Gladiator – Ridley Scott

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”

Maximus – Russell Crow

This is one of Ridley Scott’s most famous and successful productions, picking up seven top prizes and twenty other nominations at the OGGBs (Oscars, Globes, BAFTAs). It’s not hard to see why. With memorable one liners, brilliantly choreographed fight sequences, and a soundtrack packed with emotion, Gladiator is fully deserved of its plaudits. The plot tells the tale of the wrongly disgraced Legionnaire General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), who is offered the throne by the ageing Caesar, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). After denying the throne, Maximus is framed for the murder of Marcus Aurelius by his son Commodus (played by the ever magnificent Joaquin Phoenix), exiled, and left to morn the murder of his family. Events take Maximus into the service of Proximo (Oliver Reed), a Gladiator trainer, before he confronts his corrupt enemy in the Roman Colosseum. A simple plot that is gripping and passionate. The acting is not half bad either; Crowe received top prize at the Oscars for his role as Maximus, while his opposite, Phoenix, received nominations across the board for his performance as Commodus. Richard Harris, Oliver Reed, and Djimon Hounsou provide some excellent supporting performances, while Connie Nielsen shows her worth as pretty much the sole female role in the film. The production design is fantastic, the set design and consumes are innovative and convincing, and the cinematography is typically Ridley Scott. The score comes courtesy of film-music wizard (you guessed it) Hans Zimmer, with help from the wonderful Lisa Gerrard, and is every bit as good as every other film on his extensive CV. You just have to listen to the soundtrack start to finish to understand why it’s one of the best selling movie soundtracks of all time. 

There’s a lot that goes on through the movie, but the plot is very logical, well paced, and packed with emotion and deceit. There is also some relatively accurate historical basis to the film particularly with Commodus, who was much loved by the lower classes for his reopening of the gladiator games, and this is portrayed well in the film. There is never a sense of rebellion from the people of Rome until right at the end when they start to favour Maximus, much like they fell out of favour with Commodus in reality. I really like that although things are never in Maximus’ favour, you don’t ever feel like he’s up against an impossible force, there’s always a sense of hope. Russell Crowe is really very good. His transition from a Legionnaire General to a forgotten slave to a loved and respected gladiator is convincing and well structured. His (*SPOILERS*) death at the end is also a great conclusion, while being sad and shocked at his demise, you’re simultaneously relieved that he can finally rejoin his family. The cinematography throughout is very nice, particularly the chariot scenes in the Colosseum which are superb, helped by the fantastic combat choreography. The soundtrack is what aids this film the most, however. You’re led through the fights by Zimmer’s “Battle Waltz”, with Holst-esque string runs and royal brass fanfares, and the emotional sequences by a wailing female vocal, provided beautifully by Lisa Gerrard. You know exactly how to feel at every point and it works a treat. 

There’s very little not to like in Gladiator. My one criticism is that it’s feels very long and, at two and half hours, it’s no wonder it drags a touch. The run time is similar to that of a Tarantino, but where his films leave you hanging off each word, Gladiator relies more on the emotion and crazy fight sequences to keep you engaged. I think it’s most defining characteristic for liking or not liking doesn’t come down to anything that happens or doesn’t happen in the film. It’s more about whether it simply floats your boat. If you like violent historical dramas you’ll probably enjoy it. If you like events that take place in outer space, this probably won’t be for you. Pretty simple really. 

For me, Gladiator is easily Ridley Scott’s best film, and certainly up there with my favourites. I have seen it many times and each time I’m left feeling satisfied, if a little tired. I think it ticks every box with a swish, and is by far the best film set in the Roman era. 

Awards
5 Oscars
2 Golden Globes
4 BAFTAs

Ratings
Cinematography – 8/10
Storyline – 8/10
Editing – 8/10
Sound/Score – 9/10
Acting – 8/10
Overall – 8.5/10