Zach's Favorite Film #5
Gladiator
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Russel Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Djimon Hounsou, Connie Nielsen
Rated: R for intense, graphic combat
When watching Gladiator for the first time, I remember my jaw hanging open practically the entire two-and-a-half hour run time. I never experienced anything like it before: the high-octane fight scenes, the visual recreation of the Roman empire, the rapid montages of Pietro Scalia, the wonderful performances of Russel Crowe, Djimon Hounsou and the late Oliver Reed, and, especially, the musical score of Hans Zimmer. Although some of these aspects don't hold the same draw as they once did, there is still the boy in me that loves Gladiator, a very simple, formulaic story, filled with glitz, excitement, and action that makes it original and enjoyable. While the messages of honor over revenge and being selfless in life are rather minor, at the least one can walk away from Gladiator with a re-ignited imagination toward the Roman Empire. For me, Gladiator reminds me of why I love the epic genre and allows me to watch a film with eyes sparkling and imagination soaring.
Starring: Russel Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Djimon Hounsou, Connie Nielsen
Rated: R for intense, graphic combat
When watching Gladiator for the first time, I remember my jaw hanging open practically the entire two-and-a-half hour run time. I never experienced anything like it before: the high-octane fight scenes, the visual recreation of the Roman empire, the rapid montages of Pietro Scalia, the wonderful performances of Russel Crowe, Djimon Hounsou and the late Oliver Reed, and, especially, the musical score of Hans Zimmer. Although some of these aspects don't hold the same draw as they once did, there is still the boy in me that loves Gladiator, a very simple, formulaic story, filled with glitz, excitement, and action that makes it original and enjoyable. While the messages of honor over revenge and being selfless in life are rather minor, at the least one can walk away from Gladiator with a re-ignited imagination toward the Roman Empire. For me, Gladiator reminds me of why I love the epic genre and allows me to watch a film with eyes sparkling and imagination soaring.Magnolia
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman,
William H. Macy, John C. Reilly,
Rated: R for strong language, drug use, sexuality and some violencetn2_magnolia_4.jpg)
When considering the greatest theistic (almost Christian) films, one probably wouldn't expect to find P.T. Anderson's Magnolia on the list. After all, it has some of the most offensive content in ANY film I've seen, littered with profanities, gross sexual dialogue, and continual drug use. However, no film parallels the gospel more than Magnolia, including most Christian films I've seen. What separates it from other films is it's honest depiction of man's depravity: it's simply nauseating. Each character, while understandable, has specific flaws and, by the end, we've seen the full spectrum. Anderson depicts mankind as lost, confused, disgusting, and wicked, ruining not only their lives, but the lives of others, as well. All the while, Anderson has compassion and pity on them; the characters need saving, from the chauvinistic, sexually driven Frank T.J. Mackey (an fantastic Tom Cruise), to the dying absent father, to his unfaithful and ashamed wife (Julianne Moore), to the just cop (John C. Reilly) who can't live up to his own standards, all are fallen.
While many films depict humanity as such, Anderson actually deals with this; he doesn't have the individuals fix their problems, help each other out, or even find some ulterior meaning or stability in life. It takes a divine, supernatural act to redeem mankind, to turn the stone heart of Frank T.J. Mackey, to save the life of a confused man, to teach the just cop about forgiveness. And that's what Anderson gives us, something so unbelievable, it's supernatural. It's not coincidence, Anderson says; it's something more. Redemption from the heavens, that saves mankind from themselves. Magnolia is not a film for everyone, but does point people toward the right direction, to the only hope we as humanity have.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman,
William H. Macy, John C. Reilly,
Rated: R for strong language, drug use, sexuality and some violence
tn2_magnolia_4.jpg)
When considering the greatest theistic (almost Christian) films, one probably wouldn't expect to find P.T. Anderson's Magnolia on the list. After all, it has some of the most offensive content in ANY film I've seen, littered with profanities, gross sexual dialogue, and continual drug use. However, no film parallels the gospel more than Magnolia, including most Christian films I've seen. What separates it from other films is it's honest depiction of man's depravity: it's simply nauseating. Each character, while understandable, has specific flaws and, by the end, we've seen the full spectrum. Anderson depicts mankind as lost, confused, disgusting, and wicked, ruining not only their lives, but the lives of others, as well. All the while, Anderson has compassion and pity on them; the characters need saving, from the chauvinistic, sexually driven Frank T.J. Mackey (an fantastic Tom Cruise), to the dying absent father, to his unfaithful and ashamed wife (Julianne Moore), to the just cop (John C. Reilly) who can't live up to his own standards, all are fallen.
While many films depict humanity as such, Anderson actually deals with this; he doesn't have the individuals fix their problems, help each other out, or even find some ulterior meaning or stability in life. It takes a divine, supernatural act to redeem mankind, to turn the stone heart of Frank T.J. Mackey, to save the life of a confused man, to teach the just cop about forgiveness. And that's what Anderson gives us, something so unbelievable, it's supernatural. It's not coincidence, Anderson says; it's something more. Redemption from the heavens, that saves mankind from themselves. Magnolia is not a film for everyone, but does point people toward the right direction, to the only hope we as humanity have.
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