Beautiful,brutal and brilliant

Rating: Null/10 (16 May 2000)

i cannot comment on this film without first saying how this is the first film where I have actually wanted to meet the cinematographer and congratulate him on a job that for myself, made the film. The photography in this film is breathtaking. Every flashback sequence, every battle, every exchange is made in short beautiful to watch. The camera is one minute showing us the most brutal of deaths in a battle sequence that I must say is the most realistic I have ever seen, and the next conveying the audience to the heaven-like sanctuary that is Maximus' home. I don't believe I have ever actually looked forward to the filler shots in between scenes.
However beautiful the film looks, the dialogue is sometimes lacking. The actors make best use of often cliched speeches and emotional one liners (not least Crowe), but the dialogue just never seems to 'fit'. The exchanges between characters seem forced and, well, like you've heard them before. A small fault in an otherwise great film.
Definitely see gladiator. Whether it's just to marvel at the first-class filming or the braveheart style sequences of utter brutality that will forever be etched on your brain, it's a classic story and a classic film.