This week, I wanted to take a look at the film that's kicked off the latest round of Historical Epic and Sword & Sandal romps, "Gladiator":
First of all, I want to state up front that calling this movie "historical" has to be taken with a gigantic asteroid of salt! Anyway, "Gladiator" follows the rise and fall... and rise of the fictional Maximus Decimus Meridius as he transitions from general to slave to the titular gladiator.
The film begins with the final battle of the Marcomannic Wars, which ends with a decisive Roman victory by Maximus while Emperor Marcus Aurelius watches. Afterward, Marcus Aurelius declares to his son, Commodus, that the latter will not be Emperor (NB- this didn't happen in real life) because the former wants to dissolve the Empire and to restore the Roman Republic (NB- this didn't happen in real life). However, rather than enjoying his much longed for peace, the Emperor instead enjoys being smothered to death by Commodus (NB- this didn't happen in real life).
Maximus is not down with this regime change and attempts a coup d'etat. However, wily Commodus remains one step ahead and Maximus ends up a slave after his family is murdered. The former general is sold and trained as a gladiator and proves to be unstoppable!
Meanwhile, Commodus decides to host a massive and hugely expensive series of gladiatorial fights to distract the populace from the failings of his rule. As the A #1 hotshot, Maximus and his friends are off to Rome. This sets up a collision course between the two men that can only be settled with cold steel on the hot sand of the Colosseum!
While it won Best Picture at the Academy Awards (robbing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon IMHO), "Gladiator" basically just a fun popcorn flick. The movie has excellent action scenes, high production values and a wonderful score. Additionally, it deserves credit for reinvigorating the Historical Epic and Sword & Sandal genres and increasing the public's interest in history generally.
However, director Ridley Scott again shows his inability to elevate source material: when he has a great script, he can produce a great movie (e.g., Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, Black Hawk Down, The Martian). When the scripts are not great, his films are stylish and visually stunning but not much else. This is the case here, as "Gladiator" is ultimately a vapid tale filled with forgettable characters.
The film begins with the final battle of the Marcomannic Wars, which ends with a decisive Roman victory by Maximus while Emperor Marcus Aurelius watches. Afterward, Marcus Aurelius declares to his son, Commodus, that the latter will not be Emperor (NB- this didn't happen in real life) because the former wants to dissolve the Empire and to restore the Roman Republic (NB- this didn't happen in real life). However, rather than enjoying his much longed for peace, the Emperor instead enjoys being smothered to death by Commodus (NB- this didn't happen in real life).
Maximus is not down with this regime change and attempts a coup d'etat. However, wily Commodus remains one step ahead and Maximus ends up a slave after his family is murdered. The former general is sold and trained as a gladiator and proves to be unstoppable!
Meanwhile, Commodus decides to host a massive and hugely expensive series of gladiatorial fights to distract the populace from the failings of his rule. As the A #1 hotshot, Maximus and his friends are off to Rome. This sets up a collision course between the two men that can only be settled with cold steel on the hot sand of the Colosseum!
While it won Best Picture at the Academy Awards (robbing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon IMHO), "Gladiator" basically just a fun popcorn flick. The movie has excellent action scenes, high production values and a wonderful score. Additionally, it deserves credit for reinvigorating the Historical Epic and Sword & Sandal genres and increasing the public's interest in history generally.
However, director Ridley Scott again shows his inability to elevate source material: when he has a great script, he can produce a great movie (e.g., Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, Black Hawk Down, The Martian). When the scripts are not great, his films are stylish and visually stunning but not much else. This is the case here, as "Gladiator" is ultimately a vapid tale filled with forgettable characters.
So, if you're looking for a ripping Sword & Sandal yarn, this movie is just fine. But if you're looking for a somewhat more historical take on ancient Rome, the HBO television series is much, much better in every other category.
Thirteen!
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