"GLADIATOR" (2000)

Epic, Spectacular, Lavish. These are but a few of the descriptives which come to mind when referring to "GLADIATOR". But wait there's more. Political intrigue, the Roman Empire, and oh yes, BEEFCAKE, BEEFCAKE, BEEFCAKE! Alright now that I've gotten that out of my system let's move on to more substanitive matters.

Director Ridley Scott seamlessly transports you to the historic time that was the glory of Ancient Rome. Beautiful sepia tones and clever usage of computer generated images are two of the conventions put to good use here. Russell Crowe is "Maximus", Alpha male in the extreme. Heroic, masculine, humble, true. Mr. Crowe quite handily conveys strength and vulnerability throughout. Joaquin Phoenix' "Commodus" is a paradox. All at once you loathe and pity him. Like as a rabid dog, too dangerous to be left alive.

Veteran artists Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, and (the late) Oliver Reed are all in fine form. Mr. Scott pays homage to the genius of the late Stanley Kubrick. The commaraderie between the spectacularly beautiful(--oops there I go again :-) ) Djimon Hounsou's "Juba", and Crowe's "Maximus", echoes that of Woody Strode's "Draba" and Kirk Douglas' titular character of Kubrick's "Spartacus". Connie Nielsen in the role of "Lucilla" reminds of the strong, savvy, classic beauties admired by fans of PBS' "I Claudius" series.

What's that smell? Could that be the scent of a multitude of nominations for the 76th annual Academy Awards, for this "striking story"? If the gods be so kind, indeed, indeed.

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