My secret passion....

[fajrdrako]

I went to see The Three Musketeers with Sheila and Ian.

There's something about that era... When I was four years old I was madly in love with a portrait of King Charles I as the Prince of Wales that was in the National Gallery. I loved going to the art gallery with my parents; they could look at any number of things, and there I was, transfixed by Charles I. I still love that painting.



I can't explain my passion for images of the early seventeenth century; the swashbuckling, the sense of intrigue. Though I enjoy reading about the history of the time, it isn't one I've ever particularly studies. And for all this movie is a live-action 3D cartoon full of airships and explosions, it captures whatever kernel it is that captures my love and imagination. It could have been made just for me.

A few comments:

1. I particularly liked the young Logan Lerman as D'Artagnan. Pretty and personable.
   
   
2. I only ever liked Orlando Bloom as Legolas, but he does make a rather nice villain.
   
   
3. Loved the airships. Like Louis XIII, I want one too.
   
   
4. Loved the comparison/contrast between Louis XIII and D'Artagnan - two one men, one rich and dorky, one poor and cool.
   
   
5. Oh, Leonardi da Vinci, what have you wrought? You get your name into the silliest movies.
   
   
6. In an era of gay kings, it made me chuckle that Louis XIII was portrayed as straight. Which has nothing to do with history, or with homophobia, but is just, I think, giving the public what they expect. I'm sure most people don't know much about Louis XIII, except what they see from Hollywood.
   
   
7. This seems to be a German-made movie, but it seemed very American to me. Maybe because of all the explosions. Maybe because of Lerman's accent.
   
   
8. Loved it that it started in Venice.
   
   
9. I liked it that Milady got in on the action, but she's a villain. I wished D'Artagnan's girl (did she have a name?) was an action-hero too. Ah, yes, Constance.
   
   
10. I liked the way Porthos, Athos and Aramis were portrayed. Very distinct.
    
    
11. Loved the airship being speared by a spire above Notre-Dame Cathedral. Loved the sword fight on top of the cathedral. Loved seeing D'Artagnan hanging from a gargoyle.
    
    
12. Presumably there will be a sequel.