Gladiator

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Starring: Russel Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielson, Djimon Hounsou, and Derek Jacobi

Rating:

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Ok, so I hear all the hype behind this movie. Everyone keeps telling me what an instant classic this movie is going to be. However, I saw it as nothing more than your typical Ridley Scott movie. I should've known what to expect with this director with movies like G. I. Jane and Thelma and Louise under his belt. It's packed with action, predictable but decent plot and nothing special when it comes to dialogue. This movie is very entertaining, don't get me wrong. I refer to this film as eye candy. The cinematography is definately a high point. Creative shots and some pretty good graphics lend a certain feel to this movie that you'll remember for a long time after you've seen it. Although I have to admit the Colliseum didn't look too impressive. That's just me though.

The aesthetics in this film are good all around. Even something as small as the make-up was good. Russel Crowe plays a Roman general who is asked by one ruler to turn Rome back into the democracy that it should be and when he passes away, his successor, his son played by Joaquin Phoenix, asks him to help him control the country. Russel Crowe refuses and is ordered to be killed. After escaping his execution Crowe finds himself training to be a gladiator which inevitably leads him back to Rome and Joaquin Phoenix.

Phoenix is tormented. When he learns that this hugely popular and successful gladiator is Crowe he can't decide whether to have him killed, which will anger the public or let him live and seem like the merciful emperor. As I was saying, the makeup is impressive. As the movie goes on Phoenix's eyes become darker and darker until one of the last scenes when they aren't visible at all. Little touches like this make the movie much better than it really is.

The music, scored by Hans Zimmer, also is an aid. As is, as mentioned before, the cinematography, the choreography, costumes, et al.

Knowing that it's an action flick, you'd think the acting might be a touch lacking. But with a well rounded out cast including such greats as Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi and Richard Harris it was well done. Russell Crowe does a fine job as does the love interest Connie Nielson, co-star of The Devil's Advocate. I've never been a big fan of Phoenix, but I believe this is his best job to date. I was also very impressed with Djimon Hounsou. When he becomes fluent in English, I think he'll do quite well.

All in all, I think the boys will like this film for it's impressive action sequences and the girls will go, "It's ok. Pretty good." Or something along the lines of that. This movie borders on 3 stars and in the months to come, when I rethink this, I may change my grading of 2 and a half stars.