Christopher Nolan, the acclaimed director of cinematic masterpieces like Inception and Oppenheimer, has named Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II as the standout film of 2024. Despite being immersed in developing his own upcoming project with Universal, Nolan took the time to share his admiration for Scott’s sequel as part of Variety’s annual list of directors’ favorite films of the year. In his glowing appraisal, Nolan detailed the qualities that elevate Gladiator II to the status of a modern classic.
From the outset, Nolan commended Scott’s unparalleled ability to balance the demands of a sequel while honoring the legacy of the original film. “Like the best long-awaited sequels, Gladiator II must be a remake and sequel in one,” Nolan remarked. “It’s testament to Scott’s brilliance that he manages to balance the individual pathos of the original with the expansionist demands of the sequel’s central theme, bringing a lifetime of experience in controlling tone.”
While Gladiator II has faced criticism for historical inaccuracies, Nolan staunchly defended Scott’s creative choices. “Scott knows we’re not there for insights into Roman culture; we’re there to see our own dark desires at a comfortable remove,” he stated. “But he’s far too experienced a director to get caught making parallels with our time. He lets the world of Gladiator II speak for itself, once again showing us who we are simply by inviting us to enjoy the crazy inflationary ride.”
One particularly bold creative choice Nolan highlighted was the inclusion of sharks in the Colosseum scenes—a decision that has sparked debates among audiences. Defending the spectacle, Nolan commented, “Why are there sharks in the Colosseum? Because we demand them, and Scott masterfully gives them to us. As he reveals how the games are used to manipulate public opinion, we can’t help but see shadows of our own public arena projected onto the sand.”
Nolan’s admiration extended to Scott’s innovative approach to action and cinematography in Gladiator II. He praised Scott’s use of a multi-camera mise-en-scène that creates visually arresting and coherent action sequences. “Scott raises the game with the staging of his action—his incredible, hyper-observant, multi-camera mise-en-scène (so different from the original) masterfully wrestles the action into clear and jaw-dropping sequence after sequence,” Nolan observed. “The effect is not just to entertain, but to drive us towards awareness of the movie’s themes. Few filmmakers have ever worked so invisibly on multiple levels.”
Reflecting on Scott’s illustrious career, Nolan drew comparisons between Gladiator II and other iconic works in the director’s filmography. “In films from Blade Runner to Thelma & Louise to Gladiator II, the visual density of Scott’s art serves as a foil for his underlying thematic clarity,” Nolan noted.
With its compelling storytelling, groundbreaking visuals, and thought-provoking themes, Gladiator II has clearly made a lasting impression on one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors. As Nolan’s endorsement highlights, Ridley Scott continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking, solidifying his place as one of the industry’s most visionary creators.
