"Gladiator" Is A Perfect Ten

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2000)

"Gladiator" is a film that should suit all tastes. It is expertly mounted and an eye-filling event; the blood and gore, delivered in split-second imagery (allowing your head to fill in the rest) should satisfy the most blood-thirsty movie goer; and the story is a superb tale of good vs. evil, power vs. honor, and "Might for Right". I was reminded of "Camelot" many times during this film, especially by the almost unrecognizable appearance of Richard Harris as the wise and noble Marcus Aurelis. But the sole weight of this overwhelming piece rests on the shoulders of the magnificent Russell Crowe. If one doesn't believe in him, then one doesn't believe in this epic costume drama. Kudos to the rest of the cast as well, and hand over heart for the late Oliver Reed. But back to Crowe--he is an actor to contend with. My one worry is that this film will reinvent him from "gifted actor" to the next "Hollywood Hunk". I've watched other mercurial, vastly talented actors, like Mel Gilbson and Alec Baldwin, sell out to beefcake roles, and I'm praying Crowe doesn't fall under the same spell. Although his work in "Gladiator" is a tour de force performance, he very nearly sprays testosterone from the screen. It's what was exactly demanded from him in this role, and he exceeded expectations in that regard. My hope is that he continues adding to his extraordinary body of work, rather than "selling out". Take my word for it, he'll be the next "Mel Gibson/Alec Baldwin/"People" Magazine's Sexiest Man on Earth if he isn't careful. Want to take a trip along side a great actor? Watch "The Sum of Us", or even "The Insider", and then immediately go out to see "Gladiator". In all cases you'll witness a great actor doing his job extremely well.