Alexander

A Journey of Power, Ambition, and Legacy

The film begins with an aged Ptolemy I (played by Anthony Hopkins) recounting the story of his former commander. Through flashbacks, we follow Alexander from his youth under the influence of his ambitious mother Olympias (Angelina Jolie) and his powerful father King Philip II (Val Kilmer), to his rise as king and his legendary military campaigns across Persia, Egypt, and India.

The movie traces Alexander’s personal and political struggles, his complex relationships, and his dream of unifying East and West under one rule. It explores not just his battlefield genius but also his inner conflicts, philosophical ambitions, and emotional isolation.

Epic Scope, Controversial Choices

Alexander is visually spectacular, with grand set pieces, stunning battle sequences, and lush cinematography that spans deserts, palaces, and war-torn landscapes. The Battle of Gaugamela and the Indian campaign are particularly memorable for their scale and intensity.

However, the film sparked controversy for its portrayal of Alexander’s bisexuality, his relationship with his close friend Hephaestion (Jared Leto), and its historical liberties. These elements led to debate among scholars, critics, and audiences, with some praising its bravery and others criticizing its inaccuracy or tone.

Strong Cast, Mixed Execution

• Colin Farrell delivers a passionate and emotionally intense performance, though some critics questioned his casting and Irish accent.

• Angelina Jolie is fierce and mysterious as Olympias, often stealing scenes with her manipulative presence.

• Val Kilmer plays Philip with both power and tragedy, portraying the broken relationship between father and son.

• Supporting roles by Rosario Dawson, Jared Leto, and Anthony Hopkins add depth to Alexander’s world.

Despite the impressive cast, the film often struggles with uneven pacing and a sometimes overly philosophical script that weighs down its momentum.

Reception and Re-evaluation

Upon release, Alexander received mixed to negative reviews and underperformed at the U.S. box office, though it did better internationally. Critics praised the ambition and visuals but criticized the narrative structure, accents, and emotional detachment.

However, Oliver Stone later released multiple re-edited versions—Director’s Cut, Final Cut, and Ultimate Cut—which were better received and helped the film gain a cult following. Many now consider it a bold and underrated epic that aimed higher than most Hollywood historical dramas.

Final Verdict

Alexander is an ambitious, visually impressive, and philosophically rich epic that dares to explore the life of one of history’s most enigmatic figures. Though flawed in execution, its bold storytelling, grand scale, and complex character study make it a fascinating film for fans of ancient history and historical dramas.