Oliver Stone's 2004 film, Alexander, starring Colin Farrell as the legendary conqueror, has received high praise from historian Dr. Roel Konijnendijk for its accuracy in depicting a major battle sequence. Despite the film's critical and commercial failure, Dr. Konijnendijk commends the attention to detail in the portrayal of ancient warfare tactics and formations.
Dr. Konijnendijk's analysis highlights the film's use of authentic battle strategies derived from historical sources, such as the Macedonian phalanx formation and the tactical maneuvers of Alexander's cavalry. He notes the meticulous efforts made by the production team to recreate the battlefield scenarios based on ancient accounts, resulting in a visually stunning and historically faithful depiction of ancient combat.
While acknowledging some creative liberties taken for cinematic purposes, Dr. Konijnendijk lauds the film for its commitment to accuracy and the expertise of the scholarly advisors involved in the production. He ultimately rates the battle sequence a commendable nine out of ten for its fidelity to historical sources.
Despite its military accuracy, Alexander failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, reflected in its low Rotten Tomatoes scores. The film's lengthy runtime of nearly three hours has been a common criticism, with many feeling that certain scenes could have been trimmed to improve pacing and engagement.
Following the lukewarm reception of the original cut, Stone released multiple recuts of the film, with Alexander: The Ultimate Cut in 2014 being considered an improvement. Financially, the movie fell short of expectations, barely recouping its substantial budget at the global box office.
While Alexander may not have achieved commercial success, its dedication to historical accuracy in depicting ancient warfare remains a notable achievement. The film's legacy lies in its meticulous attention to detail and scholarly consultation, setting a high standard for the portrayal of historical battles on the big screen.
