The Eagle Neither Soars nor Plummets

The Eagle (released February 11 by Focus Features) was a breath of fresh air in its focus on honor rather than freedom. With the preponderance of movies such as Ridley Scott’s vapid blockbuster, Gladiator, portraying such ridiculous ideas as the modern desire for political freedom in the ancient world, we ought to be grateful for any movie that attempts to accurately portray the mentality of the people of its time

Julius Caesar said, “I love the name of honor more than I fear death.” This was the mindset of the main character of The Eagle – Marcus Flavius Aquila (Channing Tatum). Aquila’s family is dishonored because his father’s legion was destroyed by the Picts and the eagle standard of the legion was captured. Aquila’s life goal is to regain that lost eagle and with it his family’s honor.

Aquila pleads for the life of a Brigantine slave named Esca, played by Jamie Bell, because he showed courage when unfairly matched against a gladiator in the arena. Aquila’s uncle eventually purchases Esca to be Aquila’s body servant. Esca pledges service to Aquila in payment of hislife debt even though he despises him as a Roman. They decide to set out to regain the lost eagle and Aquila’s family honor

Both men are forced to trust each other in the wild together. Esca’s honor is tested as he finds himself among allies only too glad to kill Romans. When they finally reach their destination Esca seemingly turns on Aquila, and Aquila finds himself Esca’s slave. This tests their mutual trust even further. Eventually they escape with the eagle and are chased back to Roman Britain. They are met by the remnants of the lost legion who lose their lives but regain their honor in defending their eagle once more. In the end, the newly freed Esca and Aquila bring the eagle to the Roman authorities before setting out for further adventures – their trust of each other having led to understanding

Channing Tatum was reasonable as the main character. He is not the world’s most compelling actor and this movie changes nothing. He was, however, better able to portray the thoughts and model of the ancient world than characters in movies like the one mentioned above. Jamie Bell, on the other hand, exceeded even his usual stellar performance. His portrayal of a slave torn between his hatred of his master as a Roman and the life debt that he is honor bound to fulfill was moving. Both actors are convincing in their portrayal of growing trust and understanding as they become friends.

The cinematography left much to be desired. The film had a tendency to focus on a character’s face and blur the rest of the background for extended periods of time. The battle scenes were often jumpy and confused. The music (by Atli Orvarsson – Babylon A.D., Law & Order: Las Angeles) supported the action, plot, and themes well, but was not very memorable. Additionally, for those who have not read the book, the plotline may seem to develop very slowly.

The locations used in the film helped make it very real. There were breathtaking panoramas of the mountains of Scotland. There were scenes were the Romans were paddling boats up swampy rivers swathed in mist. The Seal People’s village looked completely natural in its setting.

The costumes were superb as well. The Romans’ uniforms were toned down, old, and well used – appropriate for a frontier outpost. The costumes of the city Romans also reflected a colonial edge and adaptation. The costumes of the Seal People were especially compelling. Probably the best scene, however, was the Druidical coming-of-age ritual with the vibrant costumes and headgear looking much the same as many old drawings of those rites

Besides Bell’s performance, the most remarkable aspect of this film was its accurate and compelling portrayal of the ancient views of freedom, slavery, honor, and virtue. Aquila and Esca treat each other as rough equals even though they are master and slave. Though Aquila gives him his freedom, Esca’s honor binds him to Aquila. Cicero wrote: “Honor is the reward of virtue” It is from their inner virtue that Aquila and Esca succeed in their endeavor.