Movie review: Gladiator (2000)

Gladiator (2000) is a Ridley Scott film with a star-studded cast. The Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius is betrayed when Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, murders his father and seizes the throne. Barely escaping death, and witness to the destruction of his property and the murder of his wife and child, Maximus is taken into slavery to become a gladiator. He rises through the ranks to finally achieve the goal gladiators aspire to: fighting in the Colosseum in Rome. But Maximus has other plans. Going to Rome to fight will bring him into the orbit of the Emperor Commodus, a corrupt and spendthrift ruler who placates the restless Roman populace with bread and circuses. Then he can take his revenge. The plot unfolds as Maximus rallies various senators, allies, his men, and even the sister of the Emperor, Lucilla, whom he once loved in his youth, to overthrow and kill Commodus.

With a cast that boasts Russell Crowe as Maximus, Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius, Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus and Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, with acting stalwarts like Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, David Hemmings, David Shrapnel, David Schofield et al, can one go wrong? No, as is evidenced by this truly magnificent film. Albeit relatively unknown at the time, Crowe sealed his future career with a performance that was nothing short of remarkable. The camera loves him, and he knows how to act with his mind. The point of film acting is to remember that less truly is more. His performance is memorable. But no one can act alone in a film such as this one, and the stellar supporting cast was superb.

The photography can only be described as mesmerizing. The opening battle scenes in the forests of Germania are mind-blowing and set the tone for the drama and grandeur to follow. The luxury, opulence, beauty, and decay of the Roman Empire are on full display. The excesses of wealth, entertainment, and corruption are brilliantly portrayed. The Colosseum, (a replica section built in Malta) is truly magnificent and hopefully will get viewers thinking about the sheer brilliance and ingenuity of the architects of the original. It is the largest amphitheater ever built and is the largest still standing. The gladiator/fight scenes are just nail-bitingly fantastic. The music by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard is equally magnificent; grand in places and haunting in others, it evokes instant recognition in listeners. The film had mixed reviews, but the incredible box office response indicates more people liked it than those who did not. 

It won five awards at the 73^rd Academy Awards and was nominated for seven more.

Historical accuracy is spotty although the producers hired historians to advise, one of which resigned. In my humble opinion, audiences know there is artistic license, and this is a story. A story, I must add, that is gripping, compelling, and very well told. Perhaps more viewers will, like me, be curious enough to do some research to find out what happened to the real Marcus Aurelius, Commodus, and Lucilla. Gladiator II has been released and boasts a similar stellar cast with new characters played by Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, and with Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi returning.

Gladiator (2000) is incredible and even after 24 years, its splendour has not dimmed. I watched it for the umpteenth time and still saw new things. Don’t miss it. This is real entertainment and has great acting.

The Magic of Les Misérables

I first saw the stage production of Les Misérables when I was a drama student in London. I cried from start to finish. I recently saw the movie version. I cried from start to finish. What is it about this powerful book, written in 1862—meaning it’s 151 years old—that continues to inspire and move people? It is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19^th century. The story begins in 1815 and culminates in 1832, and follows the life of convict Jean Valjean (based on a real person) in his journey from humiliation to final redemption. It’s not just about one man, however; it’s about a society in transition, politics, justice, philosophy, freedom, religion, and self-belief. It is sweeping in the greatness of the themes embraced by author Victor Hugo.

Movie poster

The story line and themes are so strong that it has been adapted for stage, television, and film, and remains as popular as ever. But why? I think, personally, that the passion, pain, anguish, and ultimately victory expressed by the characters resonate even now. In addition, the film techniques and inspired directing has made this recent production drive completely into the hearts of viewers. Of course, not everyone liked the movie. I have read reviews where the writers said they couldn’t wait to sneak out. It’s all about taste. Most critics complained about the singing.

Ah, the singing. I have the CD and have played it so many times that even I hit those high notes in my head. Again, it’s not about the singing; it’s about actors portraying a powerful and passionate story. They just happen to be singing! From the moment the opening scene sweeps the viewer into an epic of monumental proportions, one is lost in the story. From the visual splendour of a giant vessel being towed into dry dock, to the close-up of a filthy, weeping, cropped Anne Hathaway, it is hard not to succumb to what the performers do so well: tell a story. And that’s what writers aim to do: tell a story that moves the reader/audience. Life is about stories—people’s personal tales, and society’s grand epics.



Cosette by Emile Bayard - original 1862 edition

Half the story plays out against the scenario of the June revolution in France, with barricaded streets forming a backdrop of increasing violence and tension that affects the lives of smaller people in this great game of life. Hugh Jackman holds the story together magnificently with a powerful, magnetic performance. He is Jean Valjean with every fibre of his being. Contained, repressed, angry and driven, Russell Crowe (for me) epitomizes the man doing his job, if it kills him, in Javert. His voice was passable, but again (although I could hear the soundtrack soaring in my head), the visuals surrounding him—horses galloping along the beach; streets of Paris seen from the building tops: a fatal plunge to his death—all serve to add to the dimension of Valjean’s alter ego. Anne Hathaway is a beautiful, talented actress, and her interpretation of Fantine puts her into the ‘serious actress’ division. Her performance is exquisite.

 

Like it or love it, but see it without any expectations of soaring operatic voices. See it for what it is—an incredible story, performed with passion  by talented actors, who pour their hearts and souls into every minute.

by Fiona Ingram

(Images courtesy of Wikipedia: see links)