Men In Skirts... (Gladiator (DVD))

Member Name: revere

Product:	Gladiator (DVD)
Date:	18/02/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great set pieces, battles, vistas etc .

Disadvantages: Girls, get a grip ! It's just Braveheart in Rome !

Was I the only one to notice that this was basically Braveheart in togas? Sorry, I know. Russell Crowe's gorgeous an' all, but it was, wasn't it? No? Well, maybe while I write this I'll change my mind. We'll see.
Ridley Scott is well known for his flair and ability as a director. Alien was a ground breaking exercise in sci-fi noir that set off an unstoppable gravy train of sequels, merchandise and comic books. Blade Runnner was a by-the-numbers lesson in sci-fi noir which set off a tidal wave of imitators and broke Harrison Ford as more than a one-hit-wonder. Where next? I know, what better for a career rennaissance than a return to what you know best, Ridley? How about a sci-fi noir... wait... what? A historical epic? But Ridley! You haven't got a clue about... oh, you just want to borrow someone else's story and add a bunch of CGI? Well, alright. But it'd better make a heap of money...

Hmmm. Maybe I'm just being cynical. Everyone tells me that this is a rip-roaring period piece with romance, revenge, huge battles, loss, and hunky men in skirts. Starting to sound familiar? TOLD YOU SO. The battles, the moody lip tremors, the unquenchable revenge against a tyrannical establishment, even the skirts. Ridley's been doing his homework.
Having said all that, Gladiator is indeed a marvellous way to kill a couple of hours. It truly impresses, from the flyover of ancient Rome to the gladiatorial contests; there are some stunning set pieces. Crowe is engaging and believable, a genuinely fine actor (LA Confidential etc,) and deserves his praise. But Oscar winning direction? The names sound like Life Of Brian. MAXIMUS was really the best they could come up with? I could have picked that as a new brand of themed breakfast cereal (and I claim that patent henceforth.) Give me a break!

I could understand, even appreciate it if Gladiator borrowed properly from the heritage. Braveheart at least had the good grace to have the hero die without a confrontation with the leader of an empire, a finale we could believe. What ruins the final reel is the confrontation between Crowe and Phoenix: If you were the leader of a Pan-Global empire, would you really allow yourself to face down your strongest enemy? Why not just shoot him in the head? But no, Maximus. I will dangle you over a pit of... oh no, sorry. Got confused again.
Oliver Reed died while making this, drunk to death in a Maltese bar. Goodbye, Ollie. We'll miss you. Ridley, have a long think and rethink your retirement. Hannibal is your final warning.

Summary: Great set pieces, battles, vistas etc .