Played by the wonderfully stoic Russell Crowe, Maximus is a war veteran, a Roman general who must honor the dying wish of his emperor (Richard Harris) before he can return to his home and family. It is a story of sacrifice, loyalty, and honor. In an age when perverse lunacies predominate, this is radical material indeed.
Before expiring, the weak Caesar begs Maximus to return Rome to the Republic she was intended to be. But Caesar's end comes unexpectedly and his degenerate son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) takes the throne. No fool, the new Caesar pronounces a death sentence on the war hero. He doesn't need any competition for the affection of the people. Through cunning and brute strength Maximus escapes his assassins, and after a series of plot twists (which I will not reveal) becomes a gladiator. Under the wing of Proximo (Oliver Reed), a retired arena headliner, Maximus plays the Coliseum. I don't want to ruin the plot by telling anymore, but the tiger fights and the political intrigue is riveting.
Despite the violence, which is artfully handled and not gratuitous, it is a fine film for boys. Now some will quibble and suggest that this will only encourage violence in the young. Poppycock. In this androgynous culture it is critical for boys to see good male role models. In my father's day it was Victor Mature and Charlton Heston riding the chariots, but today the arena is pretty empty. It is impossible to find real heroes at the Cineplex today. Oh, there is the occasional Batman construct, but beyond the cave and cowl there ain't much there. And though Maximus is drawn with the same broad brush, he has an authentic honor and nobility totally lacking in the current crop of cinematic offerings.
The film also has a strong religious sense. Ridley Scott's epic film shows us a pre-Christian figure faithful to the light given him. Never has there been a more religious pagan depicted on the screen. Maximus prays to his gods with a devotion that some Christians would do well to emulate. Each night he lines up his statues, lights up the votive candles, and begins to pray.
Not since Braveheart has Hollywood produced such a positive role model for young men. Yes, there are some intense mutilations, and yes, it is rated R, but for teens I think it perfectly acceptable viewing. They see far worse on network television. And there is no nudity or sexual propaganda here. The worst thing you have to fear is that your son may swat the cat with your putter for a few days following a viewing. I think the valor, honor, and devotion to the common good depicted in the piece far outweighs any negative consequences.
For those looking for it, there is also a marvelous social critique at the heart of Gladiator. How little we have changed since the cruel, crude days of Roman antiquity. We still are a people addicted to bloodsport, a people drawn in by the voyeuristic pleasure of watching warring parties. Whether it is the WWF, Friday Night Fights, or Jerry Springer, men (and women) simply love to watch people duke it out. There is something gross in the heart of man; something the film gently criticizes even as it pulls the audience in. It is an ugly thing to watch the rabble cheer at the death of other men. Gathered around the modern day coliseum in the living room, are we any less ugly today?
Many a reviewer has dismissed Gladiator as “silly,” ridiculing the final showdown between Maximus and Commodus as “absurd.” I think these reviewers are absurd. After months of reading their insipid love letters to every piece of morally corrupt celluloid that comes down the pike, this is an expected reaction. Any film that supports a traditional notion of manhood and virtue must be annihilated. By the way, as “absurd” as the film may be, parts of it are historically accurate. For instance, when the historical Commodus ruled Rome he regularly went into the arena and fought animals and men for sport. So there.
Now I realize “Gladiator” is not exactly an original concept (the ‘50s produced an endless string of gladiator movies, some of dubious quality). But screenwriters David Fransoni, John Loga, and William Nicholson have revived the old form with a credible, honorable character that will no doubt spawn mimicry and stand the test of time.
So if you’re looking for a good film to rent during the holidays, Gladiator is a fine choice. It will give fathers a chance to discuss some life lessons with their sons — and the fight scenes will keep everyone wide awake.
