Gladiator | Turning Spectacle into a Meaningful Story
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How Gladiator uses spectacle to tell a meaningful story.
Sources:
Richard Rushton - Narrative and Spectacle in Gladiator: www.thefreelib...
This Guy Edits - Why Action Movies Are Spectacular... And Boring: • Why Action Movies Are ...
Kevin B. Lee - The Spielberg Face: vimeo.com/1995...
Every Frame a Painting - What is Bayhem?: • Michael Bay - What is ...
Music;
Whitesand - Now We Are Free - Gladiator - Epic Cinematic Cover: • Now We Are Free | EPIC...
Wayne Jones - Under Cover
HOVATOFF - Frost
Whitesand - Glory: • Epic Trailer Music - G...
Hard to believe Gladiator is 18 years old! It still holds up as one of my favorites and I think it’s largely due to its meaningful use of spectacle; what are your favorite films that make meaningful use of spectacle? Let me know below!
Please keep doing what you do!
As old as I am :)
Interstellar!
Not a film but the Battle between The Ant King and the Head of the Hunter Association in the 2011 anime Hunter x Hunter is the *Penultimate* spectacle imo
It's probably not on everyone's list but I loved loved loved the lingering wintry shots in the revenant, it made nature overpowering and Glass' attempts at survival futile and heroic when he did succeed. Idk those shots just made feel connected to the cycle and rhythms of nature, how even with humans gone, that mountain snow will still exist, going through the seasons.
"What we do in Life echoes in eternity"-Maximus Decimus Meridius
Best quote every, period.
This is one of the most underrated channels I have ever seen!
The subscribers will grow. The channel is way to good.
Underrated, because there are not 10 million subscribers? Hardly.
Quality is far more important than quantity. I suppose, in his case, quantity would help a great deal. But really, the numbers mean absolutely nothing. Many channels have millions, yet get about 1/8 the viewers.
There are channels that upload not even once a month but still have loads of subscribers of which almost all of them watch the new video.
I think the same!
I feel like these days people are more concerned with providing the "thrill ride" experience, but forget that without a human center to the action, spectacle is meaningless. Gladiator, and many other of Ridley Scott's films appreciate how to really pull it off. Great video, I haven't seen Gladiator in some time but it's an absolutely beautiful film.
well said that's why im very distant and enstranged from those kind of films i don't watch like the kind of tent pole super hero films like marvel or dc cinematic universe films for me it's all nothing without charterazation and absorbing drama and character based driven stuff that make it all the more compelling that's why i perfer these kind of films
We have always , in general, been interested in the "thrill ride". Regardless of what age we are in. It is absolutely not just today, history shows this. Have a look at the Colosseum itself. It was for the people, for the sport of death.
Film Radar 100% agree! Also modern day films over do it with the visuals..
@@sethlujan2213 Marvel has some kind chartacter development
It’s surprising to think of the company that Gladiator keeps, if you think of it in terms of movies that examine spectacle, whilst providing you with spectacle. For instance, in that same collection you could put Dog Day Afternoon, where a botched bank robbery, turned hostage siege, becomes a spectacle for the gathering crowd, who’s sympathies are transferred to the robbers. The famous scene in which the confused police look on as the spokesman for the robbers (a very young Al Pacino) addresses them directly, and the crowd joins his chant of, “Attica! Attica! Attica!” The moment is reminiscent of Gladiator’s, “Maximus! Maximus! Maximus!”
Consider David Fincher’s Seven? Where the villain is creating a spectacle for the police and world to, “ponder, study and write books about for generations to come.” I always find I’m forced to think of what Fincher says when I look at the questions posed by LSOO. Fincher says we’re all, “perverts and voyeurs,” including himself. And that we are interested in the intimacy of things that we don’t normally get access to, like people making love or using the bathroom, or their final moment of death, in spectacular fashion. I think he has a point, if not the whole thing. What do you think, now that I’m two years late to this conversation? Now that Gladiator’s 20.
My favorite childhood film that still ranks near the very top in my list and has a special place in my heart. I watched it so many times and never grew bored. A beautiful piece of art on so many levels. I remember how I used to cry every time during the scene where Marcus Aurelius tells Maximus: "There was a dream that was Rome. You could only whisper it. Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish, it was so fragile." Such a touching scene... And the soundtrack was stunning.
Thanks for honoring this masterpiece, and great analysis as always.
Amen brother
These video essays are on a entirely new level. Similar to nerdwriter, but more in depth. Also pacing and the voice narrating it is just on point. You made me appreciate some of my favourite movies even more.
yeah, the pacing is key. And the use of music, it brings you back in the moods you experienced while watching the movie.
Nerdwriter is a pseudo-intellectual ponce. His manner of speaking is extremely patronizing, it's as if he wants you to think that he always knew what he's talking about.
Stories of old is the real deal.
@@Daelion164 can't you just appreciate without bringing someone down? Trust me you won't lose anything. I personally love both.
Truly, Gladiator had the mix of spectacle and narration which makes the same feeling when we are awakened from a wonderful dream that emphasizes emotion and atmosphere.
Gladiator’s message about how spectacles are used by tyrannical powers to establish mass control is timelessly vital. Thank you for your uniquely appealing film reviews. ⚔️
I wish that I could comment something of value but I just want to say that I truly enjoy your videos, your content pushes me to think and analyze movies in a way that I didn't before. A true gem of youtube.
That is a comment of value.It shows unusual humility for the present day and is both clear and concise.bravo
A true classic that will stand the test of time better than all of it's thematically akin predecessors, whilst paying homage to the spectacle so pioneered by those same predecessors. You've made a compelling case for the art of telling a story like this visually in an entertaining, modern and empathic way. Personally I felt the music by Hans Zimmer (my first conscious connection with a movies' score) played a great role too, but alas! This is about the visual. I never knew of the "Spielberg Face" before and it's true: there is such a thing! Thank you for this enlightening document once more.
As a history scholar & stoic philosopher, I truly appreciate this deep, meaningful exploration of the many intriguing aspects of this great movie. Your channel is very enjoyable & stimulating, I salute you for that! It's great to see that others can go beyond the superficial spectacle of action & discover the philosophical gems that are littered through out the story.
Well done, thank you!
As a writer of screenplays I am constantly in awe of your channel and how much I learn as a human being.
Beautiful, well edited, and insightful. Really well done. Gladiator is one of my top ten life changing movies and I’m admittedly really partial to it but this was really interesting and well articulated. Gladiators great score was just icing on the cake.
I cry every time I watch Gladiator and the feelings are even stronger now (after so many years) when I have a son.
Gladiator is the first movie that I really fell in love with and remains one of my favorite films to this day. I think this video more than does it justice.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?
AQWpaladan IS THIS NOT WHY YOU'RE HERE?!
Thank you. This movie has always made this grown man cry! You have nailed the main reason why. I really do not appreciate mindless action movies. I have watched this several times and the story telling, visuals and music are a feast for my soul. Powerful and transcendent.
Wow. Nicely put: a movie that is a "feast for the eyes and soul". I could not have phrased it better.
This is a movie that I kept watching over and over and over again on the DVD. Never tired of it, there was something timeless to it and now I understand why.
I ran across this by accident and took the time to watch it a few minutes ago...and you've left me floored. Thank you for the beautiful insight on this still amazing movie. It IS hard to believe Gladiator is almost 18 years old! I remember seeing it the weekend it opened, the only female in a small audience of several dozen men, who likely wondered why I was there, not knowing I'm a history buff and a lover of true movie spectacles. Then the deserved reputation of this movie grew until the theaters were packed. You showed how wonder, spectacle, and a well-written story can be woven in such a way that you get a great story and not just a bunch of noise and explosions strewed across the screen. Thank you and I look forward to watching more of your videos.
Your comparison between Ridley Scott and Michael Bay’s visual style is an important contrast. Thank you for highlighting the concept of Spectacle. And please include a reference to film score where possible. Lisa Gerrard’s Now We Are Free builds on the emotional depth.
True, Whitesand, who composed a cover track for this video, actually pointed out to me how Hans Zimmer uses female vocals as a metaphor of Maximus' wife calling out to him (and bringing him home at the end) which I thought was a beautiful insight
Forget the movie, read Aurelius - Meditations often
Except, ignore MA's advice on how to raise children. No kidding, "ask rather, how can I stop caring whether my child lives or dies" is NOT a path for fathers.
Jim Luebke Consider the times, and the position he held. Any ruler’s children were in danger. Secondly, mortality rates were super high. Thirdly, it is purely hypothetical and figurative, i.e. “how can I live in a way that even if my own offspring were to pass, I would be able to compose myself”. Perhaps I am trusting too much in the methods of Marcus Aurelius. But given that Stoicism is not a means of expelling emotion, but rather maintaining stability of character, I cannot see Marcus Aurelius condemning the lives of his followers children.
yours are the only videos i ALWAYS watch in full-screen on YT.
Damnit... now i haft to watch for the 10th time... No but seriously, this is one of my all time favorites, and with this insight, you made it even better. Thank you.
One of the best analysis of one of the greatest motion picture of all time.
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, for this video essay !
Gladiator is an overlooked masterpiece and not many people have covered it as far as I know.
And dude, it's high time you start promoting/advertising your channel. :-)
I've been following your videos for quite some time... But never actually commented on them out of pure laziness... But man, you produce such gems one after the other...I just had to.... Each video is in such depth and highlights that very feeling we have when we watch the movie but cannot name... Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you do.
I still remember precisely, I was six when i watched this film from the CD. And it was the first time i cried while watching film. I am now 23 and i still watch this movie to reminisce my good old day years back.
I love how you present your analysis btw.... Keep up the good work!
A great story hinges on the main character. Today's movies do not have likable characters so regardless of the action/adventure, the audience can care less whether the character lives or dies. I simply do not watch movies anymore and it's sad because I used to be a sort of film buff.
Holy shit, I am entertained. Great break down and analysis. Just finished watching the 4 archtype series as well, phenomenal.
I've always viewed Gladiator as a historical action movie and not really with a whole ton of depth. Your review here got me thinking I might be looking at it all wrong. As always, you nail it perfectly; excellent job!
Man you just keep cranking out 10/10 videos, thank you for providing us insight into these movies that I personally probably would have never picked up on
Spectacle should always be saved for the best moments and where it is needed, not just thrown in when there's no action. Like when Gandalf uses his magic. He uses it sparingly, and when he does it's epic and beautiful. And when he uses it, it does serve a purpose in the story. He stalls the Balrog for Frodo and the fellowship to escape, or when he uses it to save the soldiers on horseback from the Nazgul. The Balrog scene also establishes that there's more to Gandalf that we don't know, and that he's the most powerful member of the fellowship.
Gladiator was just the perfect storm of film ingredients. A compelling plot which was honed to perfection by top writers who arrived at a lean and pacy movie with no superfluous scenes.
A great director who's trademark is creating a believable, lived in, world. A tremendous cast of actors, all perfect for the roles they were chosen for.
A memorable score which accentuated both the action and the quiet drama.
It's just one of those highly polished gems that you get drawn into watching again n again no matter how many times you've seen it.
might be four years later but I would just like to note that most of Gladiator seems to have been written and created on the fly with improv. Ridley Scott might have some great films on his resume but I swear this one seemed to be pure luck and movie magic with how well it turned out. A real masterpiece is several ways.
Brilliant analysis of how Ridley Scott used spectacle to propel the narrative in Gladiator! You've added yet another reason why it remains my favorite film of all time and another reason to be vexed that Scott has never won an Oscar. Hans Zimmer's score is unforgettable, and I was wondering which recording you used in your video. Also, could you give me a reference to Richard Rushton's article? I've been unable to find it online. Two thumbs up, LSOO!
Thanks! There's a link in the description to the article ;)
I just wanna say that I love your channel. The way you link philosophy with particular movie main narrative is just so noticeably smooth. You will grow in followers, I promise. People are hungry for mind and heart interactive medium which is being woven together by you so closely and elegantly with care and grace. Thank you. Keep up the good educational work. Best of luck.
Yesrs late to the party, but all I can say is wow! Gladiator is a favorite movie for my son and me, and it's one where if we are flipping channels, we must always stop, no matter ehat point the movie is at, just to see it again.
Wonderfully evocative video, and hope this continues to draw folks to your channel.
Man, I just love your channels. Not only because your analyses are very interesting but because you talk about excellent and some of my favorite movies of all time. But also because your channel is the only one out here to bring some tears to my eyes. What you say and what you talk about is genuinely beautiful. It’s intelligent and relevant. Great movies, beautiful musics, psychology, philosophy. Thank you for the joy. Thank you for all he beauty.
The spectacle of this video gave me very meaningful goosebumps. Thanks for the video! Gave me a completely different interpretation of such a beautiful movie.
Why you do not have more views amazes me. This channel is pure gold, speaks to my heart every time. Thank you.
was watching Batman Begins just now , and it utilizes Engulfment very well , exactly as you exercised in this video
it portrays the perspective of a common criminal , and exemplifies "what it feels like to fight batman" all the while hiding the poor choreography later revealed in DK and DKR
Really fun seeing a video covering this, it’s one of my favorite action films! Always fun to see videos of techniques, especially since it’s stuff that goes unnoticed for me, but still felt. Always appreciate and enjoy you eloquently putting words to what I can’t express!
A triumph in restrained and meaningful video essays. Maybe I learned a single thing!
It is not usual to find high quality content on RUclips. Thanks for this effort.
I love it when my favorite youtubers reference each other. Great vid as usual, man.
A virtuous hero, great characters, such a great movie, every element brilliant.
Jesus I haven't come across a channel that can drive a point really well for a long time. Props to you. You just earned a subscriber.
Now that I think about it, spectacle is quite like sex. Whether in movies or real life itself, it is very often used as an end-in-itself, where the narrative or emotional development halts for a moment, to let us partake in the sensation alone. Rarely is it used responsibly, virtuously, to highlight the truly important dimensions of a relationship, as you put it. Great video!
Your videos have reinvigorated my desire to become a film critic as your deconstruction of movies is so thoughtful.
One of the few movies thst can make shed a tear EVERY time,
Great video.
Thank you for more insights, and the opportunity to revisit a modern classic. I remember when I first watched it, that it felt like a game changer, and that was certainly because of the spectacle, but also the depth behind and lifting it up. Thank you also for the references that lead me onto and into other interesting avenues.
Amazing video. One of my favorite movies of all time, and you explained it so beautifully! Thank you.
Your videos are wonderfully investigative and introspective... They're a treat to watch
Beautiful. I love this movie so much & loved your analysis. Thank you!
I just found this channel...and I must say...I am deeply moved and enthralled by your in depth study of not only film making, but also murky abyss that is human philosophy. I must say you do an excellent job!! Great video to be so entertaining as well as ever so informative. My hat's off to you, sir!
The vivisection done by you is phenomenal and strikes all the chords of mind and heart the way it meant to be. Thank you as always for your valuable essays. They just not only inspire but transcends!
From one of the most earlier follower and student of your videos.
Could you think about doing something on 'The thin red line'
There is always something new for me to get out of you videos! Don’t ever stop making videos! Don’t stop giving us a spectacle! :)
You are right on point about empty spectacle. I have hated that aspect of movies for most of my adult life now, for decades. I once said of the action scenes in the Star Wars movies as so boring that I wished I had brought a book and flashlight so I could read. I said they might as well have saved the money on special effects by filming garbage being poured out of a dump truck. "Cut to five or ten minutes of garbage!" It would be no less interesting, and the audience could divert itself by recognizing the items. Instead of: "hey, there goes the hero," it would be: "Hey, there was a Hershey wrapper and a broken lamp!"
The cold blue lighting of Commodus vs the warm red lighting of Maximus, at least to me, provides a subtle natural ease with Maximus, yet guarded interest in Commodus. Am I seeing that which is not truly there? Just a thought that has stayed with me from the first time I saw this beautiful film.
I've felt somewhat weird before for seeing so many films with spectacle without it really moving or gripping me. It felt empty. I'm so glad I'm apparently not alone in this! Thank you! You bring beauty to life by sharing your insights!
great essay, thank you, so glad I found it after rewatching Gladiator
Wow..this concept of spectacle was so deep that I attained pre-mature enlightenment...
It really hit me..enjoyed the video thoroughly as always...
Keep it up..bruh.
I am still at a loss as to why on so many occasions the studios and executives won't let Ridley Scott make the movie he wants to make. He's made some great films: Black Hawk Down, Alien, Blade Runner, and of course Gladiator. I would argue that Gladiator was so good and so successful that Scott should have been given complete control over all of his movies thereafter. But we saw the studio interfere with Kingdom of Heaven and make him cut half the damn movie (which lead to a mediocre theatrical release though the Director's Cut is exceptional). ANd then with All the Money in the World the studio said you have to use Kevin Spacey instead of Christopher Plummer to play J Paul Getty only to turn around a month before the film's release and tell him he has to reshoot the whole movie with.....Christopher Plummer as J Paul Getty like he originally wanted.
Damn good video analysis on spectacle using a superb film to show how it's done properly. One of my favorite films too.
All I thought about at the beginning was to contrast it with the movie 300 and you did it so flawlessly better than I imagined. Congrats on your way of thinking. I hope I can gain your skill and level of articulation. Cheers.
Seriously the editing in this video is amazing. Extremely well done. Captivated me throughout.
A worthy video about one of the great movies of my time..
Well said, well said!
Your depth of interpretation is astounding!
You've hit the nail on its head. If only you could give such advice to modern day directors cinema would be good as it was before.
Well done. You don't often lose sight of the center of your videos, pulling out the Truth, the absolute out - from the film or narrative being discussed.
Beautiful narration and explanation. Thanks!
You made an excellent channel !! Just loving all your videos
Ahh that blissful feeling when you see a new Like Stories of Old video in your sub feed :)))
I had not looked at Gladiator as in depth as you have until now; as usual a very enlightening, insightful video.
Your videos just keep getting better and better. I felt the true emotion of this spectacular film enhanced by your knowledge and understanding. Thank you.
Whenever the self talk that I'll never be a good author creeps in I watch these videos to regain encouragement, help with "how"s, & brainstorming plot hole fixes. Plus they're just cool 🙂
SUCH a great channel. Love every single video on here. Amazing work please keep it up!
You can turn the music up and voices down to where they're almost unheard and you lose absolutely nothing with this film. The soundtrack has got to be one of the best ever made.
The music is so timelessly touching ... what a perfect fit for your video!
How could you become one of the best channels i have ever seen in this world... amazing videos, keep doing what you do is really mind opening for all of us.
I always loved this film, but man, I never noticed all these layers. The side-by-side with "Triumph of the Will" is mindblowing.
Love your content. I see a similarity between the coliseum and the current state of the news and social media and the mob or the everyman. An interesting thought to play out.
LSOO, I'm glad I found you. there is growth and the journey is growth. thanks for helping
Thank you for doing this video one of the best examples of spectacle adding to a narrative instead of taking away from it
Thank you for your great content and in-depth analysis of such great films and topics on your channel. I enjoy the philosophical points and cinematic insights you include in your videos. Thanks again for such inspiring content.
You do a great job man and I appreciate it.
The moment a movie these days spends more time with characters and the heart of the story I always see a comment here or there complain its too boring. Action is all great fun, but there is too little heart behind some of these movies today and thats so disappointing to me. Wonderful video. Reminds me why I love this beautiful movie years later.
One of my favorite movies, such a masterpiece
Every one of your videos is a brilliant work of art. Thank you so much!
This is an inspiration. I think some of your videos fall a little flat here and there; with the majority being great. But this. You’ve stepped up your game, and I am in awe.
I’ve been trying to discover my own voice for some time now and this brilliant video has inspired me to search further and discover something special within my own creativity video making.
Congratulations on the brilliant video. xx
this is classic storytelling with modern filming and a great soundtrack.
all the things that make a great movie.
Now I feel a need to rewatch this.
I find myself, once again, thinking of what David Fincher says. One of the greatest directors of suspense and dark thrillers, he says we are all, “perverts,” and, “voyeurs.” We look in on the most intimate private moments of people’s lives, making love, even using the bathroom, and of course, their final moments in their spectacular deaths. Sights that we are usually not privy to but obviously curious about. That’s why Saving Private Ryan is so good, because it gives us a sensation of being there, without risk. I love spectacle like that, Spielberg’s dinosaurs, and tense cop thrillers like Serpico, transport us into the spectacle. Dog Day Afternoon gives us a spectacle that examines spectacle. It makes a spectacle of spectacle, as does Gladiator, examining it, whilst letting us enjoy it.
Yet again, another insightful, thought-provoking, and well-constructed analysis that taught me something new about how life is lived.
One of my all time favorites! Your channel is incredible!
Subscribed. Up there in video analysis channels like Every Frame a Painting and Now You See It. Thanks, man. Especially loved the MGS4 video; a man after my heart.
BHL Hudson's channel is high school. CinemaWins is college. Yours is post-doc. Love it.
As a kid my mum and dad took me and my brother to see the Germainia scene get filmed as viewing was open to the public. This essay resonates super well with me.
Brilliant essay. This has helped me figure out something in my own life.
"March of the gladiators" has been reduced to a melody unknown by most for what it was and what it now means.. a true testament to what we still are..
All the your videos are on movies I love! This is yet another great one.