-Story-
The story of Gladiator, although grandiose, is a fairly human one. The plot tells the tale of a hero of the old Roman empire. He is called Maximus; I suppose appropriate enough for our hero. Anyhow, the story tells of his betrayal by the emperors scheming heir to the throne. Maximus is lost to the world, his family murdered, his life in shambles and through an unlikely series of circumstances; he finds himself in the gladiatorial arena fighting for his life. Of course being a former general in the Army doesn’t hurt him much and through a lot of bloodshed, heart, and honour; he might just get the chance to avenge his family’s death. Not terrible accurate, or so I’ve been led to believe but still a very entertaining romp. And with the budget, effects, and fabulous music, Gladiator manages quite aptly to interest for it’s two and a half plus hours. A story of betrayal and revenge, always makes for good cinema.
4/5
-Look-
Gladiator looks fantastic. Then again it should considering how much money was put into it. The CG stands out as amazing. Although you can sometimes see where matte paintings or plate shots have been merged together. Really, to even get me to basically suspend my disbelief that the coliseum was used for filming for a second was worth it.
The camera work should also be mentioned here. When I first saw this film a few years back I was initially quite annoyed with how the camera moved, especially in the battle scenes. The trend throughout which is quick movement, and close ups. But then I started to think about the story, and really it began to make sense. If this film has one fundamental problem with it, it’d have to be the balancing act between telling a sweeping epic story and telling the very personal tale of Maximus. The camera work reflects the personal side to the story, which should really be expected. I mean, the battles are probably like that for a single man, confusing, in your face, and intense.
Finally I’d just like to mention the score by Hans Zimmer. It was, simple put, marvelous. The themes are beautifully expressed and the story wouldn’t have felt complete with its sometime heart-wrenching contribution.
4/5
-Acting/Direction-
Although this film was directed by the very talented Ridley Scott; I’ve got to admit, I really think of this film as a star picture. Russel Crowe plays Maximus to a tee. He his great as a tragic hero, incredibly strong but sensitive. He was a great choice for the role and it’s no wonder that this was the film that firmly entrenched him as one of Australias best new talents. He has charm charisma, and a great presence. He also really seems to know how to fight.
Of course the other major talent here is one of my favorite newer actors on the scene; Joaquin Phoenix. He plays the evil Emperor Commodus. His sad eyes, and almost beautiful face are great for the cowardly Emperor. The character fights underhandedly, praying on people’s most precious desires and emotions. Pheonix, strikes me as an almost wounded talent, he has so much ferocity in his acting style, and he releases it into these sad and twisted characters. He is amazing and forms a perfect foil to Maximus.
Director Scott is here as he was in Black Hawk Down right in the thick of it too. I liked his take on heroism, and honour, and he does it well. A very good effort all around.
4/5
-Overall-
A very fun movie. It won’t change your life or anything, but it’s damn entertaining and I’d recommend it to anyone. Rent it especially if you’ve got a large TV and surround sound.
