The Newseltter!

Recommended Products from Amazon!

300 Search

Friday, December 29, 2006

THE BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE on BBC!

From the BBC archive...

For the historian Herodotus, the Battle of Thermopylae was the defining clash between East and West: “The Persians fell in their scores, for the officers stood behind lashing them forward, forward all the time. Many fell into the sea and were drowned, many more were trampled to death by their comrades ... The Greeks knew they were doomed now the Persians had discovered a way round the hill, and put forth their last ounce of strength, utterly desperate, utterly unsparing of their lives. (King) Leonidas fell in this battle. He had proved himself a great and brave man”. (Reference)

You'll need Real Audio to listen to this gem. Click this link to listen now!

My initial thoughts on Frank Miller's "300"

"I mean, 300 Spartans vs. over a million Persians wasn't good enough, apparently. You need to fight frickin' demons from the pit too." (Reference...)

Demons? Why not! ;-)

Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell helps promote '300'

"Warner Bros. is set to sponsor Liddell in his next Ultimate Fight in Las Vegas on Dec. 30. Liddell will also make personal appearances and lend his name and likeness to a variety of other promotions that are scheduled to take place leading up to the film's release date."

Keep reading the article...

Read more about Chuck Liddell...

Warner Bros. is going to push 300 the movie over the top. It's going to be HUGE!

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Learn All About Gerard Butler at Celtic Hearts

Visit Celtic Hearts...

"Celtic Hearts is a site dedicated to the work of Scottish Actor, Gerard Butler. This is a place where fellow fans can interact with each other in a friendly, fun and informative atmosphere. If you are a true GB fan, this is the place for you."

If you are interested in Gerard Butler (King Leonidas in Frank Miller's 300 movie), then I encourage you to visit Celtic Hearts immediately. It's a great fan site!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Gerard Butler as King Leonidas in Frank Miller's 300 Movie

Gerard Butler as King Leonidas in Frank Miller's 300
This is exclusive production photo from Warner Bros

Persian Battle Stallions and Their Riders from Frank Miller's "300" Movie

Persian Battle Stallions and Their Riders from "300"
This is exclusive production photo from Warner Bros

About the 300 Comic Book

From Wikipedia, this is an entry about the "300" comic book by Frank Miller. It is the basis of "300" the movie coming out in March 2007...

"300 is a graphic novel, written and illustrated by Frank Miller with painted colors by Lynn Varley. It depicts the Battle of Thermopylae and the events leading up to it from the perspective of Leonidas I, king of Sparta. The comic, however, takes great liberties in its narrative, for example depicting Xerxes I of Persia as a bald black man with piercings and the traitor Ephialtes of Trachis as a hunchback. The comic was particularly inspired by the 1962 film, The 300 Spartans, a movie that Miller watched as a young boy."

Keep reading...

p.s. "Comic book" is hardly fair. I'd call it what it is ... a graphic novel!

Frank Miller News, Reviews, Interviews and more...

Great Frank Miller news site!

Here's some sample news...

ALBA REFUSED TO STRIP FOR SIN CITY:
JESSICA ALBA refused to bare all while playing a stripper in SIN CITY, because she was too nervous to show her naked body. The 25-year-old was given....Read On

SIN CITY DIRECTOR MILLER TACKLES THE SPIRIT:
SIN CITY director FRANK MILLER has signed on to bring another classic graphic novel to the big screen after agreeing to take charge of THE SPIRIT. ....Read On

SIN CITY SEQUEL WAITING FOR JOLIE:
LATEST: Actress ROSARIO DAWSON has confirmed reports ANGELINA JOLIE will be signing on for the sequel to SIN CITY and production on the film is on hol....Read On

BATMAN TO TRACK DOWN BIN LADEN:
Superhero BATMAN will turn his attention to real-life bad guy OSAMA BIN LADEN in an upcoming comic book. The Caped Crusader will take on ....Read On

SIN CITY CREATOR HOLDS UP SEQUEL:
SIN CITY writer FRANK MILLER is delaying plans for a follow up film, because the original movie lead to an influx of job offers. Miller, ....Read On

p.s. Frank Miller is the creative force behind the 300 movie. But, you probably already knew that...

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Left at Thermopylae

"Smarting under the defeat of Marathon, Persia's great Xerxes crossed the Hellespont on a bridge of boats in the summer of 480 B. c., and marched through Thessaly. Herodotus recorded that he had 1,800,000 men; modern historians say about 180,000. Leonidas, king of Sparta, met him with only 7,000 men at Thermopylae, a narrow strip of dry shore between the cliffs of Mount Oeta and the swampy border of the Maliac Gulf. Hearing that a big detachment of Persians had found a way around the pass, Leonidas sent 5,000 soldiers to head them off. Xerxes then effected a great slaughter against the remaining Thermopylae defenders."

...from TIME Magazine back in May of 1939!

Note: 300 the movie is based on Frank Miller's 300 which in turn is based on Thermopylae.

300 Movie Cast

For your reference...

Gerard Butler -- Spartan King Leonidas
Vincent Regan -- Captain
Lena Headey -- Queen Gorgo
David Wenham -- Dilios
Michael Fassbender -- Stelios
Tom Wisdom -- Astinos
Andrew Pleavin -- Daxos
Andrew Tiernan -- Ephialtes
Rodrigo Santoro -- Xerxes
Dominic West -- Theron

NEW! Frank Miller's 300 Movie Fan Store

I set up a store specifically for 300 the movie. It's based on the millions of products available at Amazon. I've included many excellent books on 300, but also items about Greek history, Greece, Greek foods, ancient history, and so much more. Check it out!

Monday, December 25, 2006

300 Graphic Novel Introduction and 300 the Movie

For Christmas my wife bought me the hardcover version of Frank Miller's 300, which 300 the movie is based on. I read the first few pages and I have to say, it is amazing. Really, really amazing.

I'll paraphrase...

Some Spartans are walking along. They are tired and thirsty. One of them gets dizzy and trips. So, after he falls, one of the other soldiers calls him a name. He replies that he's ready for his punishment. The second soldier then starts beating the soldier who tripped and fell. (A sign of weakness, remember.) The leader tells the second soldier to stop beating the tripper, but he doesn't do it fast enough. So, the leader then heads over to the aggressive solider, punches him, knocks him out, and tells the soldier who tripped to carry him the rest of the way. Of course, the leader also tells everyone they because of this "problem" they cannot drink or rest or relax until they reach camp.

AWESOME.

If that doesn't paint the perfect picture of the Spartan army, I don't know what does. If Frank Miller's and Zack Snyder's 300 movie is anything like 300 the graphic novel, it is going to be utterly amazing. It'll be a complete and total smash when it is released in March 2007.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

The Essential Frank Miller

Ten (Frank Miller) books you need to read before you die...

"Below are ten books every comic-book fan needs to read before they go blind (Sin City just isn't the same in brail). Included are some other books that should also be read, but simply aren't spotlighted. If you haven't read these ten, get cracking. You won't be sorry."

300, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Year One, Ronin, Wolverine and more!

(Frank Miller is the force behind 300 the Movie, of course.)

300: March to Glory

This is huge news for some people, like me...

300: March to Glory is the game version of 300 the graphic novel.

"Lead the glorious army of 300 Spartans in an action game base on Frank Miller's graphic novel series and the major motion picture by Zack Snyder. Players take on the role of King Leonidas, who leads the brave 300 Spartans against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. As Leonidas, uses sword, spear and shield and the power of the soldiers in a battle to determine the very fate of Western civilization. 300: March to Glory is a visceral experience focused on action and combat, allowing the player to fight both solo and in a phalanx alongside his fellow Spartans. The game follows the film's highly stylized production design for a unique look and an intense visual experience to charge along with the frantic action."

Keep reading...

p.s. There are 6 screenshots of the game!

Saturday, December 23, 2006

300 - Official UK Trailer

This is the Offical UK Trailer for Frank Miller's 300 movie.

Directed by Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead), the film stars Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera), Lena Headey (The Brothers Grimm), David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Vincent Regan (Troy), Rodrigo Santoro (Love Actually) and Dominic West (The Forgotten).

The movie will be in UK theatres on 300-March-2007. Americans will get to see it earlier in March. ;-)

Tyler Bates is the Musical Force Behind Frank Miller's and Zack Snyder's 300 Movie

Here's a mini-biography of Tyler Bates from the IMDB

"Tyler Bates spent his formative years in Chicago, answering to his obsession with music. An avid enthusiast, his mother introduced him to a wide range of recording artists; from Zappa to Coltrane, Simon and Garfunkel to Sly Stone. The soundtrack albums for the Broadway musicals Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar left an indelible impression upon him, both compositionally and emotionally. The marriage of thematic classical orchestra with the punishing cannon blasts of Tchaikovsky's 1812, inspired Tyler's enchantment with unorthodox juxtapositions, which after one mach volume listening, left a living room window cracked in his family's haunted log cabin.

"At age ten, his hard-partying teenage cousins introduced him to Led Zeppelin and Kiss, which was all it took for Tyler to drop his alto saxophone for an electric guitar. He then found the early records of U2, Gang Of Four, and Yes, which influenced the principles apparent in his music today. The limitations of his home studio equipment became an integral part of his creative process; sparking an experimental approach in effort to complete his compositional ideas. At age thirteen he started daisy-chaining cassette recorders to produce multi-track recordings. An Echoplex and other sound mutation devices became the gateway to his atmospheric explorations and counter-rhythmic sensibilities, as he studied the effects of varying tape speeds on live and pre-recorded sound sources.

"By nineteen, Tyler managed a trading firm in the stock market, while enjoying the beginnings of great success in Chicago-based bands. But he could not ignore the calling to expand his career in music. In 1993, fueled by an offer to score a movie that paid less than a months rent, Tyler returned to his native Los Angeles with zero experience in making music for films, and successfully produced his first score. This led to steady work on B movies while simultaneously developing the sound of his band, Pet, with singer-songwriter Lisa Papineau. The duo created a stir in Los Angeles that attracted Tori Amos to a Los Angeles club show, after which she immediately began her campaign to get the band a major-label record deal by banging on the door of Atlantic Records President, Val Azoli. Pet was signed soon after, spawning Amos' Igloo/Atlantic Records imprint in effort to afford the band its greatest chance at success in the biz. After recording their debut album at Tori's hillside castle in rural Ireland in 1996, and with a platinum record to their credit for the song "Lil' Boots," from the "The Crow: City Of Angels" soundtrack album, the band began touring stints with Blink 182, Limp Bizkit, Helmet and Luscious Jackson. But the emergence of several rock & roll clichés led Tyler to the decision to leave the group to focus solely on scoring movies by late 1997."

Keep reading...

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Fan Site on Fanpop

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Fan Site is now showing up on Fanpop. Here are two comments about the movie...

"From what I have seen on the trailers and video journals, this is the must see movie of 2007."

"Totally. I've read the graphic novel and have started reading a fictionalized account of the battle called "The Gates of Fire" by Stephen Pressfield. It's totally whetting my appetite for this film."

I totally agree. Frank Miller's 300 looks extremely good. Can't wait to see it in March!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Another GREAT 300 the Movie Source!!

Highly recommended resource...

300 the Movie

"I'm a 300 movie fan, what can I say...!?"

All about 300. Includes recommended book, descriptions, 300 movie images, links to 300 items on Amazon, and so much more.

Don't miss it!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Frank Miller 300 Video Trailer -- Hard to find!!



This Frank Miller 300 trailer video is actually pretty hard to find. It's also different than what you'll see before Mel Gibson's Apocolypto.

Behind the Scenes -- Secret 300 Movie Review

The thing that's cool about "300" to me is that though it's a Frank Miller work, as an event in history, it's one of the seminal events. Everyone knows about it. I mean, any historian will tell you about Thermopylae, a famous crossroads in history. And so for that matter, it is a worthwhile story to tell, and I think that Frank, like myself, is inspired by that same story. I think and my hope is that in some ways it has accessibility in a broader world than "Sin City." Though I'm a huge fan of "Sin City," I feel like my father can go see "300" and go like, "That's awesome!" and see a fight for democracy, and I can go see it and go "Oh yeah, there's girls kissing!"

Keep reading...

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal #7

Great video journal entry on Frank Miller's and Zack Snyder's "300" movie coming out in March 2007. This is a great interview (little over 3 minutes long). It's a must see for fans!

Watch the video!

p.s. High quality Google video (unlike YouTube)

Exclusive! "300" Movie Review (Advanced Screening Focus Group)

* * WARNING * *

Spoilers below!

* * WARNING * *

"It's very, very good in my opinion. However, not for everyone. If I had to compare it to some other movies, I would say there are parts of Gladiator's organized fighting, Lord of the Rings' grand-scale battles, the Thirteenth-Warrior's feel of going against the unknown depths of man, and the stylistic feel of Sin City.And the movie is quite stylistic. Colors are stark and heavily contrasted. While it isn't as extreme as Sin City, the feel of a comic book is present, and the entire film looks "different" than most film. Sometimes, using slow motion, it almost seems paneled. And certain scenes are set up to further this mood, this distinctness."

Keep reading...

300 Movie -- ComicCon 2006 Panel Discussion Video

300 Panel with Frank Miller at Comic Con 2006

Awesome.

"Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie"

Mostly Frank Miller talking. Good stuff!

4 Minure Interview with Gerard Butler on Frank Miller's 300 Movie

Gerard Butler Interview at Comic Con 2006 by Nancy McCrumb on Frank Miller's 300. Tons of great stuff on Gerard Butler.

On his acting ... "King Leonidas doesn't say much." -- great quote!

"I feel blessed to be part of it [300 movie]."

"I love them [comic books] but I'm not a fanatic."

6 Minute Zack Snyder Interview on 300

6 Minute Zack Snyder Interview on 300 -- "Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, set in the midst of the Persian-Greco war during the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where Spartan king Leonidas led his army of 300 soldiers into battle against the invading Persian army. According to legend, their valor and sacrifice inspired all of Greece to unite against their Persian foe, leading to the origins of democracy."

Long, cool interview with the director of Frank Miller's "300" movie. Zack Snyder did a ton of TV commecials before he got his big break (Dawn of the Dead remake). He's a pretty big comic book fan.

Zack Snyder & Frank Miller on the 300 Movie

"It's hard to tell how much horror or suspense will actually be in the film — probably not much suspense, if the Spartans' story is told with historical accuracy — but certainly there will be plenty of blood and gore, not to mention dark and shadowy fantasy figures (the footage we saw featured giant wolves with glowing red eyes and mouths full of razor sharp teeth; and scary orge-like warriors wielding deadly weapons)."

Keep reading...

Sunday, December 17, 2006

How to Train Like a 300 Movie Spartan!

You've gotta check this out!

It's a link to a video on Yahoo. They explain the punishment of their training for the movie. If you're a serious Frank Miller 300 movie fan, you've gotta see this.

Exclusive: 300 Video Journal #2!

Superhero Hype! has your exclusive first look at 300 Video Journal #2! The clip features production designer Jim Bissell talking about the look of the film.

http://www.superherohype.com/news/featuresnews.php?id=3788

Battle of Thermopylae Tribute

Jack O'Connor's tribute to the 300 Spartans

Interesting little PowerPoint regarding the 300 Spartans ...

300 Spartan Warriors -- Google Group

300spartanwarriors

This group will focus on matters relative to King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans who fought until the death defending the Pass of Thermopylae with other Greek warriors in 480 B.C. Topics will include the 1962 movie 'The 300 Spartans', Frank Miller's '300' & Steven Pressfield's 'Gates of Fire'.

300 Spartan Warriors Google Group

The 2008 Leonidas Expedition

Purpose of the 2008 Leonidas Expedition

1. To complete our search and establish a "best case scenario" for the path

2. To complete our search of the location of the Phokian skirmish

We argue that "a best case scenario" is probably the best solution that we may be able to provide given that topographically much has changed since 480 B.C. Ancient sources are incomplete and man and machine have transformed the region in unimaginable ways. For example, paths that are clearly visible in the British General Staff Map of 1943-44 simply no longer exist today. Segments of the northern slope of Kallidromos have been bull-dozed, trees have been cut down and four lane highways crisscross the mountain. Thus, a "best case scenario" for the true path, a scenario whose parameters demonstrate the best goodness of fit with our model (see below) is, we believe, the best we can hope for, for the beginning and first half of the path. However, unlike previous expeditions, we possess global positioning equipment, ground sensing equipment, aerial photos and we are also trying to obtain satellite imagery of the region. In addition, we have been greatly informed by the cumulative works from previous expeditions and our own on-site visitations in the summers of 2000, 2001 and 2002.

The location of the Phokian skirmish is another matter. Herodotus tells us that the Persians fired thousands of arrows against the Phokians who were guarding the path. The tips of their arrows were made of bronze or iron. Since such arrowhead have already been found at the pass and at Marathon (from the 490 B.C. invasion), we believe that they may be retrievable on Mt. Kallidromos as well.


Keep reading...

History and the Frank MIller's “300” Movie

"In 480, an enormous force of more than a quarter-million Persians under their King Xerxes invaded Greece, both to enslave the free city-states, and to avenge the Persian defeat a decade earlier at Marathon. The huge force of ships and soldiers proved unstoppable on its way west and southward until it reached the narrow pass at Thermopylae (“The Warm Gates”) in northern Greece. There a collection of 7,000 Greeks had blocked the way. They hoped to stop Xerxes’ horde outright — or at least allow enough time for their fellow countrymen to their rear to mobilize a sufficient defense of the homeland."

Really awesome short history lesson on Frank Miller's 300...

Azam Ali, Tyler Bates and Frank Miller's 300 Movie

In March, her [Azam Ali's] voice will be prominently featured in composer Tyler Bates’ score for “300,” a Warner Bros. release from “Dawn of the Dead” director Zach Snyder. Although the feature is based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel about the fabled battle between 300 Spartans and the huge Persian army at Thermopylae, Ali does not sing in her native tongue on the soundtrack.

Read more about the music and voice behind Frank Miller's 300

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Frank Miller's 300 Replica Sword

"The incredible vision of Frank Miller which was previously featured in a mini-series from Dark Horse comics is now brought to the silver screen by Warner Bros. in 2007! Monsters and men with metal clash to the death in this awesome film which looks to re-define action and adventure for great timepiece cinema. If you have a penchant for acquiring movie-accurate memorabilia that commemorates great films in motion picture history, then you'll want to check out these exact prop replicas that bring the power of 300 to your home or office! "

Learn more!

Friday, December 15, 2006

Something Better than Frank Miller's 300 Graphic Novel?

"After Frank Miller's 300, you may be familiar with the story; the final stand of three hundred Spartans and some of their allies against the endless armies of the Persian Emperor. But as beautiful as it is, Frank Miller's effort can barely stand against Oesterheld and Breccia's epic."

This quote is from an article by Marcos Castrillón. Is MORT CINDER better than Miller's 300?

I doubt it!

Photo Collection of Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo)

"300 Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo stars in movie about the Battle of Thermopylae, in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspired all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy."

Check out the Lena Headey photo gallery. In case you didn't know, she's Queen Gorgo in Frank Miller's upcoming "300" movie which this site is all about. Awesome stuff!

Frank Miller Birthday Trivia and More

Did you know...

Frank Miller was born on 27-January-1957

Did you know...

Frank Miller was born in Olney, Maryland (USA)

In case you didn't know, Frank Miller wrote the 300 graphic novel which is the basis of the the "300" movie coming out in March 2007. He's amazing!

======== SIDEBAR ========

Get Frank Miller's 300 graphic novel right now!

"Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley retell the battle of Thermopylae in the exciting and moving graphic novel 300. They focus on King Leonidas, the young foot soldier Stelios, and the storyteller Dilios to highlight the Spartans' awe-inspiring toughness and valor. Miller and Varley's art is terrific, as always; the combat scenes are especially powerful. And Miller's writing is his best in years. Read it."

======== SIDEBAR ========

More About Greece to Help You Understand Frank Miller's 300 Movie

To better understand Frank Miller's 300, you need to understand Greece. Here's a quick history lesson for you. Enjoy!

======== SIDEBAR ========


Get Frank Miller's 300 graphic novel right now!

This graphic novel is the basis of "300" the movie...

======== SIDEBAR ========


The beautiful greek island of Santorini by George Nellas

Dramatic beauty characterizes the southernmost island in the Cyclades, the crescent shaped, volcanic island of Santorini, one of the most unique tourists destinations in the world, having taken it's present form from geological upheavals.

As a result of a cataclysmic eruption of the volcano ca. 1450 BC, a gap opened in the southwestern edge, pouring the sea into a crater left from prehistoric times, thus submerging the center of the island. A tidal wave followed, extending to Crete, and may have been the cause of the ultimate collapse of the Minoan civilization, for pumice and ash buried the palaces of Knossos and phaestos. On its heels came the lava, covering Akrotiri, a prosperous city atop a promontory. Jules Verne's "Mysterious Island" was probably inspired by his expedition there to witness the volcano in action. According to Prof. S. Marinato's interpretation of Plato's "Kritias", Santorini may be the site of the fabled Atlantis.

Santorini is a chain of islets created by the erupton of Thirassia (the largest and only one inhabited), the black stone islets "Palea Kameni" and "Nea Kameni" (meaning "old burnt one" and "new burnt one") and "Aspronisi" (meaning "white island"), the only part of the original island. It was first named "Kallisti" (the most beautiful), then "Thira" after the Spartan King who colonized it in the 9th century BC and finally "Santorini" after St. Irini of Thessalonki who was exiled and died there in the 3rd c. AD. Since ancient times it has been inhabited by Phoenecians, Dorians, Egyptians, crusaders, pirates, Romans, and Byzantines. Archaeological finds include pottery from around 3000-2000 BC (Early Cycladic Civilization and Bronze Age).
Visitors to the island debark from the harbor at Skala and make the steep ascent of 587 steps to the capital, Fira, on foot, donkey, or flinicular railway. Thira, visually striking as it is positioned on a cliff which is actually the crater's rim charms visitors with its narrow, winding, cobbled alleyways, and typically cycladic white washed houses packed together and brillant under the strong sun. From there one has a superb view of the Kamenes which can be visited by boat. Tavernas and souvenirs shops now line the streets. The museum houses pre-historic pottery, vases from Thera dating from the 7th and 6th century BC, as well as Classic, Hellenistic, and Roman sculpture and portraits.

======== SIDEBAR ========

Get Frank Miller's 300 graphic novel right now!

This graphic novel is the basis of "300" the movie...


======== SIDEBAR ========


Several quaint villages dot the island, each distinctive. Ia, 11 km north of Fira is incomparably picturesque with its houses from hewn rock, whitewashed, or painted ochre or blue as well as neo-classical mansions and a magnificent view of the sea. The Monastery of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elijah) is situated on the highest peak in Santorini; every year on July 20th it celebrates a religious festival where visitors are welcomed to join the traditional feasting and dancing.

Excavations at Akrotiri (the southeastern coast) have uncovered the remains of a sophisticated, prosperous civilization buried by lava and frozen in time, complete with city streets, two and three storeyed houses, squares, plumbing, utensils, and beautiful frescoes (on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens). Ancient Thira, another significant lost city on the east coast has revealed more finds: the Sacred Way running through the center of the city monuments from the Nolemys (300-145 BC, an agora, Roman baths, a theatre, tombs from the Archaeic and Classical periods, and surprisingly, ancient graffiti praising Apollo and even the dancing boys from the Gymnasium of Ephebes can be seen inscribed on rocks in the ancient alphabet of Thira.

Vast beaches of volcanic sand or pebbles line the eastern coast. The best beaches, Karnari and Perissa, near ancient sites above, pose a brillant contrast against the blue sea Others are Armeni, Amouda, Monolithos, Kokini, and Parajia. The local wines are distinctively grown on the fertile southeastern plains, through which roads lead to volcanic beaches.

Santorini, an island which is the tip of an actual underwater volcano, with western coasts of towering cliffs hauntingly rising from the depths of the sea and awe inspiring, breath-taking sunsets, leaves no question as to why it has recently become a mecca for tourists to Greece.

Getting there: by Ferry from Pireaus, Crete, and Cycladic islands or by air from Athens Spata airport).

Visit http://wwww.mygreecetravel.com/ to get help in planning, preparing and organizing your travel to Greece.

======== SIDEBAR ========

Get Frank Miller's 300 graphic novel right now!

This graphic novel is the basis of "300" the movie...

======== SIDEBAR ========

Thursday, December 14, 2006

"300" Movie Background -- Greek Artwork

Ancient Greece Art by Sharon White

Ancient Greece was controlled by men. Women could not even have a citizenship. This fact reflected in the Greek art. Women are always portrayed with the cloth on, whereas men were always depicted uncovered. The nudity of men was a symbol of their freedom and control.

======== SIDEBAR ========

Frank Miller's 300 is a battle that takes place in Greece!
It's a retelling of the
Battle of Thermopylae...

======== SIDEBAR ========


In Andrew Stewart's book Art, Desire and the Body in Ancient Greece, he implies that nudity originated in the athletic facet of Greek life, specifically in the Olympics of the eight century. The story of a runner named Orsippos of Megara who was running a race and his loincloth fell off. Art after this occurrence appears to have picked up on this and from sculptures of this period men start to appear naked. The figure of Kouros of Anavysos is one such example of this archaic period. From this point it became popular and very desirable for men to perform athletics in the nude. Andrew Stewart is quoted as saying that, they saw the custom as a concrete manifestation of such desirable manly attributes as courage, strength, speed, fitness, and so on, all of which naturally create a handsome body. From this it is evident that the nude male becomes a representation beauty, strength and the perfect body. Artists, from this new concept, wanted to depict the bodies of their figures as idealistic and beautiful. Women did appear, rarely, nude when participating in sporting events or at festivals and as a result of this could not be married. Stewart states that, unmarried Spartan girls or pathenoi practiced athletics, singing and dancing naked at certain festivals; and participated in some processions naked as well. Women did not have such a heavy following as their bodies were not permitted to be seen in such a manner. A married woman was not to be naked for social, familial and modesty reasons. The only naked figured were those of goddesses. Peplos Kore from 530 BCE is what a typical woman form this period would be wearing. She is modest by wearing this and the belt that gave a figure by being tied at her waist.

The Classical period of the fifth century is the culmination of Greek art. The male nude is one of the greatest achievements. The artists have achieved perfection of proportion and muscular anatomy. During this time the polis evolved and it encompassed women as citizens as well. Women also became subject matter for sculpture. The art was not a copy of exactly what the artists saw but rather an idealized expression of the idea of the perfect figure. After much, evident, analysis of the human figure artists like Polykleitos defined and canonized the perfect proportions and shape of the male figure. Doryphoros also known as the Spear Bearer, appears very real, and life like, which is what the artist strived for. His lack of clothing is central to the composition because it is representative of the default setting of man; nudity. The female counterpart of this sculpture, by Praxiteles is Aphordite of Knidos from 350BCE. Until this sculpture, the female form had never appeared fully nude. This might be as a result of the new ideas that were circulating the society such as humanism. The statue appears very sensual and elegant. As a result of this new idea of humanism and sensuality, it has been said that this is why the first nude female statue is that of the goddess of love. This all occurred as a result of societal changes within the polis.


======== SIDEBAR ========

Get Frank Miller's 300 graphic novel right now!

======== SIDEBAR ========


Greeks, it appears, did not go about their daily business in the nude, but rather only in certain occasion like athletics and symposiums. In Greek art, according to John Berger, nudity becomes a form of dress, some feel comfortable and others do not. Like that of Aphordite of Knidos, who appears to be aware of her nudity and seems to be covering her genitals with her hand while reaching for her garment. Male statues until the Classical era were unselfconscious and appeared to be unaware of their nudity. Statues such as that of the Kouros and Doryphoros are comfortable in their clothing (or lack thereof). Women were not to be seen naked, and the only ones that were the ones that would not marry and entertainers, which already implied that they were of a lower class and were not seen as women. Women were supposed to be proper and elegant and were not to reveal themselves to anyone other than their husband of their families. She was under control of the man. With the later artists portraying women in the nude, it seemed to emancipate them from their identities as the males' property.

In Greek life the male body was the norm. The female was seen as the other. They were excluded from society for a long while but were accepted after the polis liberalized a little bit. Once this happened they were allowed to take off their peplos and become an equal; if not literally, then just in the form of a sculpture. Even that was a large step in this male oriented society. Polykleitos and Praxitelese defined the proportions and the standard of beauty for the male and female respectively. The Greeks were the only ancient civilization that celebrated the true beauty of man as an image of god and therefore depicted him in the nude. Women would also be accepted and appreciated but, like all good things, it took time.

300 Movie Preview Review

"Frank Miller's "300" tells the story of King Leonidas leading his group of 300 spartans into battle against the invading persian armies of King Xerxes. These events later lead to the rest of the greek nations defeating the persians admidst later battles. I have read the graphic novel and if the movie is half as good then it's still going to be truly an epic film, one to remember for many years to come."

Read more...

Early Story on Frank Miller's 300 Movie

This comes from Mike Sampson back in August 2005...

"Gerard Butler (PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) has signed on to star in the upcoming adaptation of the Frank Miller graphic novel 300. Zack Snyder (DAWN OF THE DEAD) will direct the film for Warner Bros and wrote the script with partner Kurt Johnstad. Butler will star as King Leonidas who led 300 Spartan soldiers against the massive Persian army at the battle of Thermopylae. As the story goes, their moxie inspired all the Greeks to rise up against King Xerxes and start the beginnings of a democratic society. The project will use "hyper-real renderings" that will be designed to imitate the illustrations from the novel."

And as we can tell from the stills and the trailers, the graphics and cinematography ROCK!

Very cool!

Ultimate List of Frank Miller's 300 Movie Trailers

GO WATCH THESE VIDEOS NOW!

Awesome...

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Teaser:
QuickTime, High Definition
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res
iPod Video, Zipped
PSP Video, Zipped

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Trailer (12.12.06):
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

GO WATCH THESE VIDEOS NOW!

Frank Miller's 300 Movie International Teaser:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

Frank Miller's 300 Movie International Trailer (12.13.06):
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 1:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 2:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

GO WATCH THESE VIDEOS NOW!

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 3:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 4:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 5:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 6:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

GO WATCH THESE VIDEOS NOW!

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 7:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 8:
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Video Journal 9 (12.12.06):
QuickTime, Super Hi-Res
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res
Windows Media Player, Super Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Hi-Res
Windows Media Player, Med-Res
Windows Media Player, Lo-Res

GO WATCH THESE VIDEOS NOW!

Frank Miller's 300 = Frank Miller's Braveheart

Here's a great review of Frank Miller's 300... (some adult language used!)

"It's kick-ass. Unlike Sin City, I don't feel it is style over substance--it very much keeps the drama and serious "this is for freedom" tone of the book. You could title this "Frank Miller's Braveheart" and not be far off."

Awesome!

Frank Miller's 300 Movie Details

Release Date: March 9, 2007

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Director: Zack Snyder

Screenwriter: Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, Michael Gordon

Starring: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Vincent Regan, Rodrigo Santoro, Dominic West

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, War

MPAA Rating: R (for graphic battle sequences throughout, some sexuality and nudity)

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Frank Miller's 300 Graphic Novel Trivia

Did you know that Lynn Varley painted Frank Miller's 300 Graphic Novel? In other words, Frank Miller wrote the story but the fantastic artwork in 300 was done by Lynn Varley. Awesome stuff!

Get Frank Miller's 300 graphic novel right now!

Obviously it's highly recommended.

Zack Snyder Trivia

Did you know that Zack Snyder directed the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead?

In case you didn't know, Zack snyder is the director of Frank Miller's 300 Movie!

Official Website of Frank Miller's 300 Movie

Visit the Official Website of Frank Miller's 300 Movie.

We'll talk about that content here, for sure! Since it is a Flash-based web site, it'll be a challenge pointing to specific pages and deep linking, but we'll do what we can...

What is the 300 graphic novel by Frank Miller?

Here's what Wikipedia has to say on Frank Miller's 300:

"300 is a graphic novel, written and illustrated by Frank Miller with painted colors by Lynn Varley. It depicts the Battle of Thermopylae and the events leading up to it from the perspective of Leonidas I, king of Sparta. The comic, however, takes great liberties in its narrative, for example depicting Xerxes I of Persia as a bald black man with piercings and the traitor Ephialtes of Trachis as a hunchback. The comic was particularly inspired by the 1962 film, The 300 Spartans, a movie that Miller watched as a young boy."

...also...

"300 was initially published as a monthly five issue comic book series by Dark Horse Comics, the first issue published in May 1998. the issues were titled Honor, Duty, Glory, Combat and Victory. The series won three Eisner Awards in 1999; 'Best Limited Series', 'Best Writer/Artist' for Frank Miller and 'Best Colorist' for Lynn Varley. The work was collected as a hardcover graphic novel in 1999."

Wow!

Welcome to Frank Miller's 300 Movie Fan Site!

This is the first posting to Frank Miller's 300 Movie Fan Site!

We'll cover everything about Frank Miller's 300 movie, which is slated for a March 9, 2007 release. I can't wait!

Google Analytics