April 27, 2000. Copyright, 2000, Graphic News. All rights reserved

ÒGLADIATORÓ RESTORES EPIC GENRE IN MOVIEMAKING
By Julie Mullins

LONDON, April 27, Graphic News:  AFTER an absence from the big screen of around 35 years, the valour, glory and bloodthirsty horrors of ancient Rome return to the screen in ÒGladiatorÓ.

In the epic vein of Ben Hur (1959), Spartacus (1960) and Cleopatra (1963), this tale of intrigue and heroism, with a budget in excess of $100 million, is expected to lure a new generation of moviegoers in large numbers.

Directed by Ridley Scott, helmsman of such influential films as ÒAlienÓ, ÒBlade RunnerÓ, and ÒThelma and LouiseÓ, the buzz on the film has been overwhelmingly positive, with some calling it the best movie of the year and an early contender for the Oscars in 2001.

The plot centres on trusted Roman general Narcissus Meridas (Russell Crowe), enslaved and condemned to the gladiator games following the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius by the latterÕs twisted son, Commodus. Triumphant in the arena, Narcissus uses his fame as a gladiator to undermine CommodusÕ hold on power and inspire the people of Rome to overcome the corruption of their new emperor. Unsurprisingly, his actions force Commodus to confront Narcissus in hand to hand combat in the Coliseum with the fate of Rome at stake.

While Crowe has received critical plaudits for his performance, the scene stealer, according to ÒVarietyÓ, is Oliver Reed, in his last role before his death, and to whom the film is dedicated.

Steven SpielbergÕs Dreamworks spent $3. 2million on creating computer images to resurrect Reed on screen after he died of a heart attack during a drinking session in a bar while on location in Malta. Two minutes of computer graphics were required to complete the film, and involved an animated head being superimposed onto another actorÕs body.
/ENDS

Sources: www.imdb.com, Variety

Release dates
May 4: Australia
May 5: United States
May 12: Japan
May 18: Netherlands, Hungary
May 19: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Portugal
May 24: Malta
May 25: Germany
May 26: Austria
Jun 21: France 
Jun 26: Belgium
Aug 4: United Kingdom