Was Oliver Stone the right director for movie "Alexander"?

[Smokey]

As it is evident from Oliver Stones previous movies he directed (such as Salvador, Platoon), he seem to excel in materials that have an edge to them, or situations out of ordinary. But directing a big historical epic might not be his calling.

May be directors such as James Cameron or Steve splidberg might have been more appropriate.

Anybody seen this movie?

[kexodusc]

Coulda been worse...imagine Tarantino or Spike Lee getting their hands on this...or, Mel Gibson...

I just watch movies and enjoy them, I'm not sure I'm qualified to critque the director's performance or effect on the end result. I didn't think this film was bad though. Could have been better, but could have been a lot worse, too...

Interesting question!

[JSE]

I have not seen the movie and I doubt I will until it's on cable. From what I have heard, it was a terrible movie.

In terms of Stone, I think he has really become a poor director. He seems to push the envelope just to push the envelope. He just can't make "a movie". He has to be cutting edge and push the limits of what we are comfortable with every time. I am not saying this is a bad thing by any means. I just think it's being done by a director who has gotten to self involved to be able to direct a good movie.

JSE

[eqm]

I wonder if good old Fidel liked it, since he and Stone are such good friends...?

[Smokey]

Coulda been worse...imagine Tarantino or Spike Lee getting their hands on this...or, Mel Gibson.

I don't know about Terantino, but Spike Lee or Mel Gibson might have done a better job (going by their previous works). I belive big part of reason this movie sunk is it inaccuracy of historical events. This movie could been a big hit in Europe if it had any historical values.

In terms of Stone, I think he has really become a poor director.

I wouldn't say he is bad director. He just seem to excels on lower budget movies (have you seen Elsalvador).But I hope you agree that he is great screen writer. He wrote the screen play for Scarface

I wonder if good old Fidel liked it, since he and Stone are such good friends...?

I am sure Fidel is not too crazy about the movie [Scarface] Stone scripted about Cuban born Tony Montana

[dean_martin]

I belive big part of reason this movie sunk is it inaccuracy of historical events.

That's what I've heard from the local history buffs who've seen it.

[kexodusc]

Geez boys, if it's a movie you can pretty much bet on inaccuracy...I never hold my breath anymore.
Even the good ones are told from a point of view...I just didn't think the movie had that large epic feeling to it. I enjoyed it, but it was more "rental quality" to me than blockbuster motion picture. I didn't pay attention to the fact that Stone did it though, and now in hindsight it is a bit peculiar.

Maybe that genre's just been exploited and done too many times. Maybe Smokey's bang on and Stone was out of his element...at least you've got to respect the man for trying.

[dean_martin]

Geez boys, if it's a movie you can pretty much bet on inaccuracy...I never hold my breath anymore.
Even the good ones are told from a point of view...I just didn't think the movie had that large epic feeling to it. I enjoyed it, but it was more "rental quality" to me than blockbuster motion picture. I didn't pay attention to the fact that Stone did it though, and now in hindsight it is a bit peculiar.

Maybe that genre's just been exploited and done too many times. Maybe Smokey's bang on and Stone was out of his element...at least you've got to respect the man for trying.

Yeah, historical accuracy is not on the top of list of criteria for liking/disliking a film - unless it's supposed to be a documentary. But I was a little surprised at the strong reactions from a couple of my shade-tree historian buddies who hold Alexander in high esteem. Oh well, at least I can watch it without being burdened by all that knowledge.