Key Points:
– Russell Crowe's faith in Ridley Scott's ‘Gladiator' defied critics' predictions.
– Following extensive roles in successful films, Crowe was criticized for opting for a historical epic.
– The film unexpectedly grossed $460 million and earned five Oscars.
– Crowe expresses discomfort about the upcoming ‘Gladiator II'.
Crowe's Desperate Leap of Faith
Often, the world of cinematic arts paints a picture of unpredictability, with risks tending to pay off in the most astronomical of ways. This was the case when Russell Crowe, who had built an impressive repertoire with performances in movies such as ‘Romper Stomper,' ‘L.A. Confidential,' and ‘The Insider,' chose to star in Ridley Scott's ‘Gladiator.'
He dared to march off the beaten path, despite the industry's uncertainties. Historical epics, after all, were becoming less popular in Hollywood at the time. Critics thought that Crowe was falling out of sync with the industry's pulse and was prematurely writing his swan song. Their doubts fueled conversations about the epic's impending failure, but Crowe, fueled by Scott's vision, poured his heart and soul into the project.
Dealing with Critics and Doubts
Navigating the churning sea of skepticism, Crowe endured a physically demanding role in ‘Gladiator.' During an interview with Variety, the actor reminisced about a conversation he had about his strenuous role. The person he spoke with assumed that the actor's recollection of the grueling filming process was actually a critique of the movie. They consoled him, suggesting his previous successes would preserve his reputation post-Gladiator's anticipated flop.
Echoing a common sentiment, the cinemagoer portrayed ‘Gladiator' as a cliché ‘sword and sandal' epic which had no chance in the evolving movie industry. This perception of the film shocked Crowe who was left wondering if that was the prevailing consensus within the industry.
A Surprising Triumph for ‘Gladiator'
Defying all odds, ‘Gladiator' emerged victorious, much to the surprise of industry experts. The film was a wild success, generating an impressive $460 million against a $103-million budget. Its excellence was recognized at the Oscars, collecting five statuettes, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.
The Future of the Gladiator Saga: ‘Gladiator II'
While the success of the first installment was unprecedented, the sequel has sparked curiosity, anticipation, and a hint of skepticism. Some of that skepticism surprisingly comes from Crowe himself. Despite his character's death in the first film, he shared some discomfort about the upcoming sequel in a chat with Kyle Meredith.
Crowe aired his apprehensions about the proposed trajectory for some characters from the original story in ‘Gladiator II.' However, he recognized that he did not have a say in the project's development and stated that he would reserve judgment until the finished project is released. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the story of ‘Gladiator II,' starring Paul Mescal, unfolds.
The wait will soon come to an end as ‘Gladiator II,' also featuring Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, and Derek Jacobi, will storm into theaters come November 22, 2024. In the meantime, fans can revisit the epic tale of ‘Gladiator' available on Prime Video.
