Thermopylae Film!

[Ghostmojo]

For me, the prime canditate was Steven Pressfields Gates of Fire.
Pity it got railroaded!

Of course! And yes that would be my first choice for an adaptation of an existing novel, but what if we had our say in what such a film would include?

I beg to differ in that respect. I've read the Pressfield book and it is good (as are many of his others) but the story as told by Herodotos and others is strong enough as it is. There is NO need IMHO for any kind of Helot's eye view of it at all. We have had two stabs at this story and both have disappointed for one reason or other:

The 300 Spartans (1962) starring Richard Egan, Sir Ralph Richardson and Diane Baker - was typical sword and sandals fayre. Historically weak and militarily innaccurate; involving a very un-Spartan love affair; and other bollocks, but what you you expect of such product of that time?

300 (2007) starring Gerard Butler, David Wenham and Lena Hadley - was a great cinematic version of Frank Miller's comic - but again not remotely history. Perhaps Wenham's involvement reinforced the feeling that this was more Tolkien than Herodotos? It is a very good film in its own right and genre, but little serves the subject.

Both films showed a young virile Leonidas I (of about 35 when he was in real life at least 55 and more like 60). Both films went with the short hair look - metal bin-lid shields - complete lack of understanding of tactics etc. In each instance it is understandable. The older film simply didn't have any intellectually researched base, and the newer one was a fantastical reimagining anyway.

There were plans for a Thermopylai film several years ago. Michael Mann had written a treatment. It was considered a serious contender following the success of Gladiator, and those who read the treatment say the battle scenes in the pass would have made the latter film's battle scenes look like a picnic! Both Bruce Willis and George Clooney were interested in the lead role. It is a great shame it never got further. Sadly, the appearance of 300 and the generally poor reception to Oliver Stone's 2004 Alexander may have put paid to it - for now.

My suggestion to Mark was that a film which accurately portrayed the events of August 480BC, and which (almost) equally considered the involvement of the 700 Thespians, as well as the better known 300 Spartans; might be entitled: The 1000. I suppose you could include some of the action at Artemision as well.

Of all the great military last stands: Rorke's Drift; The Alamo; Khartoum; The Little Big Horn; Dien Bien Phu; and others; surely the three-day Battle for the Pass of Thermopylai is the most magnificent, inspiring and deserving of the ultimate cinematic tribute?

Third time lucky?