Achilles (1995)

In Claymation, we see the story of Achilles. He loves Patroclus; they carry that love with them when the Greeks seek revenge on Troy. After nine years of assault on the city, Achilles goes ... See full summary »

Director:

Barry Purves

Writers:

Jo Cameron Brown (dialogue), Homer (book),

Stars:

Derek Jacobi, Simon Green, David Holt

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 win.

Cast

Cast overview:
Derek Jacobi	...	Narrator
Simon Green	...	(voice)
David Holt	...	(voice)
Tim Morgan	...	(voice)

Storyline

In Claymation, we see the story of Achilles. He loves Patroclus; they carry that love with them when the Greeks seek revenge on Troy. After nine years of assault on the city, Achilles goes into a funk and withdraws from the battle when he decides that Agamemnon, the Greek king, has denied him his due spoils, a captured Trojan slave girl. In Achilles' absence, Patroclus leads the Greeks into battle, with tragic consequences. To avenge his loss and absolve his grief, Achilles faces Hector.

---

Plot Keywords:

claymation | homosexual love | achilles' heel | one word title | petroclus | 

---

Genres:

Short

---

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 April 2002 (France)

Also Known As:

Beyond Dope Sheet Achilles

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bareboards Productions, Channel Four Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

11 min

Did You Know?

Quotes

Narrator: What makes a leader of men - the armor or the heart?

---

Connections

Edited into Boys in Love (1996)

User Reviews

Just amazing

I met Barry Purves at an animation festival in Poole, Dorset, England in 1999. He gave a terrific lecture and showed some of his best pieces of work including 'Achilles' which I consider to be his masterpiece in joint place with 'Gilbert & Sullivan - the very models'. 'Achilles' is just an astounding piece of animation which also works as a piece of drama, a love story and a prime example of a master working at his craft. The story centres on Achilles and his relationship with his lover, Petroclus, during the trojan war. The scenes are played out through montage as well as action sequences and tableaus, culminating in the untimely deaths of the two heroes. Never before has an historical homosexual relationship been so delicately portrayed without prejudice or judgement. Considering this is animation, that is a tremendous feat. Astonishing stuff!