It seems that the film version of Frank Miller’s 300 has gone over with a resounding thud in Tehran, where the film’s depiction of the Battle of Thermopylae (Spartans vs. Persians) is being construed as the latest salvo in the war of words between Iran and the US. Everything from the film’s timing (on the eve of NoRuz, Persian New Year) to the clothing worn by the ancient Persians (rags) is being examined for a deeper meaning. While I certainly don’t recall that the Achemenid Persians had orcs in their army, it does make one wonder whether the superior physiques of the well-oiled, waxed men playing the Spartans versus the androgyny of Rodrigo Santorio’s Emperor Xerxes (and the ick-factor of his orc army) might have something to do with it as well. After all, Hollywood is the one place where there actually is an equal-hunkiness clause, and the Persians lost out big time on that one. I’d be pissed, too.

Tags: 300-(film), controversy, hollywood, iran, Movies, rodrigo santoro