The Hindu : International : Greek fury over gay `slur' on Alexander

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004

International

International

Greek fury over gay `slur' on Alexander

By Helena Smith

ATHENS, NOV. 22. You can say what you like about a Greek hero — just do not suggest he was gay. That is the message from a group of Greek lawyers threatening to sue director Oliver Stone over his portrayal of Alexander the Great as a battle-hardened fop frequently having affairs with younger men.

Theyhave warned Warner Bros of legal action if it is not made clear that the film, scheduled for release in a number of countries this month, is based on fiction.

``We are not saying that we are against gays,'' said Yannis Varnakos, leader of the campaign. ``But we are saying that the production company should make it clear that the film is pure fiction and not a true depiction of the life of Alexander.''

The Hollywood studio received an extra-judicial note from the lawyers on Friday demanding that audiences be told in the title credits that the film is a fictional account of the Macedonian emperor's life.

Alexander, who conquered much of the world before his mysterious death at the age of 32, is the Greeks' greatest hero.

For centuries, they have sought to assert the ruler's Greekness, arguing vociferously with their Macedonian neighbours over his ethnic origins.

Statues of the legendary leader, in various virile poses, grace squares and streets around the country. School children are brought up on a diet of his spectacular battles and conquests.

There is such sensitivity that when a local mayor in Macedonia erected a sculpture that depicted the warlord to be puny and effeminate, there were demonstrations.

Some say 28-year-old actor Colin Farrell's interpretation of Alexander as an active bisexual grossly misrepresents the ruler and that there is no historical evidence to suggest that the emperor was a homosexual. © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

'132 LTTE cadres killed during ceasefire'

A strategic victory for Putin in Ukraine

Seize the opportunity for peace, Powell tells West Asia rivals

Benazir denies `deal' behind bail

Hopes alive on intelligence bill

Saddam lawyers mull suing U.S.

E.U. to set up rapid reaction forces

Greek fury over gay `slur' on Alexander

Congo volcano rumbling again

King frees rights activist

Scholars to be sued over jihad call

Shaukat welcomes troops reduction

Kargil should not be repeated: Fazlur Rehman

U.S. to increase skilled worker visas by 20,000