Misunderstood Films of 2000: Part 1 -- Gladiator

Over this past year, everyone has been speculating on what films will win an Oscar. Some even presume that the Academy will have a tough time, considering there has been no good films. I say that the problem is not with the films, but with the people that watch them. I have seen a plague in the minds of movie fans everywhere. There seems to be a lack of care for the true art of modern films. This week, as we close the year to an end, I would like to more closely examine some of the more misunderstood films of the year 2000. We will begin with the box-office hit Gladiator starring Russell Crowe.

First let me begin by saying that this film disappointed many fans. Some say that it was pretty lackluster for an action film. Still others contend that the film was too much action and not enough plot. I maintain that this film is not an action film at all. Yes this film has action in it. I do not think that is was qualifies it as an action film. It is the plot that takes this movie one step further into an entirely different realm. The film Gladiator is closer to a Roman tragedy, not unlike those we study in school.

Right from the first battle scene, taking place in Germania, you get the feeling of drama. Every move that the soldiers make is fluid, like they are all dancing together. Then you add the music, which only adds to the effect. It is in this scene that you can begin to understand what this film is about, or rather whom it is about. You see that there are several elements converging in the battle scene. You first see the "strength and honor" of it all. As the engagement comes to a close you begin to see a different picture. You see this proud Roman general assess carefully what is going on around him. You not only see the injured and the dead, you see men willing to fight to the death for him. As the scenes progress, you get the distinct feeling that Maximus (Crowe) is beloved by his men. The strength and honor that he holds is the very reason that Marcus, the Roman Caesar, chooses him as his successor. He knows with all his heart that this virtuous man will be a moral Caesar, one that will abide by his final wishes.

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