Beautiful Sad Story With Great Cinematography, Score, Performances, and Direction

Rating: Null/10 (13 January 2007)

This is Ridley Scott's fourth masterpiece. Period.
Maximus Decimus Meridius is a general for the Roman Army. Just finishing up his duty in Germainia, he seeks to return home. But his mentor, Caesar Marcus Arelius, wants him to stay on as Emperor, rejecting his own son as not worthy. The son, obviously jealous, murders his father and orders Maximus' family, and Max himself, dead. Thus follows an odyssey of epic proportions of revenge.
Gladiator is an epic film in every sense of the word. It is no doubt that Ridley Scott's vision helped shape the enormous scope of this film and benefited from it. Scott seems to be the master the epic actioner.
The performances by all the actors are tear-shedding. Maximus, played by Crowe, is easily the most straightforward character in the film. Crowe delivers emotion in an intense fashion that makes be cry every time I see him die, being carried out of the Colesseum on his back. Joaquin Phoenix's performance, I think, easily outdoes Crowes. Phoenix's character (Commodus) is so complex and dimensional, I sympathize with him every time--even with the atrocious acts he has committed. Connie Neilsen plays Lucilla, Max's old flame before his marriage and also Commodus's sister. She is a beautiful woman and commands respect from those around her. And she gets it, too.
The cinematography by John Maetheson is dark, murky, and depressing. And that was the effect the filmmakers wanted. His choice of the 45 degree shutter angles during the battle scenes create a more barbaric and violent experience for the viewer. And those battles ARE violent. No other filmmaker could've done this like Ridley Scott. He is the master of the craft. He makes everything look so effortless and easily done, yet is so seamless. I'm still depressed of his loss at the Oscars.
An honorable mention goes out to Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard. Their score for this film is emotionally bound and delivers the goods time and time over. It is a soundtrack worthy of my CD rack. Their 'Now We Are Free' makes me cry every time.
Overall, this is a great film. Truly deserving of its Oscar win. Great story, great acting, and great direction make this a modern masterpiece.
9/10