The Marvel of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II: A Cheeky Take on the Epic
Ah, Ridley Scott—our cinematic maestro who, much like a fine wine, seems to get better with age, or at the very least, more audacious. It’s like he’s thrown the traditional rules of filmmaking out the window and said, “Who needs them?” In his latest endeavor, Gladiator II, Scott is back at it again, blending grandiosity with a cheeky wink. What could possibly go wrong? Well, if you’ve ever seen a watermelon drop from a great height, you’d appreciate what I mean by ‘spectacle’!
The Legacy Continues
As we descend into the arena of ancient Rome, Scott isn’t just recycling the past; he’s remixing it with a touch of absurdity. The original Gladiator was a serious affair—a big, brooding epic that left you contemplating your own mortality. Fast forward to Gladiator II, and it appears Ridley’s decided to add a sprinkle of camp to the proceedings. Seriously, who would have guessed that alongside dramatic battles, we’d have CGI baboons as collateral damage? Yes, you heard it right. Next, we’ll be having dolphins tossing around laurel wreaths.
Brothers in Arms
The story unfolds around young Lucius Verus, played by the ever-charismatic Paul Mescal, who is, make no mistake, definitely not just “the bloke from the last award season.” He’s thrown into a world of revenge and gladiatorial combat with a cast of intriguing characters, including Denzel Washington as Macrinus—yes, the raucous, morally ambiguous former slave turned powerful player in the Roman game of thrones. To be honest, I’d pay to see Denzel read the phone book; the man could make a grocery list feel like Shakespeare!
A Double-Dose of Drama
Now, while the screenplay may have its “laziest elements”—let’s blame it on the caffeine shortage in Hollywood—Scott recontextualizes it with his unique flair. The critics mention a naval battle in the Colosseum. That’s not just creative license; that’s Scott saying, “Let’s make history fun!” because why settle for a regular gladiatorial duel when you can turn the entire arena into a battleground worthy of an over-the-top theme park ride?
Visually Stunning Yet Absurd
Visually, Scott’s Gladiator II is eye candy. Costumes are crafted with such attention that they’ll have you second-guessing your own wardrobe. Yet, amidst the elegance of it all, one can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of a plan involving sharks. In a Colosseum! Next, they’ll be adding flaming hoops to jump through. Don’t think I won’t be there with popcorn if they do—hell, I’m already eagerly awaiting the shark tank implications!
Historical Accuracy: Who Cares?
Now, let’s pause for a cultural moment—because, let’s face it, historical accuracy in cinema is as reliable as a British summer. Ridley Scott has never been one to let facts get in the way of a good story. Instead, he opts for a world where metaphors reign and the past is malleable. After all, history is just a detailed suggestion, right? Macrinus isn’t so much an outsider; he embodies the notion that perhaps it takes a thief to catch a thief. A powerful commentary wrapped in an exaggerated plot—there’s nothing quite like it!
Conclusion: Cinema with a Capital C
So, folks, mark your calendars: Gladiator II is hitting the cinemas from November 15. Whether you’ll find yourself clapping at the dramatic flair or rolling your eyes at the absurdity, one thing is for certain: no matter how ridiculous it gets, it’s bound to be entertaining. Hell, even if it requires suspending disbelief, that’s what popcorn is for! Grab your ticket, enjoy the spectacle, and let’s hope the sharks have been trained for the performance.
Dir: Ridley Scott. Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen, 148 mins. Cert 15.
The older Ridley Scott gets, the less he cares about constraints and predictions. His focus sharpens on the narratives that resonate and inspire emotions within audiences. How fortunate we are to witness such audacity. Gladiator, which arrived in theaters in 2000, ignited a quiet resurgence of the classical epic genre through its serious tone and gritty portrayal of historical events.
Gladiator II stands as a monumental sequel, marked by grand scale and rich spectacle, layered with profound symbolism. It subtly embraces a wry, absurdist perspective that has characterized Scott’s films over the past fifteen years, from Napoleon to Alien: Covenant. Elements of camp infiltrate its narrative, challenging the gravity typically expected from modern blockbusters.
Scott revives a modern sensibility while nodding to the genre’s vibrant heritage. He weaves in references to iconic moments, like Claudette Colbert languishing in a milk bath in 1932’s The Sign of the Cross, and a decadent Peter Ustinov as Nero in 1951’s Quo Vadis. In a bold twist, the film introduces sharks into the Colosseum.
In one corner stands Paul Mescal’s Lucius Verus, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the fallen hero Maximus Decimus Meridius, portrayed by Russell Crowe. As the rightful heir to the Roman Empire, Lucius faces a tumultuous path after being exiled as a child to escape threats on his life. Meanwhile, the empire’s seat is held by the reckless brothers Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), whose behavior mirrors that of Joaquin Phoenix’s notorious Commodus.
Opposite him, Denzel Washington portrays Macrinus, a former slave turned wealthy figure intrigued by gladiator fights. He sets his sights on Lucius, now a captive. This plot development reflects a cyclical notion of history but echoes the thematic complexities found in the prior installment, including lost kinship. Lucius seeks vengeance against the general responsible for the downfall of his adoptive city, Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal, who elegantly balances nobility with internal conflict). Macrinus exploits Lucius’s desire for revenge as part of his own schemes.
Washington transforms the script into a theatrical performance, disregarding its limitations. Under David Scarpa’s writing, he imbues Shakespearean vigor into dialogue devoid of rhythm, enunciating with grace and power. He captivates with his commanding presence, reveling in the exquisite craftsmanship of costumes designed by Janty Yates and David Crossman.
Meanwhile, Mescal tackles Lucius with a palpable tension, embodying rage and restlessness, yet retaining a poetic spirit as a fan of Virgil’s epic The Aeneid. While he may not possess the instant stardom of Crowe, Mescal adeptly navigates the weight of legacy and history resting upon his character. The accompanying score by Harry Gregson-Williams brilliantly echoes Hans Zimmer’s original themes, providing haunting and heroic musical moments.
Scott, known for his disinterest in strict historical accuracy, wields the past as a tool for metaphorical exploration. This film doesn’t necessarily reflect the true Roman Empire but instead intertwines with the lessons drawn from various oppressive regimes throughout history. Macrinus emerges as a compelling outsider, penetrating the elite circle only to perpetuate its inherent cruelties for personal gain, a narrative as resonant today as ever.
True to Scott’s style, this exploration of heavy themes coexists with the outrageous imagery of Mescal engaging in bare-knuckle battles against a flurry of CGI baboons. Among an extravagant naval showdown within the Colosseum, the action intensifies with the camera mounted on a vessel as it collides with another. The chaotic antics of Quinn, Hechinger, and their comically tiny sidekick deliver childlike absurdity reflective of the oddly whimsical nature of tyrants. Gladiator II redefines what cinema can achieve, capturing the essence of filmmaking with unparalleled flair.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Dir: Ridley Scott. Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington. Cert 15, 148 mins.
‘Gladiator II’ is in cinemas from 15 November
://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletter/film/film.png” loading=”lazy” alt=”The Life Cinematic” class=”sc-1mc30lb-0 iSVhwZ”/>
