Alexander is a 2004 epic historical drama film directed by Oliver Stone. The film stars Colin Farrell as Alexander the Great, Angelina Jolie as Olympias, Val Kilmer as Philip II, and Anthony Hopkins as Ptolemy I Soter. The movie explores Alexander's life, his military campaigns, and his complex personal relationships.
The film's narrative is primarily told through the perspective of Ptolemy I Soter (Anthony Hopkins), one of Alexander's generals, years after Alexander's death. The film follows Alexander from his childhood, raised by his ambitious mother Olympias (Angelina Jolie) and tutored by Aristotle (Christopher Plummer), instilling in him a love for knowledge, philosophy, and military strategy. His complex relationship with his father, King Philip II of Macedon (Val Kilmer), is also explored.
Alexander's rise to power after Philip's assassination marks the beginning of his legendary conquests. He leads the Macedonian army on a series of campaigns across Asia, conquering vast territories and defeating the Persian Empire. The film portrays key battles, including the Battle of Gaugamela against Darius III, showcasing Alexander's military genius and the brutal realities of ancient warfare. The film also illustrates Alexander's complex character through his relationships with his closest companions.
The film focuses on Alexander's deep and intimate friendship with Hephaestion (Jared Leto), often likened to the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, and his marriage to Roxana (Rosario Dawson). These relationships highlight Alexander's personal struggles and the challenges faced by his commanders, who often questioned his decisions and ambition. The film explores Alexander's ambition, strategic brilliance, and the cultural exchanges that occurred during his conquests.
Alexander was a box office disappointment and received generally negative reviews from critics. The film was criticized for its length, pacing, and historical inaccuracies. Some reviewers also took issue with the portrayal of Alexander's sexuality and the film's overall tone. Despite the criticism, the film's scale and ambition, along with the performances of the cast, were praised by some. The film has generated considerable debate regarding its historical accuracy and its portrayal of Alexander the Great.
The film was released in multiple versions, including a theatrical cut, a director's cut, and an ultimate cut, each with varying lengths and differing content. The different versions reflect Stone's continued efforts to refine his vision of Alexander's story. The film's soundtrack, composed by Vangelis, was well-received. The film has remained a topic of discussion among historians and film enthusiasts. The film had a budget of approximately $155 million, with a box office of about $167 million.