Ben Hur for the twothousandies Contains SPOILER

Rating: Null/10 (5 May 2000)

In looking at Gladiator one can easily identify with the many other epics made concerning the rise and fall of the Roman Empire as well as everything that went on within.
It was only a matter of time before a movie like this came out, since nowhere can I ever find a movie at the video shop concerned solely with gladiatorial comba.
The nineties and twothousandies is a period now that is demanding that in order for a film to be classed as 'in epic proportions', the film must be something to rival everything that has preceeded it.
The problem nowadays is that everything has been done before. I for one hate being told by the baby boomers that 'they don't make them like they used to anymore'. So am I supposed to simply yield to the fact that, just because 'A night to Remember' was devoid of the technology necessary to make it truly spectacular, that it is a better film than James Cameron's 'Titanic'? Of course not..
The same can be said for Gladiator.
Although one has to put their films in perspective: back in the old days when movies like Spartacus came out, the expectations of the audience fell heavily upon the abilities of the actors. Nowadays you don't have to necessarily have good actors in your film, just bankable ones.
However the casting in Gladiator was so near-perfect that it should have its own category at the academy awards.
Although we could tell Russell Crowe was having the best time of his life, he didn't need to show it in order for us to enjoy the film. Thats where a lot of actors can literally make or break a film. Too many times in films we see 'bit' actors playing 'bit' parts trying to upstage everyone else. Those men playing the roles of the gladiators didn't try and make themselves out to be superheroes through mean facial expressions and such........rather they played their role as they were supposed to.....not trying to draw attention away from what was meant to be happening. Basically its all about actor's needing to know their place.
Russell Crowe was as he should be in this film, brooding, and solemn. One of the creepiest moments of the film was when *SPOILER*, you here him inform the soldier about how snow makes your sword stick within its scabboard, just before he cleaves his head in two.
Joaquin Phoenix was looking slightly heavier in this film and played his role well. I'm wondering what sort of surgeons back in Roman times could have done such a good job with his cleft palate
Richard Harris was looking more and more like Obi-Wan-Kenobi with every camera shot, and Arana played his role well as Quintus (you remember....... Frank Portman from 'the Bodyguard').
All in all a pretty good effort by Ridley Scott, especially with the casting. Although some people may find the ending a bit disappointing the rest of the film holds its own.