Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 3.0
Did we watch the same movie?
Five stars? I was greatly disappointed with "Gladiator". I'm an enthusiast of historical dramas and had heard that it was far better than the summer's other blockbuster, "The Patriot". I quite disagree.The most glaringly offensive part of this movie was the schizophrenic camera-work, shifting from regular-speed to slow-motion to un-naturally fast in the space of a few seconds, I suppose it was intended to create a moment of drama, but simply ended up looking ridiculous. Likewise many, many shots (particularly in the opening battle scene) were laughably apparent as blue-screens. It had the feel of a B action movie sloppily gilt in gold.Russell Crowe shows an astonishing lack of ability to act (and a horrifyingly hairy NECK?) Fortunately, everyone else in the film gathers up his slack, which is why I gave the three stars I did. There are a few beautiful scenes such as the fantasy/dream sequences, and the rain of flower petals into the center of the Coliseum. The costumes are stunningly beautiful and I hope they earn Oscar recognition; I have no idea if they are accurate or not.Why were there so many shots of Maximus's dog in the opening battle? Every first-year film student knows that you only give focus to scenes or objects of importance in the story; apparently this director forgot because it's not explained during the scene or anytime later on.Between scenes of Maximus single-handedly slaughtering dozens of armed men, we're dragged through a slow, boring story; although we are rewarded with an interesting (if wholly predictable) final scene. Yawn. I'll keep "The Patriot", thanks.