You know what, it happened I think early on because I knew that there was no way we could make those Frank [Miller] Frames outside. It was just going to be impossible to try and find those times of day that looked like that or that landscape that looked like that. It just didn’t exist in the real world. And so, that was really an early decision to say, “You know we’ve gotta make this this world that doesn’t exist except for in Frank’s head. So we’ve gotta go make it, we can’t find it.”
So would you say that was your goal for the film? To make Frank’s vision kind of come alive?
Yeah. Absolutely. In fact, I wanted to make Frank’s vision come alive and I feel like when I watch it that I get that. You know, after Frank saw the movie he said, “You know, it’s the movie I wanted to see when I was young. When I saw my original 300 Spartans, this is the movie I wanted to see.” So that’s cool. It made me feel good.
And the film does certainly seem to be an extension of the Frank’s novel, but what is different about the film than the graphic novel itself?
There is a small difference in the story line. We added a thing with the Queen back home in Sparta. And, I would say that’s the major difference. I would say that other than that it is pretty much 90% the graphic novel.
The film does seem to capture the graphic novel quite well, at least from what we can see in the trailer. It also feels like a visual feast of sorts. But what do you think will surprise audiences about 300?
I think that what’s surprising about 300 is that its not just a visual feast, it’s actually a thing… people have come up to me and said “You know, I cried at the end of 300.” I’m like, that’s awesome. You know, and that’s what I would hope for. I want the movie… look… it’s a romp, you know. One of the things I’ve said is that it’s hard to go and see a movie that’s made for adults that’s fun. I think that when people make that R-rated movie 90% of the time it’s either like horrific or depressing. And I wanted to do a movie that when you walked out you were like “Fuck! That was awesome!” And you wanna kick some ass.
Article comments
1 - Kaonashi
This film looks all sorts of bad ass. It's also the most beautiful film I've ever seen (at least, looking at the trailers). I can't wait for March 9!
2 - El Bicho
good interview; thanks for the mention.
3 - Concrete Block 15
DOUG HUTCHISON *IS* RORSCHACH!
People must be told. Never compromise.
4 - Mike
The film got a Standing Ovation at the sold out World Premiere at the Berlin Film Fest. 1700 seat house with lots of cheers and applause during the film. Cool, huh?
5 - Camran
Xerxes- Persian Xashayar Shah- was one of the greatest Shah of Iran-where Greeks would translate Persia. He was Shah (king) of many countries include Egypt and Babylon and today's Turkey. In Ezra you can read more about him. He had a Jew wife; Esther. Later he was killed by his prime minster (Vazir). I don't think his defeat means that he was a savage person. Rodrigo who carries Egyptian jewellery on himself has not any similarity with Xashayar (Xerxes)even; the kings of Iran would never stand naked!! Check his picture
In the last 1400 years Iran suffered religious pressure from outside and then inside! Now by forging history in the shape of Alexander or 300 you're just adding to our bad fortune. We know our history Mr. Snyder and had been long the only competitors in science and technology with Greeks and later Romans.I would kindly suggest you to look at history and do not prejudice and do not put your political hate into your work. You better leave the historical feeling of Greeks and Persians for themselves.
Regards, Camran
6 - Jim Patterson
300 was probabely the greatest distortion of the known history. I had no idea that in our day and age where people can read about the historical facts easily from their computers someone would even attempt to make a movie like this. He could at least be a little bit more realistic. Originality and reality aside, i guess the movie was a good entertainment for teenagers.
7 - Rizvi
Great Movie with an Evil motive.
It’s all about the number... the entire Europe & America is sensitive towards the 6 million numbers and the Holocaust. No-one is allowed to disagree with it but the same sensitive civilization has given full freedom to Zack Snyder to distort the history to suite his plot.
Rambo was prelude to the attack on Afghanistan... 300 is the plot to justify the future attack on Iran.
8 - Rizvi
Great Movie with an Evil motive.
It’s all about the number... the entire Europe & America is sensitive towards the 6 million numbers and the Holocaust. No-one is allowed to disagree with it but the same sensitive civilization has given full freedom to Zack Snyder to distort the history to suite his plot.
Rambo was prelude to the attack on Afghanistan... 300 is the plot to justify the future attack on Iran.
9 - Sepideh
Well..By the look of it, sorry but it is complete rubish..
Thanx for all the effor to make this movie..but why didn't u put this effort to make movie which contains reality rather than a bunch of rubbish...
Persians have had slaves from greece to build their cities ...So how can they loss to 300!!!....
OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK AT THE REALITY!!!
10 - Cedsnyder
Dear Foreign Friends, This is a movie to be enjoyed & obviously a lot of people did!!!!...$700M gross on a $63M operating budget..Get it?...I honestly believe you would have invested in it if you knew the Financial outcome!!!! There was nothing immoral or subversive in this movie at all!! No one came out hating the Persians or the Spartans!..It was just an enjoyable,excellent film.....Best, Ed