As with any Grecian tale, there are plenty of monsters and gods in The Song of Achilles. Achilles and Patroclus go and train with Chiron on Mount Pelion. Achilles mother is a goddess named Thetis. In the very end there is Patroclus' ghost. For those who enjoy seeing historical accuracy this is a major point, for most however this, is just another benefit of the story.
2. The Royal and His Solider
Both boys are Princes. However, at the beginning of the story, Patroclus is exiled and is sent to be part of military barracks in Achilles kingdom. Achilles is everything Patroclus isn't. Achilles is prophesied to be the best of the Greeks, the best solider, the greatest hero; among his many talents. Patroclus is a boy incapable of doing most athletic things, can't do many things a boy, let alone a prince should be able to do, and has been exiled from his own kingdom for crimes, stripped of his name and title. This ends in the boys eventually being curious and intrigued to a point that they became friends (and more).
3. LGBT representation
More things like this story need to be represented in more main stream media forms then just books. And surprise, this is a gay love story.
4. It's Ancient History, Baby!
The relationship that Achilles and Patroclus had has been long debated. From ancient Grecian minds like Aristotle and Plato to historians today who think you mourn over somebody's dead body for weeks and are only friends. And yes, the meme above about Alexander the Great is true, the man strives to be like Achilles in every stride of life, which means love life as well.
5. A Well Known Name, A Lesser Known Story
This movie will pull in a lot at the box office due to the iconic name of Achilles. However, because the general public doesn't know much about his life they will want to know the story. Not to mention the money made off younger audiences who've read the book and/ or want to see LGBT represented. This would be a great call on the part of directors and companies trying to sell.
6. Awesome action scenes
Don't like all this mushy gushy romance stuff? The second half of the story is literally about the Trojan war. I won't go to into detail, because I will surely spoil it, but let's just say Achilles is supposed to be the best hero to top all heroes.
7. Beautiful romance
Do not think I am overreacting when I say that Achilles and Patroclus' love deter fate itself. Zeus himself had to intervene when a Patroclus died because Achilles would of made Troy fall before it was due. His screams could be heard by gods at the bottom of the ocean, as said in the "Iliad". He fought a river to kill Hector after what he had done to Patroclus. However, not all of their story is like this, it's beautiful and sweet, and daring. Patroclus calls Achilles half of his soul. It's all so beautiful, I encourage you to really read this book if you haven't yet. This book really contains something for everyone; and seriously this book is written about an ancient love story.
8. A chance for beautiful cinematography
The beginning of the book is absolutely full of beautiful descriptions that you can only imagine as beautiful scenes and I for one can practically see this in a film format. Patroclus' point of view is chalk full of scenic descriptions, and will make it easy to create a look for the film that will capture this book as a visual.
9. Never Seen Before
Something of this weight has never been done by Hollywood before. It holds a certain weight in that it is a old love story with an aspect that is often seen as new and portrays ancient Greece how it truly was, were these kinds of stories aren't unusual. How much will it take for you to see that Madeline Miller created the greatest book known to man and it deserves to be cemented as a movie too.
10. TRAGEDY
We all know that every good story needs a tragic ending. Although I cannot say much on this topic, I can say that the last few chapters are heart ripping. It was a tearjerker, even for me who doesn't normally cry about stories. And for those who don't like tragic endings there's a surprise at the end that makes up for all the pain. Seriously, I beg of you, read this book!!!
Last notes:
Truly, if you are not convinced by now that this book deserves a movie, I have to ask what will it take? This book has it all, Love, Death, War, Tragedy, Ancient Greece, Heroes, Romance, Cross dressing, and more! If you truly don't believe me go read the book yourself. But heed this warning, their will be tears. And hey, after your done you can share if you think whether or not you think this book should be turned into a movie in the comments.
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