2020-2029, Film Review

Gladiator II (2024)

Posted on November 19, 2024December 1, 2024 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

**© Paramount Pictures, Scott Free Productions and Lucy Fisher/Douglas Wick Production**s

Gladiator II – Film Review

Cast: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Yuval Gonen, Matt Lucas, Tim McInnerny

Director: Ridley Scott

Synopsis: After his home is invaded and conquered by the Roman army, Lucius Verus is forced to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Maximus and become a gladiator…

Review: “What is your Roman Empire?” is a question you may have noticed has popped up a lot in interviews recently, thanks to a trend on social media in which men are asked how often they think about the Roman Empire. If one were to put this question to Sir Ridley Scott, the answer would probably be a fair bit due to the fact among the legendary director’s distinguished filmography, many could point to 2000’s Gladiator as his magnum opus, and for good reason. The story of a Roman General who is betrayed and sees his family murdered on the orders of a corrupt emperor, then becomes a gladiator to seek vengeance, in this life or the next, has stood the test of time for its epic scope, an incredible array of characters, enthralling action sequences, and one of maestro Hans Zimmer’s greatest scores of all time. After nearly a quarter of a century, the Roman Empire evidently wasn’t far from Scott’s mind because, like a triumphant gladiator, he returns to the Colosseum, in thrilling style.

Sixteen years after the death of Maximus in the arena following a personal bout with his uncle Commodus, Lucius Verus, going by the alias “Hanno”, lives in the Roman province Numida with his wife Arishat, a far cry from his early life by his mother Lucilla’s side in preparation for a very regal future. In the years since, Lucius’s grandfather Marcus Aurelius’s dream that was Rome is a distant memory, with the twin Emperors Geta (Quinn) and Carcella (Hechinger) presiding over corruption and political turmoil. This has left some in the Roman army, such as General Acacius (Pascal) increasingly disillusioned with their rule. When his home is conquered by the Roman army, Lucius follows in the footsteps of Maxiums and becomes a gladiator after being sold into slavery. He soon comes to the attention of former slave Macrinus (Washington) who senses Lucius’s rage and looks to offer him a path to satisfy the rage he has against those who invaded his homeland and murdered his family.

It’s remarkable that even at 86 years old, Ridley Scott shows no signs of slowing down and continues delivering spectacular films, particularly in the swords-and-sandals and historical epic genres, in a way few directors can match. However, creating a sequel to such a beloved and iconic masterpiece is undoubtedly a daunting and risky endeavour for this legendary director. Reteaming with his Napoleon screenwriter, David Scarpa’s screenplay wisely chooses to follow the narrative beats of the original. In this continuation, the protagonist experiences a significant loss, which drives him to channel his grief and intense rage against those responsible for inflicting great pain, for the loss of those he held dear and for those who cost He takes his vengeance to the Great Colosseum of Rome, where he must fight in several bloody battles to the death, while trying to convince anyone who will listen of his grandfather’s dream. However, as Lucius will soon find out, the depravity that went on while his uncle held the throne is nothing compared to what has been allowed to unfold in the nearly two decades since under the reign of the two men who sit on the throne that by all rights, should have been his.

Like a fatal blow in the Colosseum, the film’s powerful central message – that will strike deep and echo in eternity – lies in its damning indictment of modern-day politics. In recent years, the world has seen numerous figures rise to power on the back of populist rhetoric. When these charlatans rise to power, with their unchecked egos demanding loyalty from anyone and everyone while never giving anything in return, they leave considerable damage in their wake and show little to no thought or consideration for the harm they have inflicted with their arrogance and pomposity. It serves as a damning reminder of what can happen when such dangerous and unqualified demagogues are allowed to assume positions of power.

Such political chaos and turmoil allow for some savvy and cunning figures to exploit the corruption to get ahead, and this is where Macrinus thrives. Washington, the legend that he is, is clearly having a ball with this role and he captivates every time he’s on screen, so much so it matters not that he is speaking with his natural accent. Filling Maximum’s armour is a tough ask, but Lucius’s arc makes for a compelling one, and Mescal gives a suitably wounded and gritty performance, his anger and fury with those in power never too far from the surface. Meanwhile, Quinn and Hechinger are suitably deranged and loathsome as the maniacal emperors, channelling Commodus’s wickedness and being accompanied by a pet monkey, as you do.

Some of the action scenes in the original could very easily lay claim to some of the best action of Scott’s long and glittering career as a director. So how does the octogenarian director top what he accomplished 24 years ago, by putting the history book to the sword and refusing to give a damn whether or not the events depicted in the Colosseum have any foundation in historical fact. Battles with manic baboons, and rhinos, and filling the Colosseum with water to recreating a great naval battle. It’s all utterly bonkers and wild, how can you not be entertained and give a thumbs up and watch the carnage and bloody battles unfold on screen in all their bloody glory. Yet, given the film’s exorbitant $250m budget, some of the VFX looks lacklustre and merits a thumbs down. Matching the lofty standards set by the first film was always going to be a tall order, but with Scott committed to delivering swords to the wall action and the political machinations that are all too relevant today, gives this sequel the strength and honour it needs for the audience to say: We who love Gladiator salute you, Sir Ridley.

It could have been an almighty risk to return to the Colosseum 24 years after Gladiator conquered everything before it, but with a scathing critique of modern-day politics and a memorable Denzel Washington performance, this sequel will leave you more than entertained.

2020-2029, Film Review

The Last Duel (2021)

Posted on October 25, 2021November 25, 2024 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

**© 20th Century Studios, Scott Free Productions, Pearl Street Films and TSG Entertainment**

The Last Duel – Film Review

Cast: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Ben Affleck

Director: Ridley Scott

Synopsis: In Medieval France, following an accusation of rape against his wife, a Knight challenges his former friend to a trial by combat…

Review: For as long as humanity has been around, our society has been a patriarchal one, with men more often than not in positions of power. At numerous points throughout history, and even in modern times, such men try to exhibit control over the lives of women and dictate the choices that they should be allowed to make with their own bodies. The Me Too Movement has forced us as a society to bring about change to the systemic belittlement, and sometimes ridicule, women get for coming forward when they’ve been victims of sexual assault. While progress has been made, enter Ridley Scott with a powerful medieval drama that demonstrates that is a centuries-old problem that still exists in our society.

The setting is 14th-century France, Jean de Carrouges (Damon) is an esteemed knight in the French army. He offers his hand in marriage to the beautiful Marguerite (Comer). Despite her marriage to Jean, Marguerite has another admirer, the squire Jacques Le Gris (Driver). When Le Gris’s attempts to woo Marguerite are unsuccessful, he brutally forces himself upon her. When Marguerite bravely stands up to accuse Le Gris of rape, it is determined that the matter will be settled in a trial by combat between Jean de Carrouges and Le Gris. There’s added pressure too for Marguerite because if her husband loses, she will be sentenced to death for false testimony.

Set in three distinct acts, each act recounts the events from three perspectives: Jean de Carrouages, Jacques Le Gris, and most importantly of all, Marguerite de Carrouages. Each act breaks down the person’s perspective on the events that preceded the horrendous crime, the crime itself, and the aftermath. The first act from Jean’s perspective, written by Damon, shows Jean as a very courageous, likeable, and loyal man. Yet his efforts in battle are not well rewarded, with Le Gris getting the plaudits and the rewards that Jean clearly feels should be bestowed upon him. Despite his grievances at these slights, Jean initially refuses to hold a grudge against Le Gris.

The second act, from the perspective of Le Gris (written by Affleck), paints Le Gris as a man who is studious and good at numbers, which helps him favourably with his commander, Count Pierre d’Alençon (Affleck). As well as his studiousness, he clearly sees himself as a handsome chap who is popular with the ladies. Consequently, because of his bewitching good looks, all the ladies must surely want him as well. Not even a married woman like Marguerite could possibly turn down his advances. So when she does exactly that, he forces himself upon her when Jean is not at home. While there’s no attempt to deny or downplay what he did, in his mind, it is completely inconsequential due to the belief in his mind that Marguerite is unhappy with her marriage, and must have secretly yearned for it.

It isn’t until we arrive at the third and final perspective, that of Marguerite’s, that the film truly soars. This segment, written by Nicole Holofcener, is by far the strongest of the three acts. It puts us from the perspective of the person who matters the most in this tale. We see Marguerite as a woman who defies what society expects of her, playing an active role in the maintenance and upkeep of her husband’s properties while he is off fighting in wars. And crucially, we see from her perspective, the character flaws that exist in both Jean and Le Gris, that they are both completely oblivious to. While all of the performances around her are strong, Jodie Comer is, quite simply, head and shoulders above everyone else. Though, by telling this from two different perspectives, be warned, we are forced to watch this heinous crime a couple of times.

However, as uncomfortable as it is to watch such an unspeakable act of violence a couple of times, it feels integral to the plot to do so. The reason is that it emphasises the contrasting emotions of both parties concerned. While there’s no pain for Le Gris, there’s a tremendous amount of pain, both physical and emotional, that is inflicted upon Marguerite, and by extension for Jean as well. To add insult to injury, at this time in history, rape was incredulously not considered to be a crime against a woman, but rather a crime against a man and his property. Hence, at a time when women were expected to be silent and to be subordinates to their husbands, it is incredibly courageous for Marguerite to speak out and level this accusation against Le Gris, which sets the stage for the titular duel.

Ridley Scott is no stranger to a medieval, swords and lances battleground. Given everything that has been established in the events leading up to it, the stakes could not be higher for these characters. As you would expect, Scott’s direction for this bloody battle to the death is marvellous and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Though as important as the duel is, what is of far more importance is how Marguerite’s story is still relevant in the society that we live in. Too often, after being subjected to unspeakable acts of male violence, women are powerless or are unable to bring the perpetrators to justice due to our patriarchal society. But, as this centuries-old tale proves, when women dare to speak out, they demand our attention as a society every time. Their words are powerful and must never ever fall on deaf ears.

Thought-provoking and enthralling in equal measure, with an outstanding Jodie Comer performance, this medieval epic is an important story that shamefully connects the dots to our present-day society.

2000-2009, Film Review

Gladiator (2000)

Posted on August 25, 2016December 1, 2024 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

gladiator-movie-poster — © Universal Pictures, Scott Free Productions and Red Wagon Entertainment

Gladiator – Film Review

Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Spencer Treat Clark, Ralf Möller

Director: Ridley Scott

Synopsis: Popular Roman General, Maximus Decimus Meridius is betrayed by the elderly Emperor’s corrupt son, who seizes power for himself. Having lost everything, Maximus becomes a gladiator, determined to get revenge…

Review: Whenever you learnt about history, be it at school or university, odds are good that you would have learnt about the Romans and their considerable Empire. Their presence in history is certainly vast and they have left their mark on the world today in no uncertain terms. As such, many filmmakers have taken the task of representing the Roman Empire in film. 1959’s Ben-Hur or 1960’s Spartacus certainly come to mind, but no movie has arguably come quite as close to capturing Ancient Rome in all its glory as well as Ridley Scott.

It is 180 AD and Maximus (Russell Crowe) is leading the Roman Army in a battle against the “barbarians” of Germania. All goes swimmingly and the general has the affection of the elderly emperor Marcus Aurelius. Unfortunately, he does not share this love for his legitimate son Commodus, which does not end well for all parties. In committing his treason, the usurper must dispense with Maximus and his family. This plan goes somewhat awry but not before Maximus can save his family from a brutal fate. Furious with grief and anger over the murder of his Emperor and family, the fallen General sets out on a path of vengeance, against the corrupt Commodus, determined to bring justice to all those who wronged him.

Scott is a director known for his work in science fiction, but he skillfully captures the grandeur of Ancient Rome. Every detail is meticulously portrayed, from the costumes to the production design and sets, all appearing exceptional. With numerous extras, one can only imagine the immense effort that went into achieving such detail. Although CGI is utilized for the Colosseum scenes, it does not detract from the overall impact of the film. The movie won the Oscar for Best Costume Design, along with several other awards, including Best Picture, and received nominations for art and set decoration.

Such attention to detail would have been nothing without a compelling story, which we most certainly have courtesy of the screenplay by David Franzoni, John Logan and William Nicholson. The screenplay fuses perfectly the intense battle scenes with the behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring. From the very first battle onwards, the story is gripping, from a very climactic opening battle to some scenes with some very personal, emotional moments between these characters. Russell Crowe completely shone as the lead Maximus, he’s a loyal man, to his emperor and to his family, and a brilliant soldier. Strength and Honour are two words that absolutely define him. So when he becomes a gladiator, that compassion is gone, replaced by a ferocious hatred against those who committed horrific acts against those closest to him, but his honour remains absolute. Joaquin Phoenix is also on great form as the slimy, cold Commodus who has an alarming desire to sleep with his sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). The late Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius and Oliver Reed as Proximo also both deliver excellent performances in what is an outstanding cast.

There are more than a few superb action scenes packed into the movie’s run time. Scott helms these scenes excellently, and you have battles of all sorts, including a battle with chariots and in one instance, tigers. The action is edited superbly well and the scenes are completely gripping to watch from the scenes in a Roman Province right to the superbly recreated Gladitorial battles which took place in the Colosseum. Russell Crowe certainly showed his action chops in these scenes, and he delivered a career-defining performance in this role, that won him an Oscar. In addition, with an immortal line of dialogue when faced against the treacherous Commodus will go down as one of the best lines of dialogue in any movie, ever, Maximus can certainly lay claim to being one of the best movie characters of the 2000s.