Film Analysis of Gladiator

Film Analysis of Gladiator

The film Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, made its debut on May 5,

2000. Gladiator left its audience with both the highest praise and

harshest rebuke. The historical action film was described as a

“flashy, violent spectacle, everything a movie needs to be” by

Haro-online, but Stephen Hunter of Entertainment Guide said, “Thumbs

down! Drive that short sword though its palpitating heart, and pay no

attention to its squeals for mercy…It’s not great. It’s a

disappointment, so kill it swiftly and be done.” Reviews that

contrast this much lead one to wonder what the criteria for a great

historical action film would entail.

One important criterion a historical action film must have is a

certain degree of historical accuracy. However, a film doesn’t have

to mirror history; rather, it has only to give a sense that what takes

place in the film could have actually happened. It is nearly

impossible to convert history in its exact form over to an

entertaining film; therefore, some liberties are certainly allowable

in historical accuracy, but the directors must be careful not to

stretch the possibilities. Another piece of criteria that fits well

with the historical accuracy is how meticulous the setting, costumes,

weaponry, and battle scenes are created. A historical action film

would lose much credibility if its setting isn’t set in its

appropriate time period along with the costumes and props. A majority

of the time, this is also where special effects come into play. A

filmmaker has to utilize special effects and computer graphics to

reconstruct its venue and replicate its date in history. The mos...

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Movies.

So what constitutes a successful historical action movie? Realistic

historical accuracy. Amazing attention to detail. Intriguing plot.

High emotions. Superb special effects. Outstanding score. Great

casting and acting. Rave reviews. Gladiator possesses all these and

is the epitome of a great historical action film. Yet accolades alone

did not make it a box-office success. Many films garner pre-release

raves, yet disappoint in front of an actual audience. Gladiator

delivered on all counts, from its early praise to its amazing

box-office success, setting records in theatres coast-to-coast. The

perfect combination of all these melded with its attention to

historical detail make Gladiator worthy of its Best Picture award and

a true classic for the ages, much like its classic cousin Ben-Hur.