I'm going to try and stay out of discussions about the religion aspects of the movie even though the movie is centered around religion.
My thoughts on Bloom's role as Balian of Ibelin: I think Scott anticipated Bloom's acting inexperience at the outset of the film and decided to cast Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons in prominent roles up to the middle of the story. This took some pressure off of Bloom's performance and the audience was focused on Godfrey and Tiberias, who carry the plot along. That was a smart move. Once Tiberius departs the spotlight truly focuses on Bloom, who by now has gotten more coaching from the director. Though Bloom's character is not entirely convincing at the start of the film, he is at the end. It was in the scene where Jerusalem comes under attack by Saladin's forces and Balian declares to the men that if they should fail, their wives and children will die that Bloom gives a convincing performance. When the fortress wall crumbles Balian manifests an inspiring conviction urging everyone to fight for what is right. It was at that moment that I realized Scott had casted the perfect actor for the part of Balian of Ibelin.
In other reviews, Balian has been compared to Russell Crowe (Maximus) in Gladiator. I think the reviewers are remiss in making this comparison. Maximus inspires the masses with acts of bravery and daring, but Balian is entrusted with protecting the lives of the people of Jerusalem. Crowe's Maximus is a fighter but Bloom's Balian is a protector. Balian embodies all the ideals of knighthood--integrity, charity, truthfulness, courage but with the added responsibility of safeguarding the people. I don't think Maximus could ever have inspired ordinary people to pick up weapons and sacrifice their lives for a cause but Balian did. And Bloom embodies Balian perfectly. Though the acting was occasionally awkward--yes, the rallying cry of "come on!" was pretty lame--Bloom still delivers a fine performance as a catalyst fueling a cause much bigger than himself.
And to the reviewer who complained about the hypocritical theologizing and lack of morality on Balian's part--there is a difference between rigidly following religious edicts and behaving with simple human compassion. Having sex with another man's wife is different from marrying her, taking over his future kingdom, and seeing him executed, which Balian refused to do. I don't think Scott intended Balian to be some kind of traditionalist who adheres to strict religious guidelines. The way that Balian fought and won the safety of the people of Jerusalem was completely chaotic. Balian is a revolutionary and not someone who follows the rules, he believes in doing what is right but on his own terms. Hence the appeal of this character.
However, the award goes to Edward Norton for his portrayal of King Baldwin who is afflicted with leprosy. I never knew Norton could play such a convincing leprotic king! Overall, Ridley's Scott's film has a wondefully talented cast and in spite of the similarities to the Lord of the Rings movies (Ridley's just milking a money-making trend), I enjoyed myself immensely. Definitely see this film at the theater, don't wait for the DVD.
My thoughts on Bloom's role as Balian of Ibelin: I think Scott anticipated Bloom's acting inexperience at the outset of the film and decided to cast Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons in prominent roles up to the middle of the story. This took some pressure off of Bloom's performance and the audience was focused on Godfrey and Tiberias, who carry the plot along. That was a smart move. Once Tiberius departs the spotlight truly focuses on Bloom, who by now has gotten more coaching from the director. Though Bloom's character is not entirely convincing at the start of the film, he is at the end. It was in the scene where Jerusalem comes under attack by Saladin's forces and Balian declares to the men that if they should fail, their wives and children will die that Bloom gives a convincing performance. When the fortress wall crumbles Balian manifests an inspiring conviction urging everyone to fight for what is right. It was at that moment that I realized Scott had casted the perfect actor for the part of Balian of Ibelin.
In other reviews, Balian has been compared to Russell Crowe (Maximus) in Gladiator. I think the reviewers are remiss in making this comparison. Maximus inspires the masses with acts of bravery and daring, but Balian is entrusted with protecting the lives of the people of Jerusalem. Crowe's Maximus is a fighter but Bloom's Balian is a protector. Balian embodies all the ideals of knighthood--integrity, charity, truthfulness, courage but with the added responsibility of safeguarding the people. I don't think Maximus could ever have inspired ordinary people to pick up weapons and sacrifice their lives for a cause but Balian did. And Bloom embodies Balian perfectly. Though the acting was occasionally awkward--yes, the rallying cry of "come on!" was pretty lame--Bloom still delivers a fine performance as a catalyst fueling a cause much bigger than himself.
And to the reviewer who complained about the hypocritical theologizing and lack of morality on Balian's part--there is a difference between rigidly following religious edicts and behaving with simple human compassion. Having sex with another man's wife is different from marrying her, taking over his future kingdom, and seeing him executed, which Balian refused to do. I don't think Scott intended Balian to be some kind of traditionalist who adheres to strict religious guidelines. The way that Balian fought and won the safety of the people of Jerusalem was completely chaotic. Balian is a revolutionary and not someone who follows the rules, he believes in doing what is right but on his own terms. Hence the appeal of this character.
However, the award goes to Edward Norton for his portrayal of King Baldwin who is afflicted with leprosy. I never knew Norton could play such a convincing leprotic king! Overall, Ridley's Scott's film has a wondefully talented cast and in spite of the similarities to the Lord of the Rings movies (Ridley's just milking a money-making trend), I enjoyed myself immensely. Definitely see this film at the theater, don't wait for the DVD.