Gladiator
(Initial)
While browsing the shops, I noticed Gladiator was quite cheap, and thought what an age it had been since I had last seen it. To my shock, there was no review on this site, so ever the opportunist, I decided to give my opinion.
(Movie)
Russel Crowe stars as General Maximus, who by the rule of a new young Emperor is forced into slavery. With his family’s slaughter on his mind, he
(Initial)
While browsing the shops, I noticed Gladiator was quite cheap, and thought what an age it had been since I had last seen it. To my shock, there was no review on this site, so ever the opportunist, I decided to give my opinion.
(Movie)
Russel Crowe stars as General Maximus, who by the rule of a new young Emperor is forced into slavery. With his family’s slaughter on his mind, he must prove himself as a gladiator, to get his revenge, on the Emperor who changed his life. Or more simply put, the general who became a slave, the slave who became a gladiator, the gladiator who defied an empire!!
Where shall I begin, hmm I know the story. Ridley Scott who brought original classics such as Blade Runner and Alien, has decided to give the viewers a remake/rehash of classics, most notably Spartacus, Ben Hur and even a bit of Braveheart. Lets not a kid ourselves, there is not an infinite amount of new/original ideas, but as James Cameron has proved with T2, and Aliens, you can use same old ideas to make a good (if not classic) film. So what's the plot like, well it's not bad, but hardly new, which is disappointing as Scott's best films are original, you know Alien was literally out this world. Maybe this shows Scott is on a decline, as things have been getting gradually worse recently, could Hannibal have been any more camp. As a director Scott is ok, the first fight scene is good and intense, the rest are not up to the first's high standard. The rest of the film is done with the 'usual' Hollywood flair, meaning nothing really special. To be fair though, there are poetic parts to the film, which you can contrast to the violence, which mix really well, (well done Scott, you did show some artistic flair).
Lets get on to acting, and Oscar winner Crowe. Two quotes spring to mind; "I do not entertain" and "Give them hell". Russel gives what he promises, no entertainment and hell, boy Russell does stink up the place. In LA Confidental, his role as a 2D thug really works, along side the exceptional Guy Pearce and Kevin Spacey, but the same type of character he plays in this, does not work, as more substance is needed. When not fighting, Crowe is boring, he fails to hold your attention, due to the fact he has no presence on the screen. To have an Oscar for this performance is an insult, to people like Spacey, Washington and Hanks, as it devalues their award. Chow Yun Fat, who was in Crouching Tiger (released same time), had this dignity whenever on screen, his presence made me and others around me, sit up and watch. The other main star (who plays the young Emperor), is played by Joaquin Phoenix, is in my opinion the bright light in this film, his intensity is attention grabbing. Course maybe it only looked good, by the 'performance' of 2D Crowe, but there is a certain mood round Phoenix, which drags you into him, you feel as he feels, you are quite simply captivated by him. The rest of the cast are just bit part players, which what Phoenix would have been, if he had not been so damn good.
The soundtrack is good, because it is emotional, and really reflects the mood (something Crowe cannot do). But, the main theme, is actually a rip off Lion King, of course it’s not exactly the same, but you can tell they are almost the same. Tut Tut.
So except Phoenix, what else is good? The backgrounds, including the beautiful arena at the end. Of course there is the initial fight scene, which is cool, exciting and bloody. Not really enough good points to make a good movie, let alone an Oscar winning one. Guess I finally know why it has been an age since I last saw this film. Oh yeah I should mention the finale, its boring as it is predictable, Crowe is static as a fighter, as is Phoenix, which makes an uninvolving fight scene.
(Picture)
Wow great picture, 1:2.35 anamorphic transfer is clean, sharp, everything you would expect for a new film. The gorgeous back drops hold up well, everything about the picture is good.
(Sound)
5.1 or DTS, are great. During the first fight scene, you can be forgiven for thinking you're in the midst of the battle. Dialogue is clear, and background sounds are well observed, and if anyone is interested, I thought the DTS sound was slightly better.
(Extras)
2 Disc, so prepare for the list;
Commentary with Director Ridley Scott, the Director of Photography and the
Editor
Making of Gladiator: HBO First Look -- 25 mins
Deleted Scenes with optional Director's Commentary
Gladiator Games -- Roman Blood Sport: Learning Channel Special -- 50 mins
Hans Zimmer Profile -- The Making of the Music for Gladiator
Pietro's Treasure Chest: Best of Deleted Footage Montage
Spencer Treat Clark (Lucius) Production Journal
Original Storyboard Comparisons & Conceptual Art
Nice features, interesting too, and if not enough you get easter eggs.
Great selection, if only all films had this much supplementary material.
(Overall)
Now if people already own this movie, and think it is a classic, be honest, how often have you watched it, if not too many, then you may well eventually come to my way of thinking. If there are some people who really think this is a classic and watch it like a religion, then your brain has been infected, with the Hollywood disease, which dumbs your senses, as well as infecting the rational part of your brain. To people who do not own this movie, don't buy, just wait until it's on TV. No matter how good this DVD is (and it is, nearly perfect), the film sucks, go buy the real winner of 2000, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
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