Decades Project: 2000s Movie–Gladiator

When I was at Gannon, my friend asked a few of us to go see this movie called Gladiator. We went to a theater on a beautiful spring day, and watched what would end up being one of my all-time favorite movies. I thought it would be a perfect movie for this weekend, especially after yesterday’s song. You can practically hear “Seven Nation Army” playing in the Colosseum when Maximus faces off against Tigris (or maybe the earlier scene against the chariots). 

Russell Crowe was beyond perfect as Maximus. The betrayed general who becomes a gladiator. Everything about this movie is great. The opening battle, which used the shaky cam to fuel the insanity and tension of a battle. It was probably the best use of that camera style (later directors overused it, and it became a bit of a joke). 

One of my favorite scenes is when the Germanic gladiator tastes Maximus’ food for poison, and pretends to choke then starts cracking up. 

Also, I want to mention how excited I am for Gladiator II…

 I was skeptical when I first heard they were making a sequel, but after seeing the trailer??? Yeah, I am excited. It looks good.