO, CGI is the scourge of modern cinema.

Well it's suppose to be pretty on top of the comic but it's never meant to be accurate, I'm really dissappointed in people talking about how history that and history this. It really doesn't matter on an entertainment base. If you want history go watch a special on the history channel. I wanted to see Gerard Butler half naked (or completely naked) kick some ass, and I did.

What 300 is a whole bunch of "well built" men running around hacking legs and head off and stabbing people with spears screaming "SPARTA!" in complete CG enviroment. If you're going in there expecting anything else in there you might as well go into a family film expecting a boob-age. Other then that I really want to kick someone in the chest.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Matt

That's funny and fucked up all at the same time.

LOL, that's hilarious, would have loved to have seen that! But man, after seeing the movie, you do kinda build up the testosterone. Haha, even my buddies said, as we exited the theatre, that they had an urge to start pushing people out of the way.

EDIT:

Oh and picked up the figures by NECA. Wish they gave Leonidas an angry roaring helmetless head instead, as it would haved looked so much better.







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Man... I was expecting to see a popcorn, testosterone-fueled rage fest with VERY pretty pictures and lots of blood, kind of like the comic... My expectations were met tenfold. VERY GOOD MOVIE, if you're not there expecting an Academy Award winner. (lol)

I didn't recognize Gerard Butler though. I remember him when he was in that Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life and he just looks and acts the fucking part of Leonidas; in other words, the polar opposite of Sheridan in CoL. The man walks around the set like earth fucking BELONGS to him and yeah... he may not own the earth but he does own this film.

I was speaking idiomatically.

That story is from 4chan (or one of its heathen brethren) and is most likely "copypasta". Stories like that are very rarely real, especially when originating from sites like 4chan.

Did make me laugh though.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Damn I was really hoping it was real.

FELIPE NO

huh?
well anyway, kick ass fucking movie. I went with my friends last night expecting some testosterone filled action and I got exactly what I wanted and more. Awsome movie, awsome camara work and just a great sense of style. One of my friends said he thought the movie sucked so I told him that if he is a man and he doesn't like that movie that he is gayer than gay. then I made him watch this flash video: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/2006/06/celebgay.html

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Hantei

LOL, that's hilarious, would have loved to have seen that! But man, after seeing the movie, you do kinda build up the testosterone. Haha, even my buddies said, as we exited the theatre, that they had an urge to start pushing people out of the way.

EDIT:

Oh and picked up the figures by NECA. Wish they gave Leonidas an angry roaring helmetless head instead, as it would haved looked so much better.

I was just watching all the clips and trailers on my 360 and my roomate mention that movie builds testosterone, and he bought the figures lie right after he saw the movie. lol I swear I thought you were my room mate lol.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by chibilola

I was just watching all the clips and trailers on my 360 and my roomate mention that movie builds testosterone, and he bought the figures lie right after he saw the movie. lol I swear I thought you were my room mate lol.

lol, what a coincidence. Though, I'm sure the majority of viewers felt the same way, and went out to purchase the movie's merchandising as well.

One thing I noticed, upon my second viewing tonight, for only one time in the movie that it really seemed like there were 300 spartans (which was pretty much just the first battle). After the first day's battle, it just seemed like there only 30 or so for the rest of it (clear example would be the immortals battle). Heh, that really kinda bugged me as I thought there'd be a least half or so left after sustaining casualties.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by chibilola

best story about 300 everrr.





I would totally hurl a spear at some people.

LOL, if this really did happen, I would've loved to have seen that, as bad as it sounds.

Originally Posted by Hantei

One thing I noticed, upon my second viewing tonight, for only one time in the movie that it really seemed like there were 300 spartans (which was pretty much just the first battle). After the first day's battle, it just seemed like there only 30 or so for the rest of it (clear example would be the immortals battle). Heh, that really kinda bugged me as I thought there'd be a least half or so left after sustaining casualties.

This is unfortunately a side-effect of telling large battles, whether on film or in images (aka comics). The numbers tend to fluctuate a lot (unless it really is a small force, like less than 10 guys), and my guess is that they cut down the number of soldiers you see because to be honest, the only one that you could really tell who it was is Leonidas (and even then, only because the camera focuses almost solely on him in most fights).

I would've loved to seen more Spartans getting hurt/killed throughout all the fighting, but if they threw all 300 of them (assuming none were killed or badly wounded yet), the fighting scenes would get pretty confusing after a while, and it'd be like watching a battle take place in a Total War game from far away.

Other war movies usually do stuff like this as well. For example, in Gladiator, the first battle focuses almost solely on Maximus (but you do get to see other soldiers fighting from time to time, and when you do, it gets kind of confusing as to what's going on exactly).

And in Saving Private Ryan, I don't remember how many soldiers the Americans had, but guys die left and right, including main characters, and more just seem to keep popping out of the woodwork, at least until the very end of the battle. And this is particularly true of the German soldiers. It seems like for every one that's killed, 3 more guys show up out of nowhere to take his place (almost like a WW2 shooter lol).

This is slightly less related, but really funny when you notice it. Watch action movies (particularly Jackie Chan ones) where the hero and maybe his sidekick approach some bad guys, or get approached by bad guys, and once the fighting starts, more bad guys just start spawning out of nowhere (sorry, video game reference again lol). In some cases, it makes you wonder where the heck those other guys were at the whole time lol. If you do a body count of how many guys get taken down, and then how many more guys show up, you'll notice some pretty funny stuff.

Hot Shots: Part Deux makes fun of this too. In one scene, the movie starts to keep track of how many bad guys the hero's killed, and then starts to compare the body count to other movies. And no matter how many bad guys he kills, more just come out of nowhere (of course, since this is a spoof movie, the "deaths" are pretty funny, and nothing really serious:

Spoiler:

like when the hero runs out of bullets, but sees a box of bullets in front of him. Instead of loading them into his gun, he simply picks some bullets, throws it at the bad guy, and that's enough to kill him.

And in another scene, one of the good guys has a sniper rifle, and looks like they're about to use it to shoot someone far away in what could be a very serious scene. When the camera pans out however, the front part of the rifle has a wooden mallet attached to it, and the far away guard is actually very close, to the point that he gets hit with the mallet.

One final one, which really has nothing to do with the topic, but it's really stupid and funny. When one of the bad guys comes out to fight, he has a banana. When the good guy grabs him, they fight and struggle with each other as if it's a knife, and the bad guy attempts to "stab" the good guy with it. The good guy can't overpower him right away, so he takes a bite of the banana, the beats the bad guy up lol.

Oh, and...

"This is Sparta!"

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

hmm well it looks like theres more if you pay attention to the back, but the 30 or so you see on screen must be the actual 30 that they casted as soldiers. I mean with those pecks training more then 30 might get hard. As you can see on the spartan training clips on the 360, or youtube by now.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I saw the movie a bit ago...I left the theatre speechless. It was the most brilliant movie I had seen in a very long time.

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I enjoyed the movie very much when I saw it a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was one of the best movies I saw this year. I thought Xerxes was a bit funny though they way he talked and the way he stand/walk, but other than that a great film. Not historical accuring but great piece of work.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?