Gladiator (2000)

Running Time: 2 Hours 35 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Estimated Budget: $103, 000,000
Estimated Gross (April 2013): $187, 705,427
Awards: 5 Oscars - Best Picture, Best Actor - Russell Crowe, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Effects/Visual Effects

Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: David Franzoni (story & Screenplay)
Stars: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed

My Rating: 8/10

Gladiator has been on my watch-list for years but I have never got round to it. After watching other epics last week I decided it was time.

After everything I have heard about the film I am pleased to say that it lives up to its reputation. It is dynamic, thrilling and captures the era of the all powerful  Rome with an exciting yet dangerous tone. Director Ridley Scott famous for creating other classics like Alien (1979) and Blade Runner (1982) is known as a director who creates the world of the film from the ground up, one of the most notable elements to Scott's films are his amazing sets and locations. He builds entire worlds meticulously to bring a realism to his movies. Gladiator is no different, from the Bourne Woods in Surrey that open the film to the giant Colosseum (which is actually bigger than the original, Scott viewed the historical location and reportedly said, we need it bigger) we are transported into the ancient world of Roman Emperors  and Gladiators. Scott's vision was to makes as realistic a film as he could not a stereotypical 'Swords and Sandals' movie; I believe he was able to stick to this vision.

Gladiator centres around the Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe) who is favoured by the dying Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) which creates an intense jealousy from the Emperor's son Commodus (Phoenix). When the Emperor dies suddenly and suspiciously Commodus becomes the new Emperor despite his fathers wishes that Maximus temporarily lead Rome and help return it to the state, to create a better Rome. He asks for the loyalty of Maximus who refuses, for this he is sentenced to death and his wife and young son are killed. Maximus being a famous and skilled soldier gets away from his captors but arrives too late to save his family. Weak and battered from travel and grieving he is sold into slavery, he is bought by the famous Oliver Reed's Proximo and trained to be a Gladiator and fight in the games that Commodus has arranged to commemorate his fathers death and get Rome's people to support him as the new Emperor.

Maximus known only as the Spaniard due to his heritage anonymously rises through the ranks, he leads the men to victory in the games and comes to the attention of both the crowd who support him unanimously and the Emperor who wants to meet this skilled fighter. Descending into the arena after a glorious victory Commodus demands to see the face of the Spaniard, he is stunned to see that it is the very man whom his father favoured and whom he had ordered killed in sheer jealousy months before. Because of the crowds unswerving support of Maximus he cannot kill him, but he puts him against the deadliest of opponents in the hopes that they will do the job for him. With the help of Commodus' sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) who despite being terrified of her brother and for the life of her son she is smart and is determined to return Rome to the glory her father envisioned. Maximus learns that his armies are still loyal to him and with his growing support and Commodus' own shrinking in comparison with the right help Maximus will be able to defeat the Emperor and return Rome to the state.

Commodus learns of his sister's betrayal and threatens her son, she reveals the plan and Commodus has Proximo's Gladiator barracks attacked, Maximus escapes but is later ambushed and is challenged to a battle in the Colosseum by Commodus. He can do nothing but accept, as he is a coward and truly evil Commodus stabs Maximus and weakens him before the battle. The fortunes of Rome rely on this one fight, the winner would make history.

With a story like that half the work is already done for you, the script is packed full of delicious characters, epic battles in some of the most magnetic locations in the world, all you have to do is bring it to life. OK so easier said than done but Ridley Scott pulled it off remarkably well despite some problems during the shoot. The biggest being the death of Oliver Reed 3 weeks before the end of shooting; the remainder of his shots were done using CGI and a double. There was only one moment in the film where this was apparent, fortunately Scott was able to integrate the fake with the real actor, the film was dedicated to him.

For his battle worn hero many famous actors at the time were looked at (including Mel Gibson who was offered the role but turned it down due to his age) Scott chose the Australian actor Russell Crowe and it turned out to be the perfect fit. I have never been a fan of the actor myself but once again the art of cinema is proving me wrong, after viewing both Noah and this in recent weeks I have discovered a talented performer who I am now going to pay a lot more attention to. Gladiator is reportedly Crowe's favourite of his American films, and there is no surprise as to why, his Maximus is a wise, chiselled and proud soldier who has high morals and conscience. Despite rumours that he disliked the script and would change his lines, the script is well written and Crowe pulls off the dialogue perfectly in what could in other hands have been cringe-worthy and laughable.

For the role of the evil Commodus Scott chose Joaquin Phoenix another actor whose work I am largely unfamiliar with. But I was blown away by his performance, he delves so deeply into his role and lavishes in the evil stares and the cold and malicious actions . He brings a depth to the character that may otherwise have been missed, what with his father issues and the incestuous feelings that he has for his sister this is a truly unlike-able character. But through sheer brilliance and talent there are moments (not many but some) when you do pity this character. Connie Nielsen as his sister is great in the role of Lucilla, she plays her with a great subtlety; the unforgotten love for Maximus, the fear for her son, the determination to play her part in front of her brother. Hers is a fascinating role which she utilises in every scene she is in. The same can be said of the great late Richard Harris now known to the world as the wise old wizard Albus Dumbledore from the first 2 Harry Potter Movies (2001-2002) but who crafted a role very similar in his small part in Gladiator. Here he displays a man with the weight of the world and his mistakes on his shoulders, knowing he is dying he is re-living his past and coming to terms with his life and his choices and how he can improve the future for his people. In a very short screen-time Harris is completely in control, as an actor especially in his old age he had a majesty and magnetism on screen which is so obvious in his scenes here. With a film full of great supporting roles and characters Scott filled his movie with some of the best talent on offer, with many familiar faces shining in their scenes.

Like many films before this the score has become infamous on its own merit and I had heard the music many years before I saw the film. It is undeniably the incredible Hans Zimmer at the helm, here he has created a truly epic score which hits every beat. It is thrilling and energetic during the battle sequences and haunting and emotional during Maximus' most personal moments. I have always said that a score can make the movie, and this is just another example to prove my point. Despite the amazing visual shots, and the great performances this score is the heart of the film and reaches out and pulls the audience into the movie to experience with the characters.

There are very few things that you could say against Gladiator, it is just a great thrilling story that transports you back to one of the most exciting eras of History. With a great cast creating arresting characters this is one that will keep you energised to the very last moment (have a box of tissues at hand is my only advise). Perfect for a weekend afternoon, I'm pretty sure I am the last person in the world to see it but if you haven't I would strongly recommend a viewing.