I agree with most of Chad Dominicis' post on epics, but would note that in the past, most epics had a historical, Biblical-historical, or (most often) pseudo-historical (or biblical) theme. Those themes (aside from some usually independently-produced films like DANCES WITH WOLVES or GLORY) have largely been subsumed by TV mini-series, including films made for tv but given theatrical release as well. GETTYSBURG is one recent example. Ted Turner seems to be the new epic-theme mogul. What's missing in these productions of course is the sweeping vistas and/or FX that really drew people in. Bertolucci, ever since 1919, seems to have been trying for epic qualities (or maybe it's just opera). --Don Larsson, Mankato State U., MN [Sorry--Bertolucci's film is 1900, of course)