Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Hollywood Thinks About Itself
This is one of those rare moments when Hollywood makes an attempt at self reflection. The narrative depicts the rise to power of the "General who became a slave, who became a gladiator, who defied the Emperor." One gets the sense, though, that the film is not just talking about General Maximus but is really a loose allegory for Hollywood's political influence.This well told story is about a General who (unwillingly) becomes the Roman equivalent of a Hollywood actor (albeit without the perks). From his new position as an entertainer, Maximus is able to carry enough political weight with the people to ultimately defeat the corrupt ruler. To say it another way, the central motif of the movie is this: Because entertainers have access to the masses, political power is most effectively wielded as an entertainer. And so Hollywood, as embodied in Maximus, ultimately portrays itself as the savior of democracy and presumably, therefore, the savior of mankind.Interestingly enough, Gladiator's examination of the relation between entertainment and political power comes near the end of the term of a President who has had more than the normal amount of connections to Hollywood. One can't help but wonder about the real life connections between politics and entertainment. Perhaps the arena is not far off after all.