It's difficult to remember that Gladiator was a very big risk when it came out. Russell Crowe who plays Maximus was by no means a major star and the script was essentially non-existent. There are, to be sure, many faults here. But they are, thankfully, in the minor-problems category.
The film has Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus, a pretty strong candidate for one of the best movie villains ever created, usurp the throne to the Roman Empire and exile Maximus. Most of the film is about Maximus recovering and returning to Rome, secretly, and, then, openly as "Spainard," a ruthless gladiator. There are so many juicy scenes - many improvised - it's difficult to know where to begin. But the basic fact is Crowe is able to maintain a good balance between being heroic (reluctantly) and a plain man caught up in a web of lies and deceit.
Still, Crowe and Joaquin wouldn't be as good without some powerful supporting performances by Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, and Derek Jacobi to round out the drama unfolded masterfully by Ridley Scott. Nor should one underestimate the solidity of the script that does emerge or the splendor in recreating Rome by Scott. Scott is often uneven - but here he isn't. Too postmodern in places and the narrative logic doesn't strictly hold up either if one looks close enough. All in all (and this is how any film must be judged), a rousing film by any standard. This is Oliver Reed's last film role before dying.
RATING:
R
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