Example Of Gladiator: Review Movie Review

“Gladiator”, a grandiose film released in 2000 telling the tale of one Gladiator played by Russell Crowe, may leave many viewers with something to be desired. Directed by Ridley Scott, and featuring less than an all-star cast with the only recognizable actor on the bill being Joaquin Phoenix, one must ask if the dedication of Crowe’s method acting, and the cost of the sets, costumes, and productions, were worth the time, effort, and money.
The film was lavish and seemingly impressive, which was its primary draw to most moviegoers looking for an adrenaline charge. Those who recall the film will most likely only remember it for it’s extravagant battle scenes. With a dramatic coliseum fight, featuring lions and a sweating, shirtless Russell Crowe, prior to its release I am sure the film promised to be a success. However, upon watching it one gets the sense that even gladiators of the time did not take themselves as seriously as Crowe does in the film.
While the general feel of the movie leaves the audience wanting, the plot does feel original and exciting. Crowe plays a Roman soldier wrongfully sold into slavery. The movie is essentially set around him fighting his way back to freedom, which may be why he is taking the situation so seriously. Who would not if their freedom was on the line? Despite the originality of the plot, the majority of the film looks like Crowe is advertising chest plates and testosterone. The audience is ultimately saddened that yet another great script found its way into the contrived hands of Ridley Scott, as he ever only seems to turn great ideas into advertisements for the mundane.
Despite these qualms, “Gladiator” is not without its grotesque charm, sure to satisfy most moviegoers looking for a dose of violence. There are several battle scenes packed with violence, and even some out of place graphics one would not expect to see in ancient Rome. Flaming arrows, for example, fall from the sky in one of the first battles, looking not unlike bombs in a war. Monstrous scenes featuring mangled bodies, bloody swords, fire, ash, and general death are featured at the end of every battlefield.
The primary feud throughout the film is between Maximus (Crowe) and Commodus (Phoenix). Commodus’ father, Aurelius has always viewed Maximus as a son and, in a way, disregarded Commodus. This, of course, does not thrill Commodus, as he feels his position for the throne may be in jeopardy. Commodus orders his men to kill Maximus but, of course, Maximus is too strong to be defeated; this is how he ends up a slave of a former Gladiator who sends his own men into the coliseum to fight, hence the bloody lion battle.
The plot is original and the battles are bloody, but the movie is bad for several reasons. Crowe, for example, is simply awful. In addition, without giving too much away, the film upsets many pieces of history, negating what actually happened in order to suit Crowe’s story better. While one can forgive a few discrepancies for dramatic appeal, turning the tides of entire battles in order to make one gladiator the glorious hero just makes for poor moviemaking. The movie receives a D, which is a generous offering.

Works Cited

Gladiator. Dir. Ridley Scotty. Perf. Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Connie Nielsen. 2000. Film.