The trailer for the new Clash of the Titans movie has just come out, and at first viewing it looks like a bit of fun, sort of reminiscent of 300 in parts. What is more it has Sam Worthington as the hero Perseus, Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades.
Upon reading the synopsis I became a little worried. Okay a lot worried.
Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus is helpless to save his family from Hades, vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus and unleash hell on Earth. Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny.
Whoever is responsible for this has no clue as to Greek mythology at all. Hades was not evil – in fact he was a darn sight less vengeful than most of the Greek gods who were prone to smite mortals for the slightest transgression. Hades seems of late to have suffered character derailment – along with Anubis – simple for the fact he was the God of Death and the Underworld. Hades was in fact the elder brother of Zeus (along with Poseidon) and together they defeated the Titans.
Hollywood at times has a lot to answer for, regularly rewriting history and myths like this. There really needs to be an inquiry into it – and fines. Big fines.
Mist and Shadows 