Gladiator Movie Review Notes

Introduction

• Video discusses the movie "Gladiator" (2000)
• Covers story, interesting facts, box office collection, star cast, and production details
• Directed by Ridley Scott

Movie Overview

• Historical epic film set in Ancient Rome
• Screenplay by David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson
• Produced by Douglas Wick, David Franzoni, Branko Lustig
• Cinematography by John Mathieson, edited by Pietro Scalia
• Music by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard
• Production companies: DreamWorks Pictures, Universal Pictures, Scott Free Productions, Red Wagon Entertainment
• Distributed by DreamWorks Distribution
• Released May 5, 2000 (US), May 12, 2000 (UK)
• Running time: 155 minutes
• Budget: $103 million
• Box office: $465 million

Plot Summary

• Main Character: Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius
• Setting: 180 AD
• Maximus leads Roman army to victory and plans to return home
• Emperor Marcus Aurelius desires Maximus to succeed him
• Marcus Aurelius's son, Commodus, murders the Emperor and takes power
• Maximus refuses Commodus' rule, gets arrested, escapes, but finds his family murdered
• Becomes a slave, then a gladiator in North Africa
• Gains fame in the arena and seeks vengeance against Commodus
• Commodus organizes games to honor his father
• Maximus fights in the Colosseum, gaining public favor
• Plots to overthrow Commodus with Senator Gracchus and Commodus' sister, Lucilla
• Final duel between Maximus and Commodus ends with Maximus' death
• Maximus' dying commands are enacted, restoring Rome to a republic

Star 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 Details

• David Franzoni wrote the first draft inspired by visits to ancient arenas
• Franzoni's idea pitched to Steven Spielberg, leading to a three-picture deal
• Ridley Scott was captivated by historical paintings depicting Roman Empire
• Production faced challenges but aimed for historical authenticity

Box Office Performance

• Opened as #1 film in the US with $34 million first weekend
• Stayed #1 in second weekend, total $187 million in the US
• Grossed $272 million internationally, total worldwide $460 million
• Second highest-grossing film of 2000
• Re-released in 2020 for 20th anniversary, earning additional revenue

Conclusion

• "Gladiator" was both a critical and commercial success
• Notable for its epic storytelling, strong performances, and historical context