An epic masterpiece that lives up to the hype.

Rating: 10/10 (3 December 2000)

`Gladiator' is one of those rare blockbusters that actually lives up to the hype. Produced in the mold of old fashioned Hollywood epics like Ben-Hur, Cleopatra and Spartacus, this film was every bit as spectacular as they used to make them in the heyday of the studios. With a lavish budget and an eye for detail, director Ridley Scott (`Alien', `Blade Runner', `GI Jane') combines the splendor of ancient Rome (brought to life in stunning detail through awesome, computer generated visual effects) with a human story of gripping intensity, to create one of the most complete entertainment experiences I can remember in quite some time.
The story involves the fall from grace of Maximus, a famous general of the Northern Army whom Marcus Aurelius favors over his own son for succession to the throne. When Marcus dies before making this wish known, his son Commodus is elevated and orders Maximus killed. Maximus escapes his executioners, but is taken as a slave and turned into a Gladiator. This sets up a dramatic confrontation between Maximus and Commodus in the Roman Coliseum.
This is an ingenious meld of fantasy and reality that plays fast and loose with historical fact. Marcus Aurelius was, in fact, a roman Caesar during the period in question. His portrayal as a kind and thoughtful leader was accurate. He would come to be known historically as the `Philosopher King' and the `Benevolent Dictator'. He was also a great military leader and conqueror. Commodus was altered considerably from historical accounts, but the essence of his evil and egocentric personality was well represented. By historical accounts, Commodus was fair and blond. He was not the sniveling brat who avoided battle as he was portrayed. In fact, he fought by his father's side for the last five years of Marcus Aurelius' life. Nor was he passed over by his father for succession. Marcus was proud of Commodus and named him Caesar at the age of five. He publicly named him as his successor at seventeen.
It is universally accepted that Marcus Aurelius died of plague in March of 180 A.D. and not as depicted in the film. There is no historical record of any general named Maximus. Commodus died in a carefully planned coup d'etat, strangled in his bath by a gladiator named Narcissus. This is also at odds with events depicted in the film.
Despite these inaccuracies, much of this film maintained a great deal of historical authenticity. Commodus did indeed cease the conquering wars and focused on gaining favor with `the mob', a derisive term used by the Patricians to describe the masses. He would give away food and other gifts and hold extensive games to keep them amused. He was also wildly popular for personally fighting gladiators in the arena, just as depicted. He was a ruthless dictator, who had numerous attempts made on his life, and he routinely had Senators and other enemies executed. His was a reign of terror and debauchery that rivaled that of Caligula.
The most impressive feat of historical authenticity was the computer generated views of Ancient Rome. These were done in meticulous detail and consistent with what is know from records and ruins. The costumes were also precise and authentic, as were the battle tactics seen in the opening battle. This film brings Ancient Rome to life in a way that is more realistic than ever before.
The story was a cross between the story of Commodus and the story of Spartacus. Spartacus was a roman soldier who deserted and who was taken into slavery, later becoming a gladiator and then the leader of a slave uprising against Rome. (For those who enjoyed `Gladiator' and have never seen `Spartacus' starring Kirk Douglas, I highly recommend that you dig it out of the rental stacks.)
This film was a directorial masterpiece. Though the battles were intense, the graphic violence was understated without losing effect. Scott uses strobe photography to intensify the battle scenes rather than showing a great deal of gore. Scott chose to emphasize the human story, binding us to Maximus emotionally through excellent character development. This is a classic struggle of good against evil that turned the viewer into a devoted member of the Roman mob. It is a story that hooks you and doesn't let you go. Scott understood the importance of this and made sure that the human story didn't get lost in the spectacle.
The acting was superb. Russell Crowe is becoming bigger than life as a box office attraction, and with good reason. His performance was awesome, offering both physical and emotional prowess. Joaquin Phoenix was also deliciously evil as the self tormented Commodus. This breakout performance for Phoenix is Oscar worthy in a supporting role. At seventy years old, Richard Harris dusted himself off for yet another powerful supporting role as Marcus Aurelius.
The sound on the DVD was excellent and it included an entire second disk of extras, including an interesting featurette on the making of the film. It was enjoyable to have an opportunity to see another side of Russell Crowe. He always plays such dour characters that it is fun to see him continually mugging for the camera and telling jokes. It is refreshing to see that after all the fame he has enjoyed, he doesn't take himself at all seriously.
This film was off the rating charts. I deducted two points for historical inaccuracies and still gave it a 10/10. They don't make films like this anymore. Don't miss it.