Carry On Commodus

Rating: Null/10 (17 September 2000)

Gladiator was a superb film and all the cast were excellent. However, it is a pity that the history could not have been more accurate (though Hollywood has improved it's knowledge of weaponry since the epics of the 1950s)!
Maximus could never have reached the rank of General because he came from the ranks. Roman Generals were part timers (Senators doing a bit of military service). Also when did you last see a General LEADING his troops? Marlborough, Napoleon, Wellington, Montgomery, Eisenhower, even Stormin' Norman did not take part in the action they simply directed it.

Maximus would certainly never have been sold into slavery. Citizens were either banished or given the option to open their veins. Nor would he have had a regimental tattoo.
The scenes of the Games were good but I think lions would have been better than tigers. As to balls and chains and those mask like visors - definitely out. The Praetorian Guards uniform was somewhat off as well. Why were they in purple and black? Presumably because these are the cinematic colours of EVIL and VILLAINS. This would explain why poor old Joaquim Phoenix virtually lived in those two colours!
One piece of history that was correct. Commodus DID shock Patrician Rome by appearing in the Games. They had stomached (just) Nero's poetry and singing a century earlier but Commodus' antics were going a bit too far. He was killed by a gladiator but he was strangled whilst in his bath. It is suggested that this was at the behest of his mistress who was a covert Christian and wasn't too keen on his treatment of her sect.
Great Movie. Great Action. Pity about the History.