A Reel 25: GLADIATOR

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius…”

 

This month marks the 25th anniversary of GLADIATOR. 

 

The 11th film from famed director Ridley Scott, who had helmed the classics ALIEN (1979), and BLADE RUNNER (1982). It would tell the story of Maximus, a former Roman general who is betrayed by the son of the slain Emperor. Reduced to slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator and wins the hearts of Rome while plotting his revenge. 

 

The first draft of the script was written by David Franzoni, who was inspired by his motorcycle trip through Eastern Europe and the Middle East. During a stop in Iraq, he read the 1958 novel For Those About to Die, which gave him the idea for GLADIATOR. Years later, Franzoni would pen the script for Steven Spielberg’s AMISTAD, and pitch the idea of GLADIATOR to Spielberg. DreamWorks producers would suggest Ridley Scott, and the script would then go through many revisions…many of which would happen during filming. 

 

Scott would assemble an ensemble cast. Russell Crowe would win the role of Maximus, and he would be joined by Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, Richard Harris, Tommy Flanagan, and Spencer Treat Clark. It would also be the final film appearance of Oliver Reed, who would pass away during filming. Production would take place in England, Morocco, Malta, and Italy. Hans Zimmer would provide the score. 

 

GLADIATOR would be a hit with critics and audiences, finishing as the second-highest grossing film of 2000, behind MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2. At the 73rd Academy Awards, it would win five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. It is considered to be one of the best and most influential films of this century.

 

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As a cinematic masterpiece of action, emotion, and scale…GLADIATOR deserves a top spot amongst the best films of this century. It masterfully blends epic storytelling, breathtaking visuals (thanks to some well-chosen international locations), and powerful performances. Russell Crowe’s role made him an overnight international star, and his moments have become cultural icons. GLADIATOR was a human story set against a massive backdrop, and that balance re-taught Hollywood how to do the classic epic; ushering an era of films that would bring us THE LORD OF THE RINGS, AVATAR, OPPENHEIMER, and DUNE.

 

For this blogger, GLADIATOR was a new, all-time favorite since day one. Every year, the night before the Oscars, I revisit it because it is everything that a Best Picture winner should be: big, epic, sweeping, emotional, and memorable. It’s themes of honor and redemption resonate, making it unforgettable and eternal. 

 

“What we do in life…echoes in eternity.”