Gladiator
(2000)
This Best Picture winner is arguably the film that
launched Russell Crowe into the Hollywood elite, winning Best Actor Oscar in
his 2nd of 3 consecutive nominations. Many knew him from The Quick and The Dead, LA Confidential, or Mystery Alaska, and he was nominated
for best actor the previous year for his role in the little seen but critically
acclaimed The Insider. However, it
was this blockbuster from Ridley Scott (Alien,
Blade Runner) that put him on the map for mainstream audiences.
Gladiator tells the epic story of a Roman
general turned slave, seeking revenge for the death of his family at the hands
of the Roman Emperor. Mostly fiction, with historical facts blended in, this
story unfolds as a triumphant conquest of vengeance, while surmounting
obstacles that would be overwhelming to an ordinary man.
Ridley Scott transforms this story into a near perfect film. Every
scene seems to capture the exact mood and tone needed to give the viewer a
sense of the emotions the characters are feeling, while the actors are spot on
at every moment. These emotions span the gauntlet from the cunning and power
hungry Emperor, to the saddened, courageous and vengeful Maximus Aurelius.
The imagery and visual effects recreate a world that one can imagine as
an exact replica of 2nd century Rome with a perfectly recreated
Coliseum, beautiful landscape shots, up-close and gruesome fighting scenes, and
a plethora of phenomenal set pieces from the emperors quarters & slave
chambers, to the arena floor.
From start to finish the viewer is enthralled with visually stunning
imagery and Oscar worthy acting. The opening battle scene will echo for
eternity, the chilling emotions Crowe gives as he discovers the death of his
family are gripping, and Joaquin Phoenix gives an absolute perfect performance
as he struggles with his disdain for Maximus while the people of Rome,
including his wife, love him. By the end of this movie it’s Ridley Scott who
should be screaming as the credits roll “Are you not entertained?”
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