GLADIATOR
Gladiator (2000 film) - Wikipedia
| Theatrical release poster | Theatrical release poster |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ridley Scott |
| Screenplay by | |
| Story by | David Franzoni |
Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson.[7] It was released by DreamWorks Pictures in North America, and Universal Pictures internationally through United International Pictures. It stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Tomas Arana, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed (in his final role), Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, Richard Harris, and Tommy Flanagan. Crowe portrays Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed when Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator and rises through the ranks of the arena to avenge the murders of his family and his emperor.
Inspired by Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 book Those About to Die (formerly titled The Way of the Gladiator), the script, initially written by Franzoni, was acquired by DreamWorks, and Ridley Scott signed-on to direct the film. Principal photography began in January 1999 and wrapped-up in May of that year, after having experienced a range of problems due to the script being unfinished.
Several members of the cast complained about the writing quality throughout the nineteen-week shoot in Fort Ricasoli, Malta, forcing many rewrites. Production complications were further exacerbated when Oliver Reed died of a heart attack before production was finished; British post-production company The Mill, that oversaw the film's CGI effects, was then tasked with creating a digital body double for the remaining scenes involving his character, Proximo.
Despite its troubled production, Gladiator was anticipated to be one of the year's most successful films; upon its release, the film grossed over $503.1 million worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 2000 (behind Mission: Impossible 2).
Critics praised the acting—particularly Crowe's and Phoenix's performances—Scott's direction, the visuals, screenplay, action sequences, musical score, and the production values, although its somewhat dark and brooding tone was criticised by some.
Earning numerous accolades, Gladiator won five Academy Awards at the 73rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.
Gladiator is known for having revitalized (or established) the careers of its cast and crew, elevating Crowe to leading man status, and turning Phoenix into a celebrity.
Since its release, Gladiator has been critically reevaluated. It is now widely considered one of the best films of the 2000s and one of the greatest historical epic films ever made.
It has been credited with reinventing the sword-and-sandal genre, after waning in the public eye during the 1960s; the film rekindled interest in films centered around the cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and other iconic periods throughout world history.
Several films have attempted to emulate Gladiator's visuals, style, and tone with varying degrees of success.
The film has been analyzed for its themes of revenge, violence, masculinity, and stoicism. In 2021, Scott announced that writing had begun on a sequel,[8] which is scheduled to be released in the US on November 22, 2024.[9]
DOWNLOADED: December 24, 2023, 4:45 PM
EDITOR’S NOTE: More films of this caliber are needed that include truthful historical information.