About Gladiator Film:
Gladiator is a 2000epichistorical dramafilm directed byRidley Scottand written byDavid Franzoni,John Logan, andWilliam Nicholson. The film was co-produced and released byDreamWorks PicturesandUniversal Pictures. DreamWorks Pictures distributed the film in North America while Universal Pictures released it internationally throughUnited International Pictures. It starsRussell Crowe,Joaquin Phoenix,Connie Nielsen,Ralf Möller,Oliver Reed(in his final role),Djimon Hounsou,Derek Jacobi,John Shrapnel,Richard Harris, andTommy Flanagan. Crowe portraysRoman generalMaximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed whenCommodus, the ambitious son of EmperorMarcus Aurelius,murders his fatherand seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus becomes agladiatorand rises through the ranks of the arena to avenge the murders of his family and his emperor.
Despite its troubled production,Gladiatorwas anticipated to be one of the year’s most successful films. On its release, the film grossed over $503 million worldwide, becoming thesecond highest-grossing film of 2000behindMission: Impossible 2.Critics praised the acting (particularly Crowe’s and Phoenix’s performances), Scott’s direction, visuals, screenplay, action sequences, musical score, and the production values, although its dark and brooding tone was criticized. Winning numerous accolades,Gladiatorwon fiveAcademy Awardsat the73rd Academy Awards, includingBest PictureandBest Actorfor Crowe.Gladiatorboth revitalized or established the careers of its cast and crew, particularly elevating Crowe to leading man status and turning Phoenix into a celebrity.
