I heard a lot of mixed reviews before going to this movie with my friend, Jen. My sister and boyfriend loved it. My mother’s best friend, however, didn’t care for it one bit. Since I had a few free passes and I desperately needed to do something, Jen and I went to see Gladiator.
The story begins at the Battle of Germania, where General Maximus (Russell Crowe)is leading Caesar’s troops to victory over those who oppose the expansion of the Roman Empire. Of course, they win. Stuff happens (that I won’t give away), and Maximus is called a deserter and sentenced to be executed. More interesting things happen (which, again, I won’t give away), and Maximus winds up as a slave.
Proximo (Oliver Reed) buys a bunch of slaves, including Maximus, and trains them to fight in the Arena. Maximus and his partner tap a keg of butt-kicking and obliterate all of the Gladiators. Maximus, now known as ’’The Spaniard’’, and the rest of Proximo’s band of fighters head to Rome, as per the request of Caesar Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).
Let’s talk about the cast. All were great, but everyone, except for Crowe, lacked the flair that the movie needed. If I were to cast this film, I would have cast James Colburn as Proximo, Haley Joel Osmont (and I know it was just a small part) as Lucius, and Jude Law as Commodus. Joaquin Phoenix is a great actor, but he just didn’t do it for me in this flick. He was way too whiny and pouty, and I could completely tell that his British accent was faked. (I thought he was going to say, ’’But, I want a golden ticket now, Daddy!’’)
The scenery was gorgeous. I just don’t understand the symbolism of the wheat in the beginning and end of the movie. Yes, we know that Maximus is a farmer and wants to return to his family, but this was a bit much and a bit out of place. At the end of the movie, you suddenly feel like you’re watching a Peter Gabriel music video.
I was disappointed in the special effects that were done. First of all, you could completely tell that some tiger scenes were totally computer generated. Secondly, what was with Maximus floating at the end? It looked like it was taken right out of Army of Darkness or something. Third, I did not like when they altered the hue in the wheat field. It was very distracting, and left a lot of people of the audience thinking, ’’What the heck?’’
Ridley Scott did a good job directing this film. The stunts, particularly the fight scenes, were excellent. I don’t know about the post-production, though, who added all of the visual effect components. The pacing of the film would be going great, when it was suddenly stopped with something that didn’t exactly fit.
Overall, it was a good movie. Would I recommend this movie to a friend? Sure, if they were watching a matinee or video. Full-priced on a Friday not? I’m afraid not. Maybe next time.