Thoroughly entertaining and nearly hypnotic, Gladiator achieves what most movies simply dream of: To completely recreate a period in time down to the most minute detail, while giving the audience a story and characters they really care about. While most of the attention will be given to the staggering action sequences, Gladiator also offers considerably more than a few thrills. You've literally never seen a movie like this one before.
While director Ridley Scott has always been known for his brilliant visual technique, many of his movies are unfortunately saddled with some pretty sorry-ass screenplays. For every Alien or Blade Runner, there's a 1492: Conquest of Paradise, Legend, or Someone to Watch Over Me. The script of Gladiator is easily the equal of the visual splendor on display and that's saying quite a bit.
Advertised mainly as an action epic (which it certainly is), this film is much more than just blood and swords. The revisionist history lesson offered here is eminently engrossing, so much so that it allows a movie almost 3 hours in length to simply fly by.
General Maximus (Crowe) is an honorable warrior, completely dedicated to the crown of Rome. After leading his king's armies in battle, he is undone by an act of terrible treachery from Prince Commodus (Phoenix) and sentenced to die. Since this happens in the first 30 minutes, I'm not really spoiling anything by telling you that he escapes death only to end up a slave.
Only his fighting prowess saves his life, as he proves to be a profitable meal ticket for his owner, Proximo (Reed). While it's pretty predictable that Maximus will eventually end up in Rome for a showdown with Commodus, not much else in this movie is. The result is a wonderfully exciting movie that is also fun, touching and pretty damn smart as well.
Russell Crowe proves once again that he will be a true force in Hollywood (in say 3 weeks or so). While another actor might have offered a grumpy and reluctant hero, Crowe lends intricate shades of fury, guilt and wisdom. When he tells his fellow slaves that they need to fight together, it's because it's the smartest thing to do, not the simplest.
In scenes where a lesser performer would bring a sullen reluctance, Crowe never shows just one emotion. While vengeance is his driving force, he has other responsibilities in mind also. It's a brilliant performance in a movie that could have easily survived with only an adequate one.
The supporting roles are equally as strong, with Oliver Reed and Richard Harris as the standouts. Much has been said regarding Joaquin Phonenix's role as Commodus, and while he's pretty strong I doubt he's really the guy for this role, as far as physical presence is concerned. He does bring some unexpectedly sympathetic aspects to his villain, especially early on in the picture, but he's also eminently evil, which is the main requirement for a bad guy in a movie like this.
While effects and visuals alone will never make a movie excellent, the portrait Ridley Scott paints here is simply unparalleled in the history of film. If that sounds like perhaps too lofty of a compliment, reserve your doubts until you've seen the movie. While special effects and CGI techniques will always be able to offer some "Gee Whiz!" reaction, only an artist of Scott's skills could use them like this.
There is not one detail left to the imagination, and I mean that in the best way possible. Yeah, the "Tigers attacking the warriors" sequences will get you into the theater, but it's the awe-inspiring details of Rome, The Colisseum, the castles, swamps and battlefields that will blow you away. I can only imagine what Cecil B. DeMille would have done with these new movie toys.
While it's not a flawless movie, I'd honestly have to see it again to point out exactly what those flaws might be. Gladiator will easily transport you to another place and time, and while many films can claim this, I doubt any could be as convincing as what we see here. (Your jaw will drop at simple scenes of landscapes and buildings, believe me.)
To say that a movie will completely immerse you in its world is one of the sincerest forms of flattery I can offer, and Gladiator does that more capably than any epic adventure movie I've ever seen. It's a film that can sit alongside Braveheart and Glory as perfect examples of how to completely create a time past and bring it to life with stunning and wonderful clarity. Gladiator is a triumph in all respects, and I eagerly anticipate getting lost in it over and over.
You ever hear anyone say "They don't make them like they used to?" Well, finally here's the movie that finally disproves that. It's actually BETTER than when they made them "like they used to", simply because now our wonderful movie-making toys are being used to tell a story, instead of just making things blow up. While it's already the grand-daddy of Guy's Movies in my book, it's way more than that, and I envy those who have yet to experience it for the first time.
DVD edition notes - Added on 11/27
Dreamworks has spared no expense on this DVD. The picture is stunningly clear and fresh, the soundtrack is loud and fantastic (especially if you utilize the DTS feature) and the extra features are staggering. I'd easily place this DVD alongside Fight Club, The Matrix and Dark City as the ones you simply have to own.
Since Gladiator is a double-DVD set, you can expect more than a handful of fascinating goodies, such as:
A feature-length commentary with director Ridley Scott.
12 deleted scenes, which you can view with or without a director's commentary. (I'm always a sucker for the the stuff from the cutting room floor.) In addition, there's a wonderful collection of deleted footage that's set to the rousing score.
An extensive slide show showcasing the conceptual art and storyboards.
Two fascinating documentaries, one on the production of Gladiator and the other a history lesson on how the gladiators came to be.
A Production Diary written by young actor Spencer Treat Clark.
Photo galleries depicting the filming of the movie.
A surprisingly insightful interview with composer Hans Zimmer.
Several trailers and the requisite 'cast and crew biographies'.
All in all, Gladiator is a nearly perfect DVD, and one I'd highly recommend adding to your collection. While a bunch of fancy special features are certainly always welcome, they're only worth recommending if the movie itself is worth owning. Since this DVD is brand new and I was able to get one for 15 bucks, I simply cannot imagine a better holiday gift for your beloved movie freaks.
The general who became a slave. The slave that became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an empire. After another mighty victory on the battlefield...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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