Should make Phoenix a Star, not just Crowe

Rating: Null/10 (13 May 2000)

This a pretty good movie. But, I think that the word that this will make Russell Crowe into a star is not totally correct. By all rights, Gladiator should make _Joaquin Phoenix_ a star. Why? Because Phoenix really gives the more complex, layered, performance. Don't get me wrong, Crowe is good, very good as Genereal Maximus. It's just that I think Phoenix has the more demanding role, and he carries it off beautifully. All the rest of acting is good, especially Connie Lielson as Commodus' sister. And the effects? Totally seamless, very impressive. There's a shot "flying" over the coliseum that's exciting. Scenes where the gladiators enter the arena to the roar of the crowd (great sound work as well) and the camera pans around the tiers filled with people are spectacular. The whole film is packed with detail from the crowds to the costumes. In addition, director Ridley Scott makes good use of altered color balance in battle sequences and process effects to create Maximus' dreams of his wife and son and his desires to meet them.
Having just finished reading Steven Pressfield's novel "Gates of Fire" (about the Spartans fighting the Persians in 2000 BC) I think it'd be great to see Scott direct, and Crowe star, maybe as Dienekes (he's too old for the character that tells the story).