I am an avid history buff, my personal studies began with ancient Rome and on into early European history. I was eventually led to ancient Greece which I must say has been the most fascinating and talk about a rich history! I had been familiar with the legend of the 300 Spartans of Thermopylae , but I did not know the whole story until I read “Gates of Fire” and also a wonderful book by Paul Cartledge titled “Thermopylae the battle that changed the world”, both are informative and are among my favorites.
I of course have seen the movie “300″ and like most I found it to be quite entertaining, but I am afraid that even though this movie has exposed a massive audience to the legend of Thermopylae (I bet there are a lot more average Joes on the street today who would recognize the name “Leonidas” than prior to the release of 300) it has done little to educate it’s massive audience.
I am just one of many people out here who would love to see “Gates of Fire” made into a motion picture, and I believe that since 300 was more of a “fantasy epic”, that there would seem to be room on the big screen for a movie made from a more historical approach.
Of course any telling of this story would have to include the “ultra violence” as depicted in 300 otherwise it would not be an accurate telling of the story (and we already have that in 300) also I understand that any movie made in Hollywood would have to also be entertaining to the mass audience, and not just a “documentary” so to speak, but I also feel that this is a story that does not require additional dramatics, it would seem to me at least that this story stands well on it’s own!
Anyway I just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful book and say that I hope to see it on the big screen someday.

Sincerely,

Mark H.

The producer gave you a good lesson. That is clear. But if one is not openminded at that very moment, it is easy that the lesson is wasted. Two to tango, you know…

Thanks for the simple, direct yet deep advice.

I’ve been trying to find the inspiration to start my own political blog. After going through the introspection that comes from surviving a recent heart attack, I’d like to do something constructive and informative with the extra time I’ve been given. I think I’ve found that inspiration here in your Wednesday column. Please keep the advice coming!