Steve Reeves, as Aeneas, in WAR OF THE TROJANS (aka The Avenger ; 1962)
Good film. Maybe not as good as THE TROJAN HORSE (1961), which WAR OF THE TROJANS is its sequel, but it makes a nice companion film though. The biggest liability was the budget. The costumes, the sets don't look as polished as other PEPLUM films. The cast is good and some scenes are well executed and very poignant. But it's one of those films I watch regularly. Just don't expect a mid-range budgeted film. Reeves is excellent and believable as the legendary Aeneas.
2 comments:
I believe this film is the only one ever made dealing with the adventures of Aeneas after escaping the fall of Troy. Ray Harryhausen was planning his Force of the Trojans for quite a while, complete with mythological monsters. When he decided to retire after Clash of the Titans a few enthusiasts at ILM tried to keep the projct alive with producer Charlie Schneer, but it all came to nought. A real pity, since the pre-production art looks great.
I like War of the Trojans, but I think it's carried by Reeves' sympathetic star power more than anything else.
The simplicity of its staging is in line with the theme of the meeting of a home for the Trojans and the nobility that Reeves' face acquires wearing the beard makes him a perfect Aeneas. By the way, I'm reading Michael Strogoff and Steve is the perfect candidate to perform the character.
Post a Comment