Best Pictures #03: Gladiator

I'm not sure why, but I felt compelled to have 'Gladiator' be the next film I watched in this marathon. I've seen it once or twice before, and I remembered really enjoying it both times, so I was confident that this third viewing would be just as enjoyable. Not to spoil my final thoughts, but it most certainly was enjoyable this go-round. In fact, I appreciated the filmmaking behind the scenes far more than I had previously, which only added to my respect for the film as a whole. But before I begin giving my thoughts, some background about the film itself.

'Gladiator' is a film released in 2000, directed by Ridley Scott, who is perhaps best known for films such as 'Alien' and 'Blade Runner,' and starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Djimon Hounsou. The plot revolves around Maximus, an incredibly well-respected general of the Roman Army, who is betrayed and forced into slavery where he becomes a gladiator. By the start of the 21^st century, the "sword and sandal" epics had essentially died out as a popular genre, often seeing poor returns at the box office; so when 'Gladiator' hit screens and made over half-a-billion dollars, everyone took notice. Not only was the film a truly epic spectacle from a technical and craftsmanship perspective, but it also featured an enthralling story fleshed out by some impeccable performances (which I will speak on later). By the time Oscar season hit, the film had scored twelve nominations, and managed to take home five wins. The categories it was nominated for but didn't win are: Supporting Actor (Phoenix), Director (Scott), Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Original Score, Production Design. Interesting to note, this became the first Best Picture winner since 1949's 'All the King's Men' that didn't win for Director or Screenplay!

There are very few films of the 21^st century that even remotely compare to the sheer scale and spectacle that this film contains. The only one I can think of is 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.' This film is that grand. The set pieces, many of which are already massive and imposing are often expanded with the use of visual effects which still hold up today. There's no better example of this than the Colosseum set piece. In order to try and placate the Roman citizens following his ascension to the throne, Commodus orders 150 days of games in the Colosseum, which draws Maximus the gladiator into the arena. Suffice it to say, Ridley Scott managed to bring the Colosseum to life in a way that has not been seen in millennia. The costumes are another impressive aspect of this film. Designed by Janty Yates they are as elaborate and ornate as you would expect in Ancient Rome. Joaquin Phoenix is in a new costume in pretty much every scene, each time in ornate, showy togas and breastplates which I'm sure would have been so much fun designing. Also, the choreography of the battle that opens this film, the duels and gladiator matches and everything in between are all pitch perfect. Stellar blocking and direction from Sir Ridley Scott.

Another thing I appreciated far more in this viewing was how freaking gorgeous every single frame of this movie is. There are some scenes were the shots are desaturated (a meaning you don't fully grasp until the very end) and some where the colors are so rich and delectable you feel as if you're feasting like an emperor. The shots of Rome as we first see Commodus returning feel as icy and cold as the welcome he receives from the senate, the scenes in Africa are rich oranges and browns, practically warming the viewer simply by sitting in front of the screen. But my favorite bit of cinematography this film has to offer is definitely the beginning of the film, set in Germania. The shots of the forest have the chill of the ice and the scenes have a blueish tint; however, when our characters are in their tents, lit only by torchlight, the warm glow of the fire casts a far gentler light on them. Instead of ranting for another few paragraphs about lighting, I'll just attach a few stills from the film so you can see what I mean.

One often discussed aspect of this film is the score, composed by Hans Zimmer. Now, I love Hans Zimmer to pieces, and while this is a very good score, I do have some complaints with it. Simply put, this score is what would happen if you took the music from 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and Gustav Holst's 'The Planets' (specifically Mars, the Bringer of War) and put them in a blender. Whilst I recognize the obvious fact that Pirates of the Caribbean came out three years after this, I watched those movies more as a kid and now I cannot unhear that music when I listen to the 'Gladiator' soundtrack (as I have been doing while I write this review). In fact, during the scene when the gladiators first enter the Colosseum, the music sounded so similar to 'Mars' that I actually had to rewind just to make sure it wasn't the exact same piece of music. Now, I'm not claiming Zimmer stole Holst's music, far from it, but the similarities are just plainly obvious, and the whole score for me drops down a peg because of it.

Now for perhaps the finest aspect of the film: the acting. There's a lot of well known actors in this film, all of whom bring their A-game, but for me the standouts are easily Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Russell Crowe has stated before he didn't believe he should have won the Oscar for this performance, but I respectfully disagree. There are so many scenes in which we can understand every emotion and its nuances without Crowe having to say a word. His performance has far more subtleties than most people give it credit for, and while he most certainly can be big and loud when he needs to, I feel it is in the quiet moments of introspection or contemplation that Crowe shines in this film. Now, as for Joaquin Phoenix, talk about an all-time great supporting performance. He either steals or comes close to stealing every single scene he's in, and his changes from Commodus' whiny tantrums to his more manipulative maneuvering are dazzling to watch. He is one of the villains you absolutely despise, but in the best way. You hate what he's doing but you love every second he is on screen. His big scene with Richard Harris, who plays his father Marcus Aurelius, gives him such an opportunity to show his range, and my word does he take full advantage of it. And as for Richard Harris, despite having maybe ten minutes of screen time, he cements himself as someone with depth and with a many-layered past. He is a kind man, a tough emperor, a father figure to Maximus, and most importantly he is a man who can see the flaws in his life like the stones on a path. Harris' performance here is sublime, and he makes the most of every second he is on screen.

So, to sum all of that up, I think 'Gladiator' is a spectacular film, and one I will absolutely rewatch on numerous occasions to come. What a way to start the 21^st century! Now, as this relates to the Oscars, did this movie deserve the prizes it won? Well I can confidently say that this film undoubtedly deserved its awards for Sound Mixing, Visual Effects, and Costume Design. Those still hold up impeccably to this day. As for Russell Crowe's win, as stated above I do think he deserved to win the Lead Actor trophy for this performance. But as for Best Picture... I honestly have to say I don't think it should have won. Now, this has far less to do with 'Gladiator' and everything to do with the fact that, in my opinion, one of the nominees that year was infinitely more deserving than anything else. That film being Ang Lee's 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' which beat 'Gladiator' in the categories of Score, Cinematography and Production Design. 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' remains one of my favorite films of all time, and as such I am heavily biased towards it here. Ironically, I would pick 'Gladiator' over the actual Best Picture winner in all but six years this century, so I have absolutely nothing against it's win here. Fantastic movie!

Rating: 9/10

Did it deserve Best Picture?: Personally no but at the same time yes it did.