Overview of the Gladiator Movie

Sep 17, 2024

Gladiator Movie Overview

General Information

  • Title: Gladiator
  • Release Year: 2000
  • Genre: Historical Epic Film
  • Director: Ridley Scott
  • Screenplay: David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson
  • Story by: David Franzoni
  • Producers: Douglas Wick, David Franzoni, Branko Lustig
  • Cinematography: John Mathieson
  • Editing: Pietro Scalia
  • Music: Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard
  • Production Companies: DreamWorks Pictures, Universal Pictures, Scott Free Productions, Red Wagon Entertainment
  • Distribution: DreamWorks Distribution (North America), Universal Pictures International, United International Pictures

Release Dates

  • US Release: May 5, 2000
  • UK Release: May 12, 2000

Runtime

  • 155 minutes

Budget and Box Office

  • Budget: $103 million
  • Box Office Collection: $465 million

Plot Summary

  • Setting: 180 AD
  • Main Character: Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius
  • Plot:
    • Maximus wins a battle against Germanic tribes.
    • Emperor Marcus Aurelius wishes Maximus to succeed him over his son Commodus.
    • Commodus murders his father, Marcus, and becomes the new Emperor.
    • Maximus refuses loyalty to Commodus and is arrested.
    • Maximus escapes but finds his family murdered.
    • Captured and sold as a slave, Maximus becomes a gladiator.
    • Maximus earns fame in the arena and plans to avenge his family.
    • A conspiracy forms to overthrow Commodus with Maximus' help.
    • Maximus battles Commodus in the Colosseum and kills him.
    • Maximus dies, requesting freedom for his fellow gladiators and restoration of the Roman Republic.

Main Cast

  • Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius
  • Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus
  • Connie Nielsen as Lucilla
  • Oliver Reed as Antonius Proximo
  • Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus
  • Djimon Hounsou as Juba
  • Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius

Production Insights

  • Initial Concept: Inspired by Daniel P. Mannix’s book "Those About to Die."
  • David Franzoni's Journey: Initiated the screenplay after travels in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
  • Director's Attraction: Ridley Scott agreed to direct after seeing a painting that captured the Roman Empire’s grandeur and decline.
  • Historical Inspiration: Commodus was inspired by real events and historical texts.

Box Office and Re-releases

  • Initial Reception: Number one in the US and Canada box office upon release.
  • Continued Success: Stayed in top 10 for 10 weeks, grossing $187 million in the US and Canada.
  • International Success: Total worldwide gross was $460 million.
  • Re-releases: Re-released in 2020 in Australia, Netherlands, and the UK for its 20th anniversary.

Critical Acclaim and Impact

  • Second Highest-Grossing Film of 2000: Behind "Mission: Impossible 2."
  • Cultural Impact: Recognized for its depiction of ancient Rome and influence on historical epic films.