Comic-Con 2006 - 300

Over BLACK:

"Spartans! Tonight, we dine in HELL!" ...

... then FADE IN ON:

A wedge of red-caped Spartan soldiers arrayed on a crag overlooking a stormy sea. Beneath them, black waves toss about shattered warships as if they were broken toys ...

... so began the highlight of my Comic-Con weekend - the sneak preview - and discussion panel - of Zack Snyder's film of "300" - based on the Frank Miller graphic novel about the Battle of Thermopylae.

Three times they showed the exclusive teaser-trailer. Three times the audience went wild. And three times I said to myself: "This is my favorite movie of the 21st century."

I have only perused Frank Miller's book in the store, never really sat down to read it beginning-to-end, which is odd, considering that the subject matter - 300 Spartan warriors trying to hold off the entire invading Persian army (the original "Alamo" story) - is in every way my milieu of choice. Zack Snyder emphasized that his primary intention was to be faithful to the style and tone of the original graphic novel. So I'm thinking I better not read it, because I don't want anything to jeopardize my enjoyment of the movie when it comes out.

Of course, I was very excited by the "Van Helsing" (2004) teaser when it was shown at Comic-Con. And "Van Helsing" turned out to be one of my least favorite movies - so far - of the 21st century. But I trust Zack Snyder. His "Dawn of the Dead" (2004) remake was spot-on - new and innovative, or doggedly adherent to the rituals of the genre, depending on the need.

Attending the Comic-Con Q&A, first thing Saturday morning, were Frank Miller himself, actors Gerald Butler and David Wenham and director Snyder.

I have been desperately trying to locate the teaser on the Internet, to no avail. Surely someone in that 5000 seat hall must have ignored the warning against videotaping any of the big-screen portions of the program. Someone. Hey, you out there. Email me. I'll give you money.

Zack Snyder is my new hero. You should all know this, readers, if we're going to continue our relationship. Zack Snyder and me, we're going to be an item from now on. I will find his home, and I will send him candy and flowers.

Or maybe the heads of our enemies.