Bonus Episode #1 Preview - Glad2ator and Megalopolis
History Is Sexy
Deep Dive
Why did the hosts re-watch Gladiator before seeing Gladiator 2?
They hadn't seen Gladiator since its release in 2000 and wanted to reassess their initial negative impressions, suspecting they might have been overly critical at the time.
What was the hosts' opinion on the Latin used in Gladiator?
The Latin in Gladiator was poorly executed, with grammatical errors and anachronistic phrases, which the hosts found humorous and indicative of a lack of care for historical accuracy.
How does Ridley Scott's approach to filmmaking affect the quality of his films?
Ridley Scott is known for creating visually beautiful films, but his lack of attention to scripts often results in inconsistent quality. Gladiator 1, for example, had significant improvised elements and a weak script.
What was the main issue with the plot of Gladiator 2?
The plot of Gladiator 2 was described as incomprehensible and nonsensical, making the original Gladiator's plot seem coherent in comparison.
How did the portrayal of Caracalla in Gladiator 2 differ from historical accounts?
In the film, Caracalla was depicted as a small, weak, and syphilitic figure who was easily manipulated by his brother. Historically, Caracalla was a strong, burly man known for his aggressive behavior and military prowess.
What role did Denzel Washington play in Gladiator 2, and how was his performance?
Denzel Washington played a significant role in Gladiator 2, and his performance was widely praised as the best element of the film, bringing energy and authenticity to the otherwise flawed production.
What was the hosts' opinion on Paul Mescal's performance in Gladiator 2?
Paul Mescal was seen as unconvincing in his role, lacking the anger and intensity expected of a gladiator, and instead coming across as earnest and somewhat passive.
- The hosts disliked Gladiator (2000) upon its initial release, partly due to the poor quality of the Latin used in the film.
- A significant portion of Gladiator (2000) was improvised, often against Russell Crowe's wishes due to the poor quality of the script.
- The hosts found Gladiator 2 (2023) to be more entertaining but less coherent than its predecessor.
Shownotes Transcript