Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 2.0
Too Long, No Hero Here
So, whom was I supposed to be rooting for? Russell Crowe's character was essentially a killing machine, first as a tool for the expansionist Roman empire and then for a slave owner and blood-thirsty Romans. After the guy and his soldiers slaughter a bunch of overmatched barbarians, I'm supposed to feel sympathy for him? I mean, it would be like cheering for Gen. Custer after one of his rampages against Indians. This is kind of a problem with Ridley Scott movies (most of which I like). You can't really get too involved with characters like Decker in Blade Runner or Sigourney Weaver's character in Alien. But you can appreciate the special effects and cinematography. And you can do that with Gladiator. Which is good because you can't figure out some of the plot and you don't really care. It's also at least 30 minutes too long. I've seen all five of the 2000 Best Picture nominees. This one was better than Chocolat. The other three, particularly Crouching Tiger, were far more worthy.