A Film Analysis of “300”
Grant Godfrey
Film Appreciation
11/27/09
Glory or Death
A Film Analysis of “300” Most people have heard the story of King Leonidas and the bold three hundred; but for the people that have never heard of the three hundred Spartans until the movie came out, it definitely opened their eyes after viewing the film. Some do not understand why this story is one of the most amazing ones in Greek history, mostly the people who do not know much about it. It is an inspirational story that tells us many things about life and what comes with it. Three hundred Spartans standing up to thousands of Persians sets the example that size in numbers do not matter, and neither does being the underdog. When the Persians asked the Spartans to surrender, King Leonidas would reply with “Glory or Death.” Some things are worth fighting for, and in this situation, worth dying for as well. When you work hard for something and believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. The amazing editing and camera techniques of the movie stay consistent from beginning to end. Wherever the scenes lead to, the physical theme never fades. It is not a very colorful movie. From the sea to the cliffs to the ground, everything in the background is gold. Once inside a building or palace, all the pillars seem to be lit up, and everything behind them is shadowed out, so the focus is on the characters and what is directly behind them. Another way the cinematography captures our attention is by focusing in from one thing to another, also known as mise en scene. Something up close to the camera will appear, then get unfocused and direct the focus on something in the background. The whole movie is narrated, as if someone is telling this as a story to a group of people. A few minutes into the beginning we see a group of Spartans, and who the narrator is. It is another Spartan who fought alongside with King Leonidas, and is continuing the story of the brave three hundred. The narrator, or Spartan
Film Appreciation
11/27/09
Glory or Death
A Film Analysis of “300” Most people have heard the story of King Leonidas and the bold three hundred; but for the people that have never heard of the three hundred Spartans until the movie came out, it definitely opened their eyes after viewing the film. Some do not understand why this story is one of the most amazing ones in Greek history, mostly the people who do not know much about it. It is an inspirational story that tells us many things about life and what comes with it. Three hundred Spartans standing up to thousands of Persians sets the example that size in numbers do not matter, and neither does being the underdog. When the Persians asked the Spartans to surrender, King Leonidas would reply with “Glory or Death.” Some things are worth fighting for, and in this situation, worth dying for as well. When you work hard for something and believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. The amazing editing and camera techniques of the movie stay consistent from beginning to end. Wherever the scenes lead to, the physical theme never fades. It is not a very colorful movie. From the sea to the cliffs to the ground, everything in the background is gold. Once inside a building or palace, all the pillars seem to be lit up, and everything behind them is shadowed out, so the focus is on the characters and what is directly behind them. Another way the cinematography captures our attention is by focusing in from one thing to another, also known as mise en scene. Something up close to the camera will appear, then get unfocused and direct the focus on something in the background. The whole movie is narrated, as if someone is telling this as a story to a group of people. A few minutes into the beginning we see a group of Spartans, and who the narrator is. It is another Spartan who fought alongside with King Leonidas, and is continuing the story of the brave three hundred. The narrator, or Spartan