Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller’s (Sin City) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents in Association with Legendary Pictures and Virtual Studios, a Mark Canton / Gianni Nunnari Production, 300. Directed by Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead), the film stars Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera), Lena Headey (The Brothers Grimm), David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Vincent Regan (Troy), Rodrigo Santoro (Love Actually) and Dominic West (The Forgotten). Gianni Nunnari (The Departed), Mark Canton, Bernie Goldmann (Land of the Dead) and Jeffrey Silver (Training Day) are the producers. Snyder and Kurt Johnstad adapted the graphic novel by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, with a previous draft of the script by Michael Gordon. The executive producers are Frank Miller, Deborah Snyder, Craig J. Flores, Thomas Tull, William Fay and Benjamin Waisbren. The creative behind-the-scenes team is led by director of photography Larry Fong, production designer James Bissell, editor Bill Hoy and costume designer Michael Wilkinson. Music is by Tyler Bates.

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http://300themovie.warnerbros.com/

Thermopylae was perhaps my first historical obsession, so part of me wants to squee like a little fanboy at this news. But given Hollywood's track record in this area (and the fact that it's based on a graphic novel and not something a bit more respectable like Gates of Fire), I can't help but wish for the grey eyed daughter of Zeus to smite this project before it can unleash its evil upon the world. That said, those screenshots indicate a movie with outstanding art direction. That alone could be reason to see it, even if they are messing with my ancestors.

Go and tell the Spartans, o stranger passing by,
That we were digitally rendered, using CGI...

The story of Leonidas and his men is what made me choose old Greek as my third language to learn at school back then :)

I really like Miller's work and Sin City is one of the best comic (of course it's a graphic novel ;)) adaptations of all time. Imho it was the best movie in 2005.

Okay, I haven't read "300" but I'm sure Miller wrote a great story inspired by the historical facts. Maybe it's not fully accurate but 'im sure it will be better than sRTVWE%T"$T Gladiator.
Let's hope for the best :)

The pix look awesome considering that it's all bluescreen.

One advantage of basing a movie on a graphic novel is that you have a head start on the story boards. There will also be less material you have to prune than if you were basing it on a novel.

I really liked Sin City visually, the way it combined the actors with a background that was only limited by the director's imagination. I disliked it's story, which came across to me as the fantasies of a fourteen year old. I hope that the script for the 300 is better.

Creepy. I just finished Gates of Fire last night, and was wondering why nobody had made a movie about Thermopylae. :eek:
I can't wait.

I realize that it does take time and effort to design graphics like that and that the special effects people are not lazy but those shots just look too fake to me.

I realize that the finished product will probably be cleaner than that but I prefer movies that are based on actual sets rather that actors running around in front of a green/blue screen. When I see movies made in this way it seems as though there is no real connection between the actors and what is going on around them.

I realize that I am probably opening up a pandora's box with this and am not intending to change the discussion from Marcos' original topic.

I have always been interested in the history of this event as well and that may be why I am annoyed by the graphics.

Sorry for the rant. I probably should hold off judgement until I actually see the finished movie.

Later... Alex

Hey guys. Don't forget the 1000 Thespians who stood and died with the Spartans.W

I wonder how it will end?

Well, think of it this way. It may not be as 'historically accurate' as other films but the visuals seem outstanding, and the story as we know is incredible.

I have some pretty high hopes for this movie, but so help me god, if they try to wedge a patchwork love story into this...

Seeing these screens is not encouraging to me. I'm not an expert in historical accuracy, and I don't think it's very accurate, but I loved the 300 book Miller did. It's short, so it looks like they are adding things to the story and changing a few things around. Among these is the Armor.

In the book, the armor and weapons are an intrinsic part of the characterization of the various armies represented.

The Persians

There are two main groups of the Persian army represented:

The General Persian Army is richly dressed in silks and bits of chainmail combined with bits and pieces similar to what you'd see in a "Crusades" movie. The silks seem to vary with higher ranks wearing brightly colorful silks while the soldiers typically wearing whites and browns. Their main weapon is the bow and spear.

Xerxes royal guard, the "Immortals" wear black silk and face masks, making them appear identical. They too have bow and spear with a few swords mixed in. Their plain uniform characterizes them as more professional, more

Xerxes himself is portrayed as wearing a solid gold chain "bondage outfit" and is heavily pierced. This has the effect of making him "Gleam" and portrays him as a man with serious issues, mainly a god complex and dominance issues.

The Free Greeks
The Greeks that accompany the Spartans are dressed in a typical greek tunic with officers in Linthorax. They typically do not wear helms and fight with spear and shield.

The Spartans...
The Spartans wear greaves, a a red-crested corinthian Helm, billowing red cloaks and carry a larger shield. Other than that they are essentially naked. They carry a spear as their chief weapon though a few Xiphos are used. The Spartans laugh and joke about those wearing more armor than they do. I'm disappointed that decided to dress the Spartans in the movie version. I know they did it because the american cinema is not too friendly towards full frontal male nudity, but it does change their characterization.

There was a city in Boeotia called Thespiae - that's where most of the warriors who stayed at Thermopylae with the Spartans came from. Mr. Champlin was having a little joke with us