947. Gladiator

Gladiator

2000

Directed by Ridley Scott

I never paid close attention to the similarities between Braveheart and Gladiator before.  Now having seen them both relatively recently I can testify that they are basically the same movie, just with different historical backdrops and unlikable leading men.

Maximus Decimus Meridius is a general who leads Rome to victory against the Germanic tribes.  The Emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius offers the throne to Maximus, in hopes that he will save Rome from corruption.  This incites the jealousy of Marcus's son, Commodus, and Commodus kills his father in a rage, thus becoming emperor himself.  He orders for the execution of Maximus and his family. Maximus manages to escape, but his family does not.  Maximus is then captured and sold to Proximo, who trains him to be a gladiator.  Although reluctant to commit violence at first, Maximus desires to fight at the Colosseum, earn his freedom, overthrow the emperor, and enact his revenge.  It is surprisingly easier than you would think.

So I guess I don't have too many complaints on this one.  It delivers on what it promises: action packed battle scenes and spectacular visual effects.  I think this was a simple story that really didn't need almost three hours to be told.  It doesn't exactly have layers and the characters are a little cartoonish (although I suppose the real Commodus was a little cartoonish as well).

Still, it is hard to deny the epicness when Russell Crowe yells "Are you not entertained?" in his armor.  Looking all sweaty and muscular.  Ahem.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Mel Gibson turned down the lead role.

Over 20,000 arrows were created for the opening battle.

835. Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise
1991
Directed by Ridley Scott

I will try not to get to cranky as I talk about this film, which I think a lot of people dismiss as a "chick flick."  Of course, if two males starred in it, it would be treated with a bit more respect.  After all, it deals with serious themes that aren't simply "women's topics."  Okay, wait, I am already getting annoyed.

Thelma Dickinson and Louise Sawyer decide to go on vacation together to escape their bleak existences.  Thelma is married to a control freak while Louise works a miserable job as a waitress.  They stop for a drink and Thelma dances with a creepy guy who then tries to rape her in the parking lot.  Louise shoots him and saves Thelma, but doesn't want to turn herself in, as she doesn't think the police will believe the two of them that he tried to attack Thelma.  Probably accurate.  The two then go on the run, kicking ass along the way.

My crush on Susan Sarandon really intensified after watching this film.  These characters are fascinating, particularly Louise.  After a lifetime of oppression and persecution, the women finally snap.  Unlike in A Question of Silence, the females are actually sane.  I supported the women for the entire duration of the film; in fact, I almost felt like they had no choice (especially when Brad Pitt came into the scene; you just have to sleep with him if you get the opportunity).  At the very least, I felt like they pursued their best options.

A beautiful bond is on display here, as are two beautiful women.  This is an important film to watch, especially in the context of this List, which isn't exactly brimming with female representation.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

George Clooney auditioned for the role of J.D. five times.

683. Blade Runner

Blade Runner
1982
Directed by Ridley Scott

If I ever finish A Dance To The Music of Time (which might take approximately 70 more years), I would love to explore Philip K. Dick's work, who is obviously a brilliant writer.  I can't say I loved this film, but it certainly has its merits.

The film takes place in 2019, so Los Angeles is now a dystopian nightmare.  Wow, that's happening rather soon.  Replicants, that are virtually indistinguishable from humans, are used to do work in space colonies, but some escape to Earth.  It is the job of Blade Runners to hunt down and kill these replicants.  Harrison Ford stars as Deckard, a retired Blade Runner who agrees to take on one more assignment.

That sounded rather complicated and there were quite a few points in the film that I was really confused.  I will own to my attention faltering sometimes; the middle portion of the movie dragged a bit.  It was also hard to enjoy the Deckard/Rachael relationship as he seemed to really force himself on her.  I do love the idea of combining noir with science fiction, but the result wasn't quite as great as I expected.  I'll blame the voice overs like everyone else does.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Philip Dick was only able to see the first twenty minutes of this film before his death.  He was quite impressed with what he saw.

Harrison Ford calls this the most grueling film he has ever made.

646. Alien

Alien
1979
Directed by Ridley Scott

So I am about to praise Alien after panning Stalker.  Do film buffs want to strangle me right about now?  Well, you have will have to get in line behind the music fans.

What's not to like about this movie?  It's a slasher film in space!  The Nostromo is a spacecraft returning to Earth with a seven member crew.  The ship picks up a transmission from a nearby planetoid and the crew goes out to investigate.  They find some pretty disgusting things.  More gross moments ensue.

I absolutely loved that there was a strong female character in this one.  Sure, there is usually one woman that survives a slasher film, but that is mostly through the power of her untouched vagina, rather than actually using her brain.  I am also quite pleased that this director cares if his audience is bored.  That doesn't seem to be a concern of our filmmakers lately.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Passes the Bechdel test!  Yay!

Ridley Scott has said that the Alien universe is the same as the Blade Runner universe.