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Light House Shines takes a look at Ridley Scott's new masterpiece GLADIATOR
Hey folks, Harry here and I've got Light House Shines' look at GLADIATOR... Now here is a bit of reference for his review. While he seems to have loved the film, he has never been able to sit all the way through SPARTACUS. A statement that I can't even imagine as that film is just brilliant. I can't believe that I have to wait till sometime in May to see this film.... ARGH! It sounds so good. There are a couple of spoilers in this review, so ya might want to skip it if you're sensitive about that sort of thing... Here ya go...
GLADIATOR REVIEW
Do you like Gladiator movies? A subtly perverse line from the cult classic
Airplane, that I can actually say yes to after seeing
Ridley Scott's latest cinematic masterpiece Gladiator.As I really
have never been a fan of this particular genre in the past since I still
cannot even sit through the entire Spartacus, though two of my
brothers can spontaneously quote it line for line with disturbing
accuracy. So they must be getting something out of it that I don't, or at
least didn't before I saw this breathtaking film. Which deftly tells the
age old tale of a common man rising above his ranks to challenge a corrupt
and unfeeling system in the name of justice and honor. The essential
subplot of Gladiator, as General Maximus (Russell Crowe) literally
fights tooth and nail to win back the former grace and beauty that was
Rome before the fall. The fall in this case referring to the death
of a fictional Caesar, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Who actually
wished to rule Rome as it was meant to be ruled, with truth, honor and
compassion. But said Caesar was thwarted at almost every turn by corrupt
members of the Roman senate and ultimately betrayed/murdered by his own
son Commodus. Nicely played by Joaquin Phoenix, though I will always miss
his brother's acting and the many films he should have been in. Though in
this one case I do honestly feel that Joaquin would have been the better
choice to play a son so power obsessed that he would strangle his own
father rather than allow someone else come to power in his place. As
Caesar's last wish was that the noble General Maximus rule Rome in his
name until such a time as a more permanent solution could be reached. For
Caesar knew full well that his son could not be trusted to have Rome's
best wishes at heart, nor could his daughter Lucilla rule in his steed.
For while she was definitely strong minded and willful, she was far too
easily swayed by the evil machinations of her ever plotting sibling. Who
upon becoming the new Emperor of Rome, after murdering his own father in
cold blood, set out to destroy the one man who knew the truth about his
sudden ascension to the throne. The brave and noble General Maximus.
Thus the reason behind how General Maximus became the Gladiatorial champion
referred to only as The Spaniard. A fallen hero forced to fight
in the Gladiatorial games for the simple amusement of others, subject
to death at any time from the many enemies both seen and unseen around
him. Especially after Emperor Commodus learns that General Maximus is
indeed alive after a botched attempt was made on his life, which is what
lead him to be found near death and sold into slavery by a wandering band
of slave merchants in the first place. For after the death of his beloved
Caeser General Maximus wanted no more of Rome or his (former) life filled
with war, since Maximus was originally a farmer by nature and deed.
Although you would never know it from the way that he fought in the
Gladiatorial games, night after night, week after week. Killing any and all
who were sent against him, prevailing against even the toughest of odds.
Which reminds me, this film has some of the bloodiest yet most authentic
scenes of armed and unarmed combat that I have ever seen in any movie. As
well as some of the most violent images to ever assault the eye, as there
were literally dozens of scenes with multiple decapitations and/or
dismemberments. Though all of them added to the overall realism and feel
of the film, as the violence shown is actually necessary to greater
illustrate the brutality and harshness that existed in the Rome of that
era and is in no way excessive or exploitive.
Though for me some of the best scenes in the film didn't involve bloody
Gladiatorial combat or scenes of mass carnage. Since I equally enjoyed
watching the deceptively evil Joaquin Phoenix doing his best to remain in
control of Rome in the face of his diminishing popularity. Desperate to
smite all those who oppose him in a last ditch gambit to remain in power,
regardless of what it might cost him or those around him. As was evident
by his repeated abuse of his sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) who was
terrified that if she ever refused his demands of loyalty and support he
would kill her, or worse kill her young son Lucius (Spencer Treat Clark).
Showing just how vile and reprehensible a man Commodus had become,
although his incestuous relationship with his sister pretty much
established that early on ( When in Rome I guess). Still it was intriguing
to witness the leader of Rome slowly fall from grace and power simply
because a warrior in the Gladiatorial games was more popular to the masses,
who at the time were in essence Rome itself. Specifically since
this particular corrupt leader was incapable of accepting defeat with any
sense of dignity and would rather sacrifice all of Rome than lose it for a
mere instant, especially to such a man as Maximus. The loyal and loving
son his father always wished he had instead of the one he unfortunately
got.
Now as far as the ending of this film goes, I wasn't too found of it. As I
thought it could have ended a little sooner than it actually did, as the
very last scene felt like an afterthought to me. Nor did it manage to
make me feel anything extra or special for the film in general. As the
bulk of film successfully endeavors to do, as Gladiator is a very
emotionally charged and visually powerful film. Filled not only with
scenes of gruesome bloody mayhem, but with lush and vivid images that
manage to capture almost perfectly the subtle grace and splendor that was
and always will be greater Europe. Which reminds me, I particularly liked
the way in which a lot of the scenes were shot. By slowing down or
speeding up the action and deliberately blending images or scenes
together. Giving parts of the film an almost surreal or dreamlike quality,
especially during some of the more intense battle scenes and rare moments
where General Maximus was fondly remembering his homeland. Which when
combined more than make up for any of the minor flaws I found within the
film, that truthfully have more to do with me on a personal level. Since
as I mentioned earlier I have never really been a fan of the whole
Gladiator genre and normally would not choose to see a film like this.
Although in this one case I would surely be missing out on a truly
spectacular and awe inspiring film experience.
As always, if you have any questions or comments about anything I have
just said or written about. Please feel to email me at
lighthouseshines@hotmail.com and someone will get back to you, thanks!
Sincerely,
Light House Shines
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So don't even try it.
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Feb 18, 2000 6:05:32 PM CST
As Visions of the Tremendous Amounts of Ass Crowe Kicked in "L.A
by brundledan
Ridley Scott directing Russell Crowe kicking ass all over Rome. There really is a God. MAN this is gonna be a great year for movies. (And gosh, Harry, don't cry! It ain't all THAT bad. Though I would consult a lawyer before posting anything else about this whole Oscar debacle.)
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'Nuff said.
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Great. Now I don't have to see the freaking movie!
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This is *definitely* at least inspired by "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," down to the romance between the disgraced general and Marcus Aurelius's daughter (note: Marcus Aurelius was NOT "a fictional Roman emperor." He was very real, and was a philosopher as well as a ruler). And Rome did *not* fall thanks to the reign of Commodus. Commodus reigned in the late second/early third century of the Common Era. Rome did not actually fall (to the Visigoths) until over two hundred years later.
I sure hope Ridley Scott can do more with the material than the original director did, because "Decline & Fall" is a lush, beautifully photographed, superbly cast bow-wow. Right now it sounds like a beautifully photographed, superbly cast movie with plenty of action and an ech script. Hope I'm wrong, but we'll see... -
Russell crowe fighting tigers and big ugly guys and just beeing cool as ice as he is-ARGHHH. Richard Harris as a sort of Caesar guy-ARGHHH. Joaquin Phoenix, who's actually pretty cool in a hopefully pretty cool part-ARGHHH. Big guy Oliver Reed in his last part-ARGHHH. Derek Jacobi.....-ARGHHH. Connie Nielsen who's from my home town-ARGHHH. I don't remember the last time I was looking so much forward to a film as I do with this one. And by the way Ridley Scott (ok, except "White Squall" and "GI Jane")-ARGHHHHHHHHH.
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I hope they can promote this as. "Starring academy award winner Russell Crowe"
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This sounds like a good film. When I first heard about the film, my only thought was "bad summer 'event' picture". Still, RIDLEY SCOTT'S DIRECTING IT, so I remain optimistic. But never let your expectations rise folks, because it is always possible that the film could be this year's Impossibily Hyped Movie Event of the Year, with Joel Siegel Calling It One of the Year's Best. Hope (and cynisism) spring enteral on this site.
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Hey, any film that showcases half naked gladiators gets a thumbs up from me.
-Allie -
Feb 18, 2000 6:40:36 PM CST
What happened to Laeticia Castia being in this film? I saw a co
by dennis
Either her part has been recast, or she is no longer in the film. Does anyone know? By the way, I predict this will be one of the all-time favorite films. Just a feeling I have...
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Feb 18, 2000 7:04:00 PM CST
So,this site is no longer interested in Monkeybone...
by user id indeed!
...?There's been news aplenty on this interesting movie.Is the return of Henry Sellick uninteresting?Apparently,I wouldn't know.I'm willing to help,Harry,being a TalkBack...well,you know.1)The movie might be moved to May 19 2)There has been pictures of not only what Monkeybone looks like,but also what pretty much every other character looks like..there's gonna be a lot of toys,so naturally there was a large exhibit at the Toy Fair.3)The UK site is up.You can pretty much find the Monkeybone pictures at any OTHER movie site.So there ya go!Always happy to be helpful.
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Marcus Aurelius was a real emperor of Rome, ruling from A.D. 161 to 180. In fact, he was the last of the so-called "Five Good Emperors" who saw Rome through the Pax Romana and is best remembered as "philosopher-king," leaving behind his "Meditations" for classics and philosophy students the world over. He was on campaign against the Goths near present day Vienna when he died mysteriously, some say from physical overexertion and other that he was poisoned by his son Commodus. Whatever the truth, Commodus succeeded Marcus Aurelius and ruled indifferently for twelve years. Toward the end of his reign, he became increasingly insane and started calling himself Hercules and dressing the part. In the arenas, he like to perform for the spectators as either the hunter-god Hercules, or as a gladiator, fighting opponents who were armed only with wooden weapons while he used real ones. Real brave guy! Anyway, he was murdered in a conspiracy launced by the consul Pertinax, who sent an athlete named Narcissus to strangle the mad emperor in his bath.
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Its a good thing we do research before saying things about history in movie reviews....really, what exactly led them to the conclusion that Aurelius didn't exist?
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This doesn't really excite me much. Eh! Another summer blockbuster. It could be really good, but truthfully, I just don't care.--Saulot--
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MARCUS AURELIUS WAS NOT FICTIONAL! He was very, very real. To read about him and his reign, you need look no further than Vol. I of Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. The fact that the film mentions him, and even has him as a character, means that I will have to see this film. Gibbon, simple put, ROCKS. Keep in mind, I have not seen a film for nearly four years, and I threw away my TV years ago. ARMA VIRVMQVE CANAT!
SPQR, dudes! -
Technically speaking, Rome didn't "fall" with the invasions of Italy (something Gibbon, IMHO, got wrong in Vol's II and III). Instead, she divided and moved her capital to Byzantium, which became Constantinople. The Byzantine Empire then struggled on for many more centuries, until finally overwhelmed by the Turks. If it weren't for Byzantium, we'd all be going to mosques now. I'm waiting for a film about the Byzantine era, perhaps showing the Hagia Sophia in all its glory, and the brutal wonder of "Greek Fire"--a kind of primitive napalm which roasted the flesh off thousands of Islamic invaders.
But Rome is a good start!
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I looked in my home town's local paper today,and there was an ad that said: "Representives from Lucasfilm will be at Brenden Theaters 16 to show a THX presentation, then stay for a showing of "The Matrix" all for free." I was wondering if that could be a test screening? how do they usually get people to come to a test screening? if not thats fine it's a free movie and it sounds interesting. But could anyone give me feedback?
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in "Monty Pythons Life of Brian," "Conjugate the verb!"
ARMA VIRVMQVE CANO.
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Feb 18, 2000 11:57:26 PM CST
My God people!My review was not meant to be taken literally!
by lighthouseshines
My God man! Even though I pretty much hated history as a whole while still
in school, I am actually kind of a Greek mythology nut. So I am well
aware that MARCUS AURELIUS was a actual living, breathing Caesar in
Rome's history, but he has been severely fictionalized for the purposes of
this film. I.E. some artistic license has been taken with the character
and/or history itself if you want to look at it that way. Also my comments
about the fall of Rome have more to do with a metaphysical or
spiritual fall rather than an actual physical one. Hence Rome in the
film has fallen from GRACE, slowly at first before the death of Caesar
(The film's Caesar that is) and then pretty much altogether once he died
or was murdered by his son Commodus. Which I hope will finally clear up
whatever little misunderstandings there might be after reading my review
once and for all. If you have anymore questions or comments, please feel
free to email me and thanks for reading my reviews.
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My gosh, that was some horrid writing. I think I need to sit down and and make this headache go away.
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http://www.fortunecity.com/westwood/galliano/293/gerome/gerom69.jpg
That there is the url for a painting Ridley Scott used as an inspiration for Gladiator. It's pretty hard-ass classical art. Check it out!
Jumping off now. -The Flea -
Hmmmm Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras was launched yesterday in Sydney but 5 million is probably an overestimation of their numbers. I'm a Str8 guy but I feel safe to say that I'd be supported in the suggestion that you should stick a gladius where the sun dont shine.
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The Senate and the People of ROME!!! Bow down ye heathen!!
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Marcus Aurelius was not a fictional Roman emperor but a very real one (author of the famous Meditations, noted works of philosophy even quoted by no less a fictional personage than Hannibal Lecter (see the scene in the cage in Memphis). Commodus and Lucilla were also real.
You might want to check out the 1964 film Fall of the Roman Empire which pretty much follows the same plotline as Gladiator (Aurelius is played there by Alec Guiness and Christopher Plummer plays Commodus). By the way, having Plummer being in The Insider with Crowe provides an extra bit of frisson because of this connection.
Best Regards,
Bob -
I really hope they get more than just the history right. I hope they get the social structures right. That's my field, and if they screw it up the movie won't be watchable for me. Hopefully Ridley Scott conferred with some historians who weren't just interested in politics and wars. For example, are there any hints at the outcry from the ever-growing Christian population against the gladiatorial games? The late 2nd century is sort of a lull in martyrdoms, but there were still a few every once in a while...
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... you just KNOW that's a naaaaassssty emperor!
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Phew, I thought I was going to have to be the one to comment on the idiotic statment in this review that Aurelius wasn't real.... Good to hear there's some intellect out there guys. One last minor qualm with Seward though, its Arma Virvmqve Cano. Its "I sing" not "He sings"
:O) Just screwing around (but it is) -
But I'm sure. That the film. Will kick. Much much ass.
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Feb 19, 2000 3:12:34 PM CST
And regginal. Keep your. Homophobic bullshit. To yourself.
by tulse luper
Please. Or you might. Wind up getting. Hit by a bus. Accidentally. Because karma. Is a bitch.
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Non cano, non canas, sed canat. Ridley Scott CANAT.
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ARMA VIRVMQVE RIDELIVS SCOTIA CANAT
or is that Scotius?
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...and here is where you can do it: http://patriot.net/~lillard/cp/verg.aen1.html
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Whoops. Forgot it was cano, canere, not cano, canare. If Scott is "singing," it would be "canet" (not "cano", of course--that's "I sing", not "he sings")
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im not gonna be quick to be swept up into anticipating this flick. I like ridley scott, but the trailer played during the super bowl for gladiator looked pretty ass.
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First off, I want to say that I can't wait to see this movie mainly for the reason that it will be ubercool, but also to see how Biggus Dickus will fit into it all. Also, can anyone tell me where I can get a WORKING copy of the Superbowl ad for quicktime, media player, anything? I've been itching to see it again since seconds after I first saw it. Email me at
dante@the-projector.com -
This has to be a joke, right? Good God, somebody tell this guy that beginning EVERY sentence with an adverb or conjunction does NOT make for elegant writing. This guy needs to take a rudimentary writing course before he submits another article.
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My apologies, seward, for the flame. Please make your subject more clear (and bear with those of us 16 years removed from the language).
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