Troy (2004): Is There No One Else?

Even for someone who knows nothing about The Iliad, I had put off watching it in fear that the romance would be overblown, but was thoroughly pleased upon realizing it was more of an afterthought/backdrop than the main focus of the film. I enjoyed it 95% of the way, since it had performers I am fond of in it. I thought Eric Bana did a wonderful job as Prince Hector of Troy and the fighting was well done along with the performances. I particularly appreciated Peter O'Toole as the King of Troy, who had a very emotional and noble performance.

However, the climax is what harmed the film in my eyes. I understand why it happened, but would have rather seen something else, given the build-up of the prior battles. I also did not care for the romance with Achilles or Orlando Bloom's typical performance, sounding British for some reason in a movie set in Greece. Not to be pedantic, but does he ever change his voice? I also don't understand how they crafted a giant model of Poseidon in 12 days. What was it made out of, and where did they get the supplies for it? I'm open to suggestions, but it felt out of place and abruptly disturbing to the established tone of the film. Contrived, but whatever.

Otherwise, the music was pleasant in his poignancy and the film was mostly enjoyable. I didn't mind Pitt at all, whose stigmatic presence failed to hinder the film.