When Paris takes Helen from Sparta, King Agamemnon gathers the Greek armies to sack the city of Troy, and the proud warrior Achilles joins for the glory. It is loosely based on Homer's Iliad. For a filmmaker, look at how much of the ancient city was built for real.
Troy is a 2004 adventure, war and drama film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. This breakdown covers 4 techniques (1 cinematography, 2 narrative and 1 psychology), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Black Swan uses several of the same techniques.
Building a set so complete, with its own weather, crowds, architecture and social rules, that it feels lived in. It reads as real until one deliberate slip shows that it was built.
How this film uses it
The city of Troy was built at Fort Ricasoli in Malta, and its outer walls were built in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Actors walk real streets and gates. The scale and weight of the place help you believe it is worth a war.
Where to see it
The sack of Troy. Greek soldiers hidden inside the wooden horse open the gates at night, and the city falls.
Hiding who someone is behind a costume or a stand-in so pursuers and the audience read the wrong person. Who is under the mask drives the twist.
How this film uses it
Achilles refuses to fight, so young Patroclus puts on his armor and leads the Myrmidons into battle. Hector sees the armor and takes the wearer for Achilles. When he kills Patroclus, you see what the mistake costs before Achilles does.
Where to see it
Patroclus in Achilles' armor. Hector kills him in battle, believing he has beaten Achilles.
Pairing the main character with a second character who mirrors them. The double shows what the hero wants, fears or secretly is.
How this film uses it
Hector and Achilles are the best fighters on each side. Hector fights for his family and his city, and Achilles fights for glory and his name. Each shows what the other lacks, and they meet at the gates of Troy.
Where to see it
The duel at the gates. Achilles swears revenge for Patroclus, kills Hector, and drags his body back to the Greek camp.
Offering the hero two futures early, such as a long quiet life or a short life remembered forever. His choice hangs over every later scene.
How this film uses it
Before Achilles leaves home, his mother tells him that staying means a peaceful life and going to Troy means death and lasting glory. He goes. When he later falls for Briseis and nearly walks away from the war, you feel what that choice cost him.
Where to see it
Thetis and Achilles. Before he sails, his mother lays out both futures for him.
Questions
Troy: quick answers
What filmmaking techniques does Troy use?
CineCode breaks down 4 techniques in Troy (2004): Set as Total World, Swapped Identity Disguise, Psychological Doubling and Fated Choice Structure.
Who directed Troy?
Wolfgang Petersen directed Troy, released in 2004. CineCode also covers Das Boot (1981).
What films are similar to Troy?
Films that share techniques with Troy include Black Swan (2010), The Truman Show (1998), Amadeus (1984), 8½ (1963).
