I just don't get it...

Rating: 9/10 (4 April 2001)

Why is so much people complaining about "Gladiator" winning Best Picture and Russell Crowe winning Best Actor? I just don't get it. It is obvious to me that Academy members did like "Gladiator" much more than the other 4 films nominated for Best Picture. And when they voted Crowe as Best Actor, they were stating that he ALONE carried the film. His acting is SUPERB. I'm pretty sure that those who question Crowe's talent are not familiar with his career. Try watching "Romper Stomper" and "The Sum of Us" back to back to see what I mean. "Gladiator" is an excellent film. It was the year's best indeed. It's closer to Shakespeare than it is to "Ben-Hur" and other Hollywood epics of the past. It's going to be an influential film too...just wait and see. "Gladiator" is not "Titanic" nor "Braveheart". It's a MUCH better film. Its heart lies in its hero, not in its F/X or action sequences. Maximus! Maximus!