There was a time that I was a fan of director Oliver Stone. Most of his earlier films I would easily put on my own Top 100 list. Films like “Salvador”, “Platoon”, “Wall Steet”, “Talk Radio”, “Born on the Fourth of July”, “The Doors”, and even “J.F.K.” are brilliant pieces of work. But somewhere around 1993 something went wrong. He directed “Heaven and Earth”, which should have been a good film… but wasn’t. He followed this up with “Natural Born Killers”, which I had high hopes for but ended being nothing more than a brilliantly edited piece of trash. Last year, what was to be his big comeback film, “Alexander”, was released. It was a film that Stone considered a labor of love and spent many years and several million dollars working. Unfortunately, due to lackluster (and perhaps unfair) reviews, it died a quick death.

I initially missed seeing “Alexander” on the big screen, but from what I’ve been told it was a better film than it was given credit for. Most of my friends that saw it liked it and even recommended that I take the time to catch it if I could. Being a bit lazy about getting out to the theatre anymore, I opted to wait for the DVD release. Now that I’ve had the opportunity to see it, it might have been a better idea to have seen it ’back then.’

Warner Brothers is releasing “Alexander”, which stars Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie in two versions. One is the original theatrical version, the other a Director’s Cut with several minutes excised and some other scenes added back in. I was sent the Director’s Cut to review, and after watching it with one of the friends who saw it in the theatre, wish I had seen the original. I found myself somewhat getting into the film, but he sat almost shocked at what he saw. Not only did this version have scenes cut and added, but most of the film had been re-edited, switching scenes around.

My understanding was that the original version (which I plan to pick up when it’s released) was a fairly straightforward telling of the story of Alexander. There was some non-linear storytelling, which transported the viewer back and forth through Alexander’s life, but the new Director’s Cut goes even further, cutting back and forth even more. For the most part, I didn’t have any trouble following the film as I’m used this non-linear form of filmmaking, but I have to admit that it felt a bit extreme. I could see where some people, not paying attention, might get a bit lost.

In spite of which version I watch, I will say that the production value was immense. The sets and battles (what there were of them) were huge and intense. The costumes were awesome and the cinematography absolutely beautiful. Where the film was weakened, aside from the editing in this version, was in some of the choices in casting. Colin Farrell, who I normally enjoy in certain roles, seemed terribly miscast as the ruler of the known world. He appears too old for some of the scenes where he is supposed to be in his teens, and as an adult, he never really gives the impression of being a brilliant strategist and conqueror.

Angelina Jolie was also not the best choice for the role of Alexander’s mother, Olympia. She just never came across as anything more than a little whacko, and certainly never looked old enough to be the mother of an adult Colin Farrell. On the other hand, I thought Val Kilmer did a terrific job as Alexander’s father, Philip. Of late, his roles have been questionable, but here he really stands out amongst the cast.

The DVD for the Director’s Cut of “Alexander” is a 2-disc affair, complete with a fair amount of great extra features. First off is the commentary by Stone. Unlike most commentaries, which can have a tendency to ramble, Stone is very focused throughout film, and does more than point out particular scenes. He takes the time to explain a lot of his choices, whether it is about editing or why he filmed something a certain way. His commentary is very informative from a filmmaking standpoint, and never gets boring.

The second disc has a documentary feature that takes you behind the scenes of the making of the film. It was directed by Stone’s son, Sean, and coming in at around an hour and a half, it offers a very detailed look at what it took to make “Alexander.” In many ways, this documentary is almost more interesting than the actual film. There is also a short look at the music of Vangelis, who scored the film.

Watching the Director’s Cut of “Alexander”, I can still see where the film might have been better than it was given credit for. But admittedly I really want to see the theatrical version so that I can make a more informed recommendation.

Directed by: Oliver Stone
Starring: Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer, Anthony Hopkins
Extras: Commentary by director Oliver Stone, Resurrecting Alexander: explores the filming of Alexander, Perfect Is the Enemy of God: provides an in-depth look at the details that go into the filming of an epic, Interviews with the cast on how they prepared for their roles, "Vangelis Scores Alexander" featurette, Theatrical trailers
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 8/2/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Violence and some Sexuality / Nudity)
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We'll give Alexander: Director's Cut a C.