 | Gladiator Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielson, Richard Harris, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi |
Director Ridley Scott, the computer imaging department of DreamWorks, the skilled photography of John Mathieson, and the clever editing of Pietro Scalia have recreated ancient Rome in all it's glory and wonder. The effect is stunning. The Goodyear blimp shot of the colosseum "On Any Given Sunday" is breathtaking and so realistic that one can almost hear the TV commentator call the "Gladiator" games blow by blow. Scott's camera gets so close to the ancient warriors doing battle with their two-foot swords that the viewer worries if the cameraman will lose an ear or nose. "Gladiator" is the first of the big budget Hollywood summer films designed for the pre-teen audience (those too young to get a summer job). The effects, photography and exciting action will not disappoint. Unfortunately, "Gladiator" is a film that you are more than likely to forget before you return from the theater. A predictable story (forgive me for not re-capping), stilted acting, one-dimensional characters, poor dialogue all add up to a wasted international cast and what might have been a terrific film. Only Connie Nielson and the late Oliver Reed rise above their material and attempt to give us real characters of some complexity. Russell Crowe makes a fine comic book hero and Joaquin Phoenix gives us a credible psychotic emperor. The opening battle with its cast of thousands was a bit disappointing. Orson Welles did better with his Battle of Shrewsbury in "Chimes at Midnight" using 400 Spanish extras. Yet, I'm splitting hairs. Kids will love it. Adults will enjoy the action. Would I recommend the film? Sure. It beats mowing the lawn. |