Well, our Euro-AICN offices have filed their 1st press/test screening report with Father Geek and our Austin World Headquarters, and it is none other than Ridley Scott's long awaited epic GLADIATOR. Nice to get a continental point of view on this one...
This review just came in our E-mail, thought you would enjoy it.
When my alarmclock buzzed as early as 5.30 a.m. this morning, waking me from yet another dream involving Salma Hayek, my weary head told me I'd better have a damn good reason for getting up on such an unholy hour. A few seconds later, I had the answer ready: I was invited to attend an early (and I do mean early, it even included breakfast for Pete's sake) screening of Ridley Scott's Gladiator in Amsterdam. And because Amsterdam and Rotterdam (where I live) are still a couple of miles apart, I had to leave early in order to catch the train.
Now, first for a little bit of booty-kissing. I (and many other movie geeks who were there this morning) have to thank UIP for arranging this screening. Not just because an advance screening of this caliber only comes along, like, once every ten years here in Holland, but also because the whole morning was an alltogether enjoyable experience. The breakfast-buffet was a tremendous idea! So, before the movie started, I was able to stuff myself full of donuts, bagles, muffins, eggs, bacon, toast and more breakfast goodies. Great. Now, on to the arena...I mean, movie.
I remember a scene in Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus, in which Kirk Douglas tries to befriend a fellow named Draba. After a short exchange of words, Draba gives us this classic quote: "Gladiators don't make friends, if we were ever matched in the arena together, I will have to kill you." Well, not only does Russel Crowe prove him wrong on that point in Gladiator, but -more importantly- he will 'befriend' you too. And you won't be able to do anything about it. Trust me, you WILL be chanting "Maximus, Maximus" when the moment is there. I haven't rooted for a screen-character that much since I last saw James Whale's Frankenstein again.
Yes, I loved Gladiator, as did everybody else in the theatre as far as I could tell. From the instant-classic opening battle sequence, in which the Romans show the hordes of Germania why it's so important to guard your flanks, to the very last second...this film just sucks you in and never ever lets go. The cinematography is brilliant, the acting outstanding, the battles are gory and spectacular (as they should be) and the visual effects.....oh man, you'd almost forget that it's impossible to travel back in time to film ancient Rome. But I think this is as close as you can get.
The attention to detail is frightening. And just because of that, Gladiator is more of a fantastic experience than it is a mere movie. When the Romans prepare for battle, you're there. When the gladiators ready themselves for a fight they are likely to loose, you're there. You can feel the fear, the anticipation, you can hear the crowds cheering...you're about to enter the arena. And chances are you're not coming back. Have no fear though, because one man is going to save your ass. His name is Maximus and he is not to be messed with.
The gladiator-battles are so overwhelming, they're worth the admission price alone. However, there's a much bigger story to be told. A story of love, betrayal and loyalty. Scott delivers it with style and shows us just what he's capable of as a director. If there was ever any doubt, this movie will put him on the definitive list of all-time great directors.
As for Russel Crowe, well, in my book he is now without a doubt the coolest actor alive today. Moriarty was right: if I didn't believe Maximus cared for his wife and son, I couldn't care less if he succeeded as a gladiator. But you DO care for him. You want him to take revenge and to win the battles that he's in. Maximus is this rare movie-hero: a complete badass with a real soul.
So, is Gladiator a great movie? Yes. Blockbuster potential? Are you kidding? This one's gonna be huge! Oscar material? Very likely. Better than Spartacus? I think so, yes. If the quality of this movie is anything to go by this summer, we're in for a treat.
Glippy
