alamo, the

THE FLICK: Who could blame people for avoiding The Alamo? After a decade-long burnout of historical epics with two-bit romances crammed uncomfortably into their plot (Titanic and Peal Harbor being the most noteworthy), the very idea of another famous American tragedy being adapted to film is suspect at best – twice-tragic at worst. But this production (which bears the Imagine label but was passed over by director Ron Howard) comes through with a respectful and straightforward retelling of the last desperate hours of a few hundred trapped American soldiers, militia, civilians and two living legends (Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie) at the mercy of Mexican dictator Santa Anna and his army of thousands. Much like the holy trinity of Kirk, Spock and McCoy, the film’s spirit is divided between its three heroes – each of them flawed, but somehow complementing the other thirds. Billy Bob Thornton’s performance is equal to the best work he’s ever done, including Sling Blade. His Davy Crockett is a man who spouts comfortable colloquialisms that are at odds with the burden of his reputation. Jason Patric’s Jim Bowie is an egotistical intimidator who suffers more deeply than he’d ever care to show. And relative unknown Patrick Wilson gets the biggest character makeover as Lt. Col. Travis, a priggish military man who must learn to shoot from the hip, rather than the rulebook. Director John Lee Hancock rarely imposes himself upon the film, other than to revel in a few “magic hour” silohuettes against the twilight Texas sky. His actors are more explosive than the best cannonball pyrotechnics, and he knows it. Yet remarkably, no character ever fights for attention in a script that balances historical fact and popular fiction to great effect. Thornton rises above the material as the best actors somehow always do (his fiddle solo at the top of the Alamo wall is one of my favorite cinematic moments in the last few years). But when the final battle comes, I found myself wishing history would somehow rewrite itself to give all these fascinating people a few more moments onscreen. THE FEATURES: A History Channel-type documentary on the real event would have been nice but the running commentary by historians Stephen Hardin and Alan Huffines serves just as well. The rest of the extras concentrate on the film itself. The Making of The Alamo is just what you think it’d be: 18 minutes of on-location footage and interviews. Deep in the Heart of Texas underscores just how important the sacrifice of the Alamo was to the young Republic. Walking in the Footsteps of Heroes is the most interesting feature, providing personal histories of Crockett, Bowie, Travis and Sam Houston. Five Deleted Scenes reveal a scrapped sub-plot with Santa Anna choosing a bride among the locals. The running commentary by director John Lee Hancock is your best bet for a comparison between the facts and fiction of the events surrounding the Alamo.