In the World of Men

MADISON, WI (YIFTM) - Oh man. I just saw 300. And while the flick was entertaining throughout, I'm left with an initial reaction of unbalanced awe.

After being treated to some 'padded warfare' by a local mid-evil fight club (read: NERDS), I'd say that director Zach Snyder has done a fan boy approved interpretation of Frank Miller's original graphic novel. But all this shit was new to me. I hadn't been exposed to the world of 300 until viewing the trailer some months back.

The trailer wasn't anything new in terms of format, but what struck me was the breathtaking images, particularly the shot composition and use of slow motion...and the prospect of seeing a unabashedly orgiastic feast of violent action. The finished film certainly delivers on that promise. The trailer does a great job of preparing you for a 2 hour onslaught of what I imagine is comparable to an NFL locker room before and after a big game...half naked muscle heads hi-fivin' and ass-slappin' each other, all while hootin' and hollerin' in an orchestrated sound of masculinity. 300 is a 'manly' film for sure, but beneath the constant stream of blood and guts, is a film steeped in homo-erotic sexuality. This may be the first mainstream motion picture to be equally embraced by both gay and straight moviegoers alike. There is a character in the film that best exemplifies my point.

In what appears to be the second coming of the Toxic Avenger, a deformed hunchback recluse pleads his allegiance to the mighty and muscular king of Sparta, Leonidas. Although the king admires his will and resolve, ultimately the hunchback is turned away from fighting on the front lines because of his handicap and inability to draw his shield to shoulder height. At least that's the reason the king gives him. I think the truth is that the poor hunchback isn't good looking enough to join the Spartan army. Relegated to corpse wall building, the hunchback decides to cross sides and in seek solace from the Persian army, led by the 'God-King' Xerxes (an 8 ft tall she-man.)

During perhaps the most pivotal moment in the film, Toxie gains audience with Xerxes. What ensues is one of the most disturbing sequences of hunchback seduction ever committed to celluloid. Xerxes, using a group of domestically abused gypsy whores, is able to comfort the abandoned Spartan with the guarantee of societal acceptance . The parallel is obvious. The 'proper' or in this case 'straight' segment of society condemning those who do not meet standards established by tradition; all based on insecurity and fear.

Those closeted Spartans sure don't like the looks of Xerxes and the gay parade float that he rides into town on.