“Gladiator” (actors: R. Crowe, H. Phoenix, K. Nielsen, O. Reed, R. Harris) - this is one of the most successful attempts to revive almost the most popular genre of “peplum” at the turn of the 1950s and 1960s "- historical films about Ancient Rome.
Creators
One of the leaders of the DreamWorks film company is Steven Spielberg, most likely this explains her interest in history along with science fiction. The director Ridley Scott, who was entrusted with the shooting of the film “The Gladiator” (the actors were extremely happy to collaborate with the eminent maestro), made the old-fashioned style of historical paintings, dominant several decades ago, exciting and exciting for the modern public. Ridley Scott captivated the viewer, accustomed to new-fashioned special effects, flashing into memory battle scenes and unique episodes of gladiatorial battles. The first part of the film suffers from certain shortcomings in the narrative, which catch up closer to the finale with the sharpness of the spiritual confrontation between the two central characters of the film Gladiator. Actors and roles were matched to each other, scriptwriters - David Franzoni, William Nicholson, John Logan helped this director.
Plot
The central character of Ridley Scott at first is not a gladiator, but an invincible general who defeated the Germans in Rome's glory, Maximus (Russell Crowe). Marcus Aurelius himself, performed by Richard Harris, prophesies the hero to his successors. But he already has a direct heir, the notorious villain Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who goes to kill his father before the emperor manages to officially announce his successor. As a result, Commodus ascends the throne, and Maximus finds himself in a cruel disgrace. His relatives are killed, the former general miraculously manages to escape, but becomes a gladiator-slave. In the arena of the Coliseum, he has no equal, he soon becomes a favorite of Rome and the surrounding area. As a result, he has to fight in the arena not only with predator animals, but also with the completely crazy Commodus. Such a plot has the movie "Gladiator." Actors regarded their participation in the production of Scott as a successful step in his career. The casting of the film is worth noting special attention.
The cast of the film “Gladiator”. Main actor
The cast of the picture is perfectly matched, all the characters are charismatic, played flawlessly, with full dedication. During viewing, this is felt in every episode, in every frame. The actors of the film “Gladiator” were selected taking into account the economy of the producers of the film company, who prefer not to waste fabulous sums and do not invite particularly expensive stars. Professionals rightly rely on what “to take out the material itself”. Initially, the role of General Maximus was written specifically for Mel Gibson, but for unknown reasons he unexpectedly refused to participate in the filming of the film “Gladiator”. The actor, who starred after all, was Russell Crowe. He did not just play the role of Maximus, but lived it. The Australian film actor began his career on Australian television. In an attempt to find his place in life, Crowe was a street actor, a waiter, and a rock musician. Sharon Stone helped the actor get on the big international screen . But real success came to Russell after participating in the movie "Secrets of Los Angeles." And for starring in the historical epic, film academics awarded Crow the Oscar.
Chic movie villain
Joaquin Phoenix played the role of the greedy emperor Commodus. The performer was born and raised in a family that gave the world a galaxy of talented actors. Occasional roles in many TV series helped Joaquin prepare for his debut in a big movie. Fame overtook the Phoenix after participating in the film Parenthood. After filming in a number of good-quality films, nominations and awards fell on the actor, but the film that made Joaquin Phoenix a recognized Hollywood star was Gladiator. Film critics unanimously sang praises to him, awards were awarded one after another.
In the image of a wise ruler
Richard Harris played the wise ruler, loving his people. The actor from early childhood was equally attracted to the theater and rugby. He even linked his career to sports, but nevertheless, due to health problems, he preferred the acting profession. Before setting off to conquer London, Harris played at a local theater. In the 60s, Richard worked actively in film and theater, he starred with many film masters - Gregory Peck, Marlon Brando and Anthony Quinn. The 70s were not very successful for the actor due to excessive addiction to alcohol and drugs. In the 80s, Harris barely managed to overcome the creative crisis. In recent years, he played a lot of vivid roles in the films "Gladiator", "Count of Monte Cristo", "Apocalypse" and in the epic about Harry Potter.
Oliver Reid as Proximo
Oliver Reed is an English actor who, due to his violent temper and abuse of alcoholic beverages, missed the opportunity to star in many world movie hits. But his filmography already exceeds one hundred films. The actor is world famous. The picture "Gladiator" was released after the death of Reed, who died of a heart attack. In the work of Scott, he plays the role of a cruel and merciless slave owner. Oliver Reed never saw the finished version of the Gladiator movie. The actors who worked with him on the set expressed their sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Gladiator is an amazing historical film of unprecedented scope. Only the classic of modern cinema, such as Ridley Scott, could give such a grandiose, epic film to the world.