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Philosopher and scholar Hypatia (Rachel Weisz) forgoes romance in the ambitious, passionless ancient drama “Agora.” |
Alejandro Amenabar’s drama of ancient Egypt, “Agora,” is based on the true story of Hypatia, a female scholar, philosopher and astronomer who believed in questioning everything in existence, including God.
That really ticked off some early Christians who, according to one 5th century report, “took her to the church called Caesareum where they completely stripped her, and then murdered her by scraping her skin off with tiles and bits of shell. After tearing her body in pieces, they took her mangled limbs to a place called Cinaron and there burnt them.”
But don’t worry. “Agora” gives Hypatia a much more dignified and immensely blander death.
That’s the problem with all of “Agora.”
It’s more dignified and blander than it should be, especially for a movie all about political upheaval, religious zealotry, corruption and the triumph of selfish ideology over true Christian values.
Rachel Weisz plays Hypatia, one of the many ancient Egyptians who speak in impeccably British accents.
A teacher with a strong following of smart, enlightened students, Hypatia has no interest or time for frivolous romantic pursuits. (Read more…)