Alexander (2004)

DVD COVER/SIDE

Length of film:  175 Minutes, (Directors Cut: 167 Minutes), (Final Cut Edition: 213 Minutes)

Rated: R

Genre: Action, Biography, Drama

Director: Oliver Stone

Starring: Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer, Jared Leto, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Hopkins

IMDB Rank: 5.6/10

Part 1 Time: 105 Minutes (Directors Cut: 96 Minutes), (Final Cut Edition: 125 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 70 Minutes (Directors Cut: 79 Minutes), (Final Cut Edition: 88 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Alexander and Ptolemy speak atop of a mountain before entering India.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “We Must go out Ptolemy, until we find an end.” Alexander responds to Ptolemy.

First line of dialogue on the second part:  “India land where the sun is born…” Old Ptolemy narrates from the future as Alexander’s army ventures into India’s jungles.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, at this point in the film Alexander is at the hight of his power, he has conquered Darius III and has begun his conquest across Eastern-Asia. However, with the campaign increasing in years, Alexander’s army is becoming evermore frustrated and divided.

Which part is better? In part one the audience is celebrated with Alexanders victories and prophecies (his victories being compared to Greek Gods). Part two questions Alexanders weaknesses and his rise to power not being the will of the God’s (but of mortal means). Alexanders choices throughout his war campaign begin to cause future issues within his army. Edge goes to part two, which allows the audience to see how past decisions and interpretations can distort one’s legacy.

Academy Awards: None