02-21-2009, 06:01 PM
Before you scoff why not read this book? I don't have a view one way or the other, and the various images claim to have been researched by the authors/illustrators - who presumably are Greek. Where he did this research is not clear.
Regarding the 1962 film - yes we know it was largely rubbish - enjoyable - but rubbish on almost every level - from Spartan hair length to Leonidas' age (Egan certainly not looking 60) - from shield construction (bin lids) to cloak wearing - from single rank battle array to setting bales of hay on fire ... and so on. I hope somebody finally does this battle justice and films it properly one day. The Frank Miller novel-turned-cinematic mini epic 300 was a double edged sword. Yes it was a very cool film - but more akin to Tolkien than Herodotos - and it might have determined others not to bother retreading this ground, especially since it was hotly followed by hilarious Meet The Spartans!
Michael Mann was preparing a treatment of the Thermopylai story as much as 6-7 years ago. I hear from those who read it that the battle scenes would have made Gladiator look like a picnic. Likely contenders for Leonidas were George Clooney and Bruce Willis - both apparently enamoured of the Agiad King as potential movie hero. There has also been talk about filming Stephen Pressfield's book "Gates Of Fire". I've read this and it is a fine book - but - I wonder why bother such an approach (which is viewed through a non-Spartan servant's eyes) when the actual story (following Herodotos and other ancient sources) is great as it is?
Returning to the thread subject - has anybody else actually read this book?
Regarding the 1962 film - yes we know it was largely rubbish - enjoyable - but rubbish on almost every level - from Spartan hair length to Leonidas' age (Egan certainly not looking 60) - from shield construction (bin lids) to cloak wearing - from single rank battle array to setting bales of hay on fire ... and so on. I hope somebody finally does this battle justice and films it properly one day. The Frank Miller novel-turned-cinematic mini epic 300 was a double edged sword. Yes it was a very cool film - but more akin to Tolkien than Herodotos - and it might have determined others not to bother retreading this ground, especially since it was hotly followed by hilarious Meet The Spartans!
Michael Mann was preparing a treatment of the Thermopylai story as much as 6-7 years ago. I hear from those who read it that the battle scenes would have made Gladiator look like a picnic. Likely contenders for Leonidas were George Clooney and Bruce Willis - both apparently enamoured of the Agiad King as potential movie hero. There has also been talk about filming Stephen Pressfield's book "Gates Of Fire". I've read this and it is a fine book - but - I wonder why bother such an approach (which is viewed through a non-Spartan servant's eyes) when the actual story (following Herodotos and other ancient sources) is great as it is?
Returning to the thread subject - has anybody else actually read this book?
[size=75:2kpklzm3]Ghostmojo / Howard Johnston[/size]
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[size=75:2kpklzm3]Xerxes - "What did the guy in the pass say?" ... Scout - "Μολὼν λαβέ my Lord - and he meant it!!!"[/size]
[size=75:2kpklzm3]Xerxes - "What did the guy in the pass say?" ... Scout - "Μολὼν λαβέ my Lord - and he meant it!!!"[/size]
