tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741130846849741533.comments2011-06-06T04:15:41.020-07:00Reelistic ExpectationsM.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15745249804657285368noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741130846849741533.post-23988560240586523652011-06-06T04:15:41.020-07:002011-06-06T04:15:41.020-07:00Hello, I loved your review, I was delighted to rea...Hello, I loved your review, I was delighted to read something written by a feminist who felt like me about the ugly undertones of the Briesis/Achilles relationship in this film, and her essential powerlessness. So many women and even academics seem to think she is 'strong' or 'has agency'. I didn't, and I feel isolated. <br /><br />I thought that the film makers had been underhand. They pretend to have Achilles rescue his captive from a gang rape so that the threat of his own rape, which hangs in the air until she surrenders to his wonderful charms (or rubber suit) when he mounts her with all the delicacy of a tup mounting a ewe. Her sudden surrender seems to have overtones of 'Stockholm Syndrome'.<br />Brad Pitt is a good actor, so I suppose he played Achilles as a self obsessed so-and-so without feeling for others well enough, though I don't see why he had to have only three expressions, and I had to laugh at his being macho while wearing pink lipstick and a denim mini skirt.<br />I thought that the scene where he strips naked in front of Briesis to wash, while taking a long time to give her any reassurance<br />(having formally given no response to his lieutenant's leering remark) was using rape to titillate the audience, and didn't like it. <br />Then, in the scene where she breaks the first law of self defence, and tries to sneak up on him with a knife, I thought it was obvious the Achilles character was meant to have discounted her as a threat and was playing mind games, giving the impression that he is in her power so that he can assert his over her.<br />I cringed when she asks him in a little voice 'Am I still your captive?' His ego gratified, he toys with her fingers. 'You're my guest'.<br />As in the typical behaviour (I believe) of one half of the Stockholm Syndrome relationship, he is alternately nice and abusive, half strangling her when she tries to stop him doing leg exercises on his lieutenant's neck, then making an inadequate apology as he gives her that bracelet (the significance of which I seem to have missed). 'Wheeze. If I hurt you (face moves a little) 'It wasn't what I wanted'. <br />What he wants, if of course, paramount.<br />I am a softy, notorious for bawling at sad endings to films, but I have to say, I didn't feel sympathy for these at all as she gasps out her heartbreak and kisses him while he goes cross eyed and looks as though he's had one too many and is worried he's going to be sick on her. Very considerately, though shot in the chest, he doesn't bleed from the mouth. <br />As he was portrayed as so unsympathetic why were the audience meant to be moved at his end?<br />I don't like the rapist Achilles in 'The Iliad' (Briesis' consent to sex after he takes her prisoner isn't considered) but that was written in another age... <br />I was appalled that so many women think the relationship 'beautiful'.<br />Great to meet one who felt like me about it! Do tell me what you think.<br />LucindaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741130846849741533.post-80831227764288395392010-08-06T09:11:41.564-07:002010-08-06T09:11:41.564-07:00This just goes to prove my theory that Troy should...This just goes to prove my theory that Troy should only ever be watched on mute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTCmbuKY26YAnastasia B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01052407758024388136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741130846849741533.post-4318000809516698202010-07-16T22:23:22.267-07:002010-07-16T22:23:22.267-07:00Hahah, thanks! Though, for the record, I still sug...Hahah, thanks! Though, for the record, I still suggest you see the movie. It is...indescribably mundane.M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15745249804657285368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741130846849741533.post-21773063092634483212010-07-16T11:36:29.239-07:002010-07-16T11:36:29.239-07:00Wow. I don't even think I need to see the movi...Wow. I don't even think I need to see the movie now! Very good recap. My favorite bits:<br />The Classic Chevy of Emotional Abuse<br />Male Stripper Training Camp, WA<br />La Chambre de Bella, Moanville<br /><br />And so many other lines that I can't possibly quote them all here. Well done! :)<br />~M.Anastasia B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01052407758024388136noreply@blogger.com