Film analysis paper

Gladiator: Film Review The entertainment industry, especially the film industry has progressed tremendously reaching an unimaginable height. Although, many years have passed after the release of Gladiator, the real love and admiration for the movie have not faded. The year 2000, the very beginning of 21st century witnessed an outburst in the box office. The dignity for the direction of Gladiator is owned by Ridley Scott whose outstanding skill of direction is well rewarded as the film grabbed many awards even winning Oscar. According to Christian, Gladiator is “ a hero for the ages” (29). Some of the key characters of the film are Maximus the gladiator or warrior, portrayed by Russell Crowe. Commodus the young Roman Emperor is well played by Joaquin Phoenix. Apart from them, Connie Nielson did the role of Lucilla a capable daughter of the Emperor. And Oliver Reed and Richard Harris are the other significant actors in the film.
The film Gladiator is interconnected with the Roman power and ruling strategies and the life style of the people placed and different categories. Marcus Aurelius who an aged emperor of Rome decides to entrust the power of his kingdom to Maximus who is an efficient and respected General of Rome. But Commodus kills his father Marcus with a suffocating hug and further wants to execute Maximus. Whereas, Commodus fails to kill Maximus who flees from the land while latter’s wife and child are mercilessly killed. While escaping Maximus is captured and taken into slavery where he is trained as gladiator and finally moves to Rome with the motive of defeating all even the emperor. In spite of difficulties and hurdles he accomplishes his dream and dies after becoming victorious.
This adventures movie is the fruit and result of the Excellency acting too. The actors remarkably contributed, especially Maximus while portraying the character of general undertook many adventures fights. While on the other end, marvelous performance of Commodus playing a negative role also gained the attention of the viewers. Lucilla and Aurelius and the little kid too demonstrated their talent in making the film a unique in every sense.
Movie is widely appreciated for its filming techniques. The remarkable areas of this technique go to the image or camera techniques and the sound effects. Shots from different angles and positions made the film eye catching such as close up, medium, long, parallel, high angle, ground and reverse shots. According to Barsam and Monahan, ‘ editing juxtaposes individual shots, orders them into scenes, and finally to movies’. Sound effects seem incredible as voice-over, music, sound tracks attract the film. Hence, the role of camera and sound has a direct influence in the success of this blockbuster.
In short, Gladiator won many hearts; and even the new generation having different concepts would marvel at this film. The reason why this film attained glory and praise is merely because it is real resemblance of Roman unethical rule and one’s ability and confidence in overcoming the mighty with co-operation and unity. And it is rightly said by Maximus himself in the gladiator game that “ if we stay together we survive” (“ Quotes for Maximus”). The movie is an inspiration for everyone to resist and win over the evil in the society. Hence, watching this film is pride and prestige as it cannot be expressed in words.
Reference
Barsam, Richard and Monahan, Dan. Looking at the Movies. NY: W. W. Norton & Company 2009. 3rd Edition. Print.
Christian, John D. Gladiator: Witchcraft, Propaganda, and the Rise of the World Hero. US: RiverCrest Publishing, 2001. Print.
“ Quotes for Maximus”. Web 11 Aug 2013