Retelling one of the greatest stories of (oral) literature, that has enthralled generations for over two thousand years, is no small undertaking. Director, David Farr (the Night Manager) has chosen - rightly - to use colloquial English, rather than faux 'Thou's and Thee's. And he has remained close to the original tale, rather than ramping up the action sequences.
To choose a cast of faces that are relatively unknown is also adroit, as we have few associations with the actors. The setting (filmed in South Africa) is sufficiently exotic to be convincing, and the city of Troy - when we get to it - is impressive.
Paris, the lost prince, gets the story moving by giving the golden apple to Aphrodite, thus earning the wrath of both Hera (Power) and Athena ( Wisdom) but getting a chance of romance with the most beautiful woman in the world (Helen of course). The way the goddesses are represented - immortal but very human in their jealousies with supercharged wrath in their emotions - is true to Homer's original.
Helen (ably portrayed by Bella Dayne) is smuggled on board his ship as he leaves the realm of Menelaus to return to King Prium in Troy. Thus the war between the Greeks and the Trojans is set into play.
What on earth are those who have given the first episode of this production 1's and 2's, are looking for is beyond comprehension. The acting has been fine throughout so far and Farr is taking his time over unfolding the story, so the tough but dim (Hector) and smooth but wily (Odysseus) are only just beginning to reveal their true natures.
We have already seen that Paris is headstrong with an over-inflated view of his own abilities. But Fate chose him to judge between the three Goddesses, so his lack of savvy is necessary to the overall tale.
Brilliant and well worth watching.
Review of Troy: Fall of a City
