1. They Don't Make Movies Like It Anymore
Thinking about it now, it really is amazing that a film like Gladiator was even produced at all, not to mention becoming the critical, box office and awards success that it was. Nowadays, the only films that gross around $500 million worldwide (the amount that Gladiator made) are PG-13-rated action-adventure films (often with built-in fan bases), PG-rated family films, or the occasional R-rated comedy. Gladiator is truly an anomaly: an action-adventure film for
adults, with thrilling (and bloody) action set-pieces supporting a serious, complex dramatic narrative. It's sad to think that, if this film were to be made today and be expected to make the same amount of money that it did, it would undoubtedly turn out to be a watered-down, over-simplified PG-13 tentpole, with a thin, meaningless narrative supporting big action set-pieces - the exact opposite of what the film really is. I know there are some people who will remain unconvinced, and stand by their criticisms of the film. And if they saw it recently and still didn't like it, that's their prerogative - some people have trouble accepting melodrama as a legitimate form of storytelling, but I personally happen to find it riveting. So if it's not your cup of tea, I can't argue with that. But I can certainly hope that some of you will read these words and be inspired to give the film a second chance. I think you'll be really surprised with what you'll find. Do you agree with my assessment of Gladiator as an unfairly maligned modern classic? Or do you think I'm completely off the mark? Feel free to get the discussion going in the comments below!