Entertainment Poll of the Week Results
What is the best period piece of the decade?
Kevin Jukkola - Entertainment Editor
Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: Entertainment
Student Choice: Gladiator
"Gladiator" is well-made, big scale entertainment that contains a story of perseverance that has continuously been a well-chronicled recipe for both widespread box office and public success.
Russell Crowe plays Maximus, an esteemed warrior who is unfairly imprisoned because of the jealousy of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Both of these stellar performances guide the conflict that compose the remainder of the story, effectively involving Maximus fighting as a gladiator all the way to the crown.
I have a strong affection for the film, but also believe that the merits of it have been overblown. Crowe won an Oscar for this role, but he has given better performances in superior movies, such as "The Insider," "A Beautiful Mind," and "Cinderella Man." Scott did fabulous work with crafting this immense story, but I still contend that "Matchstick Men" is his best effort of the decade. Out of the possible choices for this week, it probably ranks in the middle.
That said, I want to make my opinion of the film perfectly clear: "Gladiator" works extremely well on its intended level, even if it does not necessarily achieve the greatness that people have granted it.
Critic's Choice: Far From Heaven
"Far From Heaven" is not an extraordinary experience because it deals with sexism, homosexuality, racism, and the relationships that bound these taboo subjects together, but rather the unparalleled maturity with which it beautifully illustrates society's constraints on well-intentioned individuals. All of the characters are masterfully crafted as people whose goodness is exceeded only by their na'veté in believing that people are as open-minded and kind as them. The relationships between all of the characters are a necessary release for these individuals whose lives are dictated solely by the rules that they are intent on following, until they garner the courage to break free from this false imprisonment.
"Gladiator" is well-made, big scale entertainment that contains a story of perseverance that has continuously been a well-chronicled recipe for both widespread box office and public success.
Russell Crowe plays Maximus, an esteemed warrior who is unfairly imprisoned because of the jealousy of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Both of these stellar performances guide the conflict that compose the remainder of the story, effectively involving Maximus fighting as a gladiator all the way to the crown.
I have a strong affection for the film, but also believe that the merits of it have been overblown. Crowe won an Oscar for this role, but he has given better performances in superior movies, such as "The Insider," "A Beautiful Mind," and "Cinderella Man." Scott did fabulous work with crafting this immense story, but I still contend that "Matchstick Men" is his best effort of the decade. Out of the possible choices for this week, it probably ranks in the middle.
That said, I want to make my opinion of the film perfectly clear: "Gladiator" works extremely well on its intended level, even if it does not necessarily achieve the greatness that people have granted it.
Critic's Choice: Far From Heaven
"Far From Heaven" is not an extraordinary experience because it deals with sexism, homosexuality, racism, and the relationships that bound these taboo subjects together, but rather the unparalleled maturity with which it beautifully illustrates society's constraints on well-intentioned individuals. All of the characters are masterfully crafted as people whose goodness is exceeded only by their na'veté in believing that people are as open-minded and kind as them. The relationships between all of the characters are a necessary release for these individuals whose lives are dictated solely by the rules that they are intent on following, until they garner the courage to break free from this false imprisonment.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
renee
posted 10/01/09 @ 1:52 PM CST
Asute observations overall about "Gladiator." I have only recently seen "Gladiator!" Yes, the world created in the film was very well done and believable, however, Russell Crowe's performance in "Cinderella Man" far exceeds all of his performances. (Continued…)
satex
posted 10/01/09 @ 5:37 PM CST
The best period piece of the decade has to be "Gladiator". It takes you to another time and place and you don't come home until it's over. Russell Crowe did an amazing job. (Continued…)
wendy
posted 10/01/09 @ 5:44 PM CST
Great commentary, Renee, and I do agree. Russell was unfairly overlooked for his performance in "Cinderella Man," just based on his exceptional acting ability. (Continued…)
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