The film operates as a narrative distinct from its historical inspiration. While drawing on the life of Alexander of Macedonia, Richard Burton’s portrayal seems deliberately disconnected from familiar accounts—or perhaps it constructs an entirely new version of events. Frederic March delivers a solid performance as Philip, Alexander’s father, with whom he shares a complicated dynamic. Danielle Darrieux is also present as Olympias, his mother, who consistently reinforces her son's supposed divine lineage through storytelling. The narrative takes viewers on a vibrant journey through Alexander's life, but lacks finesse and sophistication; Burton himself appears rather stiff throughout the production. He isn’t helped by limited quality in the script, and while the cast is undeniably talented, they don’t consistently succeed in generating a feeling of danger or triumph—the casting of Stanley Baker and Clare Bloom as the Persian Princess Barsine feels particularly odd. As anticipated, the film benefited from substantial funding, resulting in impressive production values; the costumes, sets, and battle sequences are all effectively staged with considerable action. However, it overstays its welcome, and opportunities to explore the more intriguing aspects of these characters’ personalities are largely ignored. It serves as a reminder that financial resources alone cannot guarantee success.

Source on TMDB