Oliver Stone sez that Alexander didn't do well in the States because Americans iz stooopid. At least when compared to those Humanities lovin' Europeans.
"People in America are apathetic to ancient history — they are," Stone told reporters Thursday in Paris. "They don't study the classics like they do in Europe, so there is a significant difference in reaction. I know this because I've been in 12 foreign countries in the last month, to 12 openings."The director noted that his film — based on the life of Alexander the Great — was No. 1 in about 18 countries, including Greece. He said he's happy just to share the story of Alexander.
"It was a privilege to make a film about such a unique man, so financial concerns were not uppermost," he said. "I'm glad people can at least get a part of his mind and remember this man because he will be forgotten."
Of course the reason that this movie failed wasn't that the movie sucked, but rather that we Americans are apathetic to ancient history. And of course financial concerns weren't an issue: he's a friggin' genius and as such he's not ever going to be held accountable by the Gods of Money in Hollywood. They'll just keep forking over the cash for him to make movies that suck.
Because he's Oliver Stone and all. His reputation precedes him.
By at least a mile. And makes people laugh at his delusions of grandeur.
Oh, and Gladiator did so well a few years ago because.....? Couldn't have been the apathy for an ancient historical setting.
Posted by: MRN aka "The Husband" at December 16, 2004 12:26 PM"The director noted that his film — based on the life of Alexander the Great — was No. 1 in about 18 countries, including Greece."
They love Jerry Lewis in France. Does that make him funny?
Posted by: Drew at December 16, 2004 01:33 PMJames Carville called Perot's ill-fated '92 campaign: "the most expensive act of masturbation in history."
Oliver Stone's Alexander runs a close second.
Posted by: prufrock at December 16, 2004 02:10 PM