Greek Mythology on the Big Screen

It’s remake time and Clash of the Titans 2010 is the remake of the 1981 Hollywood film. The fantasy story is the ultimate struggle for power between Greek gods, kings and men. Sounds similar to the screenplay themes in Star Wars, and in many ways, it is. If you like dazzling special effects, very long-haired men, soldiers who wear sandals, Greek Mythology, flying horses, gi-normous sea monsters, huge crab creatures, enchanted forests, deserts and strangle worlds, then this film is for you!

The really odd thing about this film is watching Sam Worthington, who plays the god Perseus, ride around on another flying animal. In the film Avatar, he tamed the wildest flying dragon-like creature on the alien planet Pandora to fly him around and in ‘Clash,’ he rides on a huge horse with wings called a Pegasus. I’m sure Worthington is amazed by the similarity as well.

Louis Leterrier, director of the film, was quoted in the production notes as saying, “It’s a big, fun adventure, escapist movie.” “The story is heroic, romantic and about fulfilling your destiny,” he continues. Leterrier is a huge fan of the original film and was delighted to be able to remake it into his own version.

Working with the talented actors Liam Neeson as Zeus (Perseus’s father) and Ralph Finnes (Hades), the film has an international talented cast.

From the beginning of the film when we meet Perseus, who is fetched from the sea by a humble fisherman, and his wife, the tale unfolds in a captivating way. We know from the get-go that we are the learners as the storyteller weaves the threads. Yes, Perseus is born a god, but raised by humans only to be tested later in the film, as he decides for himself which world he’d rather live in.

Something terrible happens to Perseus’ kind parents, setting off a dangerous journey for Perseus. Leading a band of warriors (those soldiers who wear sandals) with the help of Draco, played by Mads Mikkelsen. In Draco, Perseus finds an ally and one who encourages him to make use of all of his powers; the ones given to him by the gods. They venture to foreign lands battling fearsome creatures and meet all kinds of new foreign beings. Some are good and some are not so good. Along the way, Perseus learns to respect his new comrades and builds a very special alliance with them. He in turn, is forced to make decisions that could seal the fate of mankind.

Lines in the film are sometimes comical as Perseus says to a newcomer, “If you can keep up and don’t mind dying, then ok, you can join us.” These lines of dialogue break up those non-stop battle scenes set against insurmountable odds.

The special effects are really cool! When Hades appears his entrance is awesome. He’s surrounded by black smoke and floats dramatically in and out. The Kraken was my favorite special effect as this gi-normous sea creature is larger than life and is slowly brought out of the water and into focus. The timing is great as all is not divulged immediately.

Bottom-line, the 3D is more of an annoyance than a plus. The camera jiggles too much in some sequences and others are out of focus. I’d see it again as I enjoyed the special effects, comical lines, and the costumes. And our hero does get the girl in the end.

*The sandals and toes were actually painted on top of enclosed toe shoes of the soldiers as the battle scenes were too dangerous to be filmed otherwise!

Sarah Adamson © April 2010