from 'Weighty Matters', May 13, 2000
"Today I saw a gladiator who became powerful than the emperor of Rome himself!"We went into the movie theater with high expectations, for both Anton and Cynthia had told us Gladiator was good. However, settling into my chairs at the theater at Arizona Mills, for it had an earlier showing than our usual Ray Road AMC theater, I busied myself with a new clue book to Everquest.
But from the minute the auditorium darkened, the present world and its diversions were swept away. We were thrown back to 180 AD, between the eras that saw the rise of the Roman Empire and its gradual decline. We're in the northern reaches of Germania, in the midst of a terrible, savage battle. As we watch, we learn General Maximus (Russell Crowe) is a distinguished and decorated soldier, commanding the Roman Empire's brutal war machine against the barbarian hordes. His side has won, but he surveys the damage. Was it worth it? He wants more than anything to be home with his wife and young son. But he is favored of the emperor. Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) knows he won't be able to rule long. He wants Maximus to lead the country towards a more Senate-led government, for he knows his son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) is corrupt and will do nothing good for the country.
Naturally, this upsets Commodius, and from there, the story takes off. In this extremely realistic and adrenaline-stirring epic, both the heroes and the bad guys are believable. I love the concept of the hero, which this film conveys better than any I've seen, even The Matrix and Braveheart, for Maximus has genuine depth of feeling, showing both tenderness and precision, as well as desire for revenge. The villian is not cardboard, either, and is even a tragic figure. He cries and is afraid to be alone. Yet his actions cry out for justice. We, the viewers, thirst for revenge, as well.
The visual impact, from the Coloseum, to the costuming, such as the detailed shields and armor and the exquisite dress of the upper-class politicians, is breathtaking and voluminous. Although the story is largely fictional, "Gladiator" uses actual historical figures and tells its story in the context of the events of the day. They did some research to capture the authenticity of the period. There is not a single weak element in this film.
But to get the full effect of the special effects, such as enhanced fight scenes with rapid jump cuts, you really need to see this movie on the large screen. Interspersing the rapid flurry of battle with see-every-pore close-ups enlivens the contrast, and increased our immersion in the film. We lived it. I felt drained, yet exhilarated and uplifted. Filmmaking doesn't get any better.
"Musical Magic"
An eerie beginning to the music I am listening to, from the soundtrack of Gladiator. Once again, I see it is the fine work of Hans Zimmer who created it.
How I am lucky that music inspires me so.
Then a bristly chill and a deep tenor calls out, and guitars brace for tension growing arcs, along with the drums, who have never really let up. Then trumpets enter the torrid mix and it builds until it thins, ready to open a panorama. Then it builds again, percussion keeping remorseless. My emotion rises with thrill. Power is coming, is coming, chills build, the hairs on my arms rise, I am ready, ready for battle. Come the power! Elevate the spirit! We will not be defeated! The echoing tremors, percussion keeping remorseless, Quieter, then louder, then the gradual rising again. The power builds, it is a frenzy, orgasm soon, snare drums fan out into a peaceful tune seamlessly. A woman sings in pure alto, beauty will endure in the face of all horror, beauty will endure. We will endure, if we believe. Defeat can only last so long, this prayer, then it is quiet again.
Track five, and a woman keens in sorrow. And six returns to a mellow but haunting single woodwind that sings like a voice, that keens also like a woman in sorrow.
Damn! This music is great.
(Return to MOVED ME, THE MOVIE?)
from 'Weighty Matters', April 19, 2003
© Joan Lansberry