Gladiator (2000)

Dreamworks
Directed by Ridley Scott
My rating: 2 stars out of 4
IMDb
(DVD, Dreamworks)

Best Picture
Best Actor - Russell Crowe
Best Costume Design
Best Visual Effects
Best Sound
Nominated: Best Director
Nominated: Best Original Screenplay
Nominated: Joaquin Phoenix, Best Supporting Actor
Nominated: Best Cinematography
Nominated: Best Set Decoration
Nominated: Best Editing
Nominated: Best Original Score

One of the best examples of a film that puts style above substance. Ridley Scott's epic tale of a fallen general resurrected as a vengeful gladiator has all the modern trappings: over reliance on CGI, flashy editing and almost too much attention to detail. All of these things distract from the character and story, which literally get lost in the mix. The film also displays an almost monochromatic color palette, reminiscent of old sepia tone techniques from the silent era: scenes are mostly a cool blue or warm brown. I am not a big fan of Russell Crowe, he relies mostly on cliche facial expressions and a mumbling delivery, both on display here. Joaquin Phoenix is better as the emperor, but did he really need a scar on his face to make us see that he is "evil"? Connie Nielsen as his sister spent nearly the entire film crying. Only old timers Richard Harris and Oliver Reed provide any real spark.