Starring: Russell Crowe, Djimon Hounsou, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen
Rated: R (Graphic violence, flirtation with incest, profanity)
Call this one Spartacus Lite. Russell Crowe (L.A. Confidential, The Insider) is Maximus, a brilliant and courageous general of the Roman Army. He’s loved by his men and respected by his peers. After winning a final, bloody battle against the Empire’s last major foe, he’s looking forward to retiring to his farm, wife, and child. But the Emperor (Richard Harris), who’s dying, asks him to perform one last service for his nation. He wants Maximus to become Protector of Rome and lead the Empire back to its roots as a democratically formulated Republic, passing over his corrupt son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), whose dream is to rule.
When Commodus discovers his father’s plan, he kills the old man, has Maximus arrested and plans to kill him. But the wily warrior escapes, only to find his home destroyed and family murdered. He’s captured by a slave trader and sold to a former gladiator (the late Oliver Reed), who places him in the arena, where he becomes a major “star.” His popularity threatens the unsteady rule of Commodus and palace intrigue swirls around Maximus and his former love, the Emperor’s daughter (Connie Nielsen) and a Roman senator (Derek Jacobi) who also wants to restore the Republic.
Give director Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner) credit, he knows how to stage an action sequence! The scenes of open field warfare and in the arena are some of the bloodiest and most intense this side of a John Woo or Jet Li movie. In Crowe, Scott has a leading man with real acting skills as well as the physical presence to be a believable warrior. His work in this film should put the final touches on the “I’m a Major Movie Star” process that began for Crowe with L.A. Confidential three years ago.
Unfortunately, the rest of the movie doesn’t live up to the high standards Crowe establishes. Phoenix is a laughably prissy villain as Commodus (who’s clearly based on Caligula). His affected lisp makes him awfully hard to take seriously. Old pros Reed and Jacobi acquit themselves well and it’s good to see Djimon Hounsou (Amistad) do good work in a small role as another slave-turned-gladiator.
Where things go wrong is with the movie’s script by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. There’s little depth beyond the action scenes, no mention of Christianity (strange for a film set in 180 A.D.), and few sparks of chemistry between Crowe and Nielsen. In fact, there’s more on-screen heat between Phoenix and Nielsen-and they’re playing brother and sister! (Talk about getting your “kink” on!) Seriously, the action fans will get a kick out of Gladiator, as will the ladies from watching the talented Mr. Crowe. But, if you want real spectacle-rent Ben Hur. Or, for that matter, La Cage Aux Folles.
Grade: B