Troy: A Psychological Review
Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 swords and sandals epic gave us plenty to ponder upon.
Troy: A Psychological Review
Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 swords and sandals epic gave us plenty to ponder upon.
In my on-going series of looking at classic films, today we look at Troy. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen and written by David Benioff to chockfull of action but it also delves into the psychological underpinnings of love, honor, betrayal and war.
Based on Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad,” the film chronicles the Trojan War, ignited by the abduction of Helen, the queen of Sparta, by Paris, a prince of Troy.
Love
At the heart of the narrative lies the intense and destructive power of love between Helen and Paris.
Helen, portrayed by Diane Kruger, embodies the twin definition of both beauty and desire. Her choice to leave Sparta with Paris, played by Orlando Bloom, ignites a war that engulfs Greece and Troy. Their passionate affair highlights the volatile nature of unrestrained emotions and their potential to unleash chaos and destruction.
Helen was after all, the owner of ‘the face that launched a thousand ships’.
Helen’s desire for passion and the allure of a forbidden love lead her astray, setting off a chain of events that results in immense suffering and loss for the people of both nations.
The film explores the complexities of love, making us question love’s allure, its capacity for betrayal, and its potential for both redemption and destruction.
Helen’s choice to follow her heart, while understandable, ultimately leads to the destruction of Troy and the countless deaths of its people. Her decision serves as a cautionary tale to all of us, demonstrating the destructive power of unrestrained passion and the perils of neglecting one’s responsibilities and obligations.
In epic tales, happiness wasn’t found through love, it was found in duty.
Honor
In contrast to the destructive nature of unrestrained love, the film also portrays the concept of honor as a guiding force in the lives of its characters.
Achilles, a demigod well-known for his skill in battle, (played by Brad Pitt) is driven by a relentless pursuit of glory and immortality. His unwavering devotion to his reputation, or his inflated ego, as the greatest warrior highlights the human desire for recognition and the lengths to which people will go to achieve notoriety.
Achilles’ pursuit of honor comes with psychological costs. His obsession with fame and his disregard for human life lead him down a dark path, dehumanizing his opponents and desensitizing himself to the consequences of his actions.
His relentless pursuit of glory ultimately leads to his downfall, a tragic reminder of the destructive potential of unchecked human ambition.
On the Trojan side, Hector (Eric Bana), the noble warrior and leader of Troy’s defense, embodies the concept of honor in quite a different manner.
Unlike Achilles’ self-centered pursuit of glory, Hector’s honor is rooted in his loyalty to his homeland, his family, and his people. He fights not for personal gain but for the preservation of his city and the protection of all who he loves and the common people of his land.
His unwavering sense of duty and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his people make him a tragic hero, a figure who embodies the moral complexities of war.
But, as said above, it was in duty that honor was found.
Betrayal and Loyalty
Throughout the narrative, Troy blends the themes of loyalty and betrayal, showing the complexities of human relationships and the conflicts that arise when individuals grapple with conflicting obligations.
Helen’s decision to abandon her husband, Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), and elope with Paris is a betrayal of her marriage vows, a decision that has devastating consequences for both individuals and the nations of Greece and Troy.
Odysseus (Sean Bean), the cunning Greek strategist, epitomizes the darker side of loyalty.
His willingness to manipulate, deceive, and betray others for the sake of his own personal gains highlights how goal-hungry people will prioritize their own interests over the well-being of others.
His deceptions and manipulations lead to the deaths of many, demonstrating the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their goals.
Within the Trojan ranks, the complex relationship between Hector and Paris (they are brothers), highlights the thin line we all know of that lies between loyalty and personal desires.
Hector is torn between his duty to defend Troy and his love for his wayward brother. His struggle to reconcile these conflicting loyalties leads to inner conflict and moral dilemmas.
The Price of War
Troy does not shy away from depicting the devastating human cost of war. The film vividly portrays the brutality of battles, the loss of loved ones, and the psychological toll it takes on the warriors involved.
The gruesome scenes of combat, the anguish of families separated by war, and the psychological trauma inflicted on the soldiers serve are all in here to remind us that war isn’t glorious, it’s cruel and insatiable in its lust for blood.
Achilles’ relentless pursuit of glory leads him to commit acts of merciless slaughter, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of war and the desensitizing effect of prolonged violence. If a demigod can commit such horrendous and heartless acts of violence, we all can.
The film asks whether the pursuit of personal honor and glory can ever justify the sacrifice of countless lives.
Hi, I’m Paddy. Thanks for reading my article. I’m a counselor, coach and meditation teacher.
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