Gladiator (2000)

This Ridley Scott-directed modern classic set in AD 180 seemed even better second time around. It looked more impressive at the cinema in 2000, but it moved me more deeply on DVD today in 2018. Russell Crowe is hugely charismatic as Maximus. He never lets you down, does he? Joaquin Phoenix is creepily compelling as the insecure, self-pitying Commodus (although, having seen I Walk the Line, I had to not think of him as Johnny Cash). In a less imaginative script this villain could have been a cardboard-cut-out baddie, but Gladiator is sophisticated enough that Commodus is sympathetic as well as repulsive. Connie Nielsen is excellent as the sister who Commodus wants an incestuous relationship with. The all-star cast also features Oliver Reed (shortly before his death), Richard Harris and Derek Jacobi.

I like the way it starts out as one kind of film (the story of a Roman general), then detours into the saga of a slave-turned-gladiator-turned-superstar-folk-hero, before somehow coming full circle as Maximus attempts to save Rome. To its credit, the film doesn’t take the obvious paths. The story seems to be pointing to one kind of resolution and surprises you more than once before the ending.

As a piece of riveting drama it’s pretty much unbeatable. Even though it’s long, I found it almost ridiculously exciting. There’s little you could change to improve it: stunning visuals, stirring music, an epic sweep, a nail-biting plot escalation and an emotional climax.