IMAGES
 PRODUCTION NOTES:
Filming began in July 22, 2002 and continued through the end of September. The
production was entirely shot in Malta.
PRAISE FOR STELLAN'S PERFORMANCE:
"Two fine actors, Stellan Skarsgård as Helen's first lover and John Rhys-Davies
as the conflicted ruler, are given too little screen time. ...Variety
"Although the story takes some liberties with both Homer and history, it is a
rollicking ride, with especially good turns from Sewell and Skarsgård."
...Aro Video (UK)
"At minimum, the story is packed with human emotion and geopolitical consequence.
Its subject has name recognition. Its cast includes the steely British actor Rufus Sewell
as Agamemnon and the underutilized Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård as
Theseus." ...NY Times
Rufus Sewell conveys evil with his brooding, inflexible Agamemnon, while Stellan
Skarsgård, in a brief appearance, offers a Puckish, playful Theseus. Other standouts
include John Rhys-Davies as Priam and Emilia Fox as the ethereal Cassandra. Solid
production values, lavish sets and costumes and, above all, good casting keeps Helen
of Troy from veering into the superficial realm inhabited by many historical
miniseries." ...New Orleans Times-Picayune (Rene Peck)
"With some stunning performances by Rufus Sewell, Stellan Skarsgård and John Rhys
Davies and a number of nice action pieces, Helen of Troy does simplify the tale
quite a bit but also manages to get in some dramatic and powerful moments as well."
...Critic Wayne Klein
"Sienna Guillory brings a spirit and wit to Helen that is often not granted to the
character in other versions that instead make her more of an insipid milksop or just a
wretched, faithless woman. In this version, Theseus (Skarsgård) is made into a villain of
sorts who kidnaps young Helen to make her his bride, but Skarsgård turns him into a
likable, even affable, but still strong, man." ...Need Coffee Dvd
Reviews
"Helen is kidnapped, for reasons never really explained, by gallant King Theseus
of Athens (Stellan Skarsgård). He aims to marry her but then decides, again for
mysterious reasons, that he only loves her like a daughter." ...Dallas
Morning News
Helen is kidnapped by a new-agey Theseus (Stellan Skarsgård) who's hip to
sexual-harassment issues; he promises her he won't rape her and in fact doesn't lay a hand
on her even when she's willing." ...LA Daily News
"There's a lot worth watching in this miniseries, despite the title character's
inability to act. With Rufus Sewell as Agamemnon, Stellan Skarsgård as Theseus, Matthew
Marsden as Paris, and a host of gifted British actors filling all the lesser roles, you'd
think they could find a Helen worthy of the title." ...The Christian
Science Monitor
"The movie brings its characters to life and makes their relationships clear,
something a cursory study of the mythology doesn't always manage to do. It's often great
fun to watch, sort of a Dallas goes to Greece, and the special effects are quite good...
The minor characters, perhaps because they don't need to be larger than life, bring a
healthy injection of credibility." ...The Toledo Blade |
John
Kent Harrison
