As stated on the One line Summary, this comment will be short, so without further ado here it goes: Hasn´t anyone noticed the uncanny resemblance of Gladiator (2000) with the 1964 Classic "The Fall of the Roman Empire" directed by Anthony Mann and starring (only to name a few) Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Christopher Plummer, Alec Guiness, etc..? As I watched the movie on the screen the other day, I could not help but make comparisons all the way. The only thing is that the General´s name was changed from Livius to Maximus, and the ensuing love affair between him and the Emperor´s daughter Lucilla. Which, in this version, is not fully developed because they never explain in depth, or at least, enough to know for certain, but you can only speculate on many levels. Anyhow, just wanted to give my 2 cents, for whatever they are worth. Hope I did not spoil it for anyone. Sorry guys!!!
Reviews
3 Reviews
Fanfan
(1993)
A must for anyone who enjoys a good laugh, romance and film!
7 February 2000
Warning: Spoilers
Fanfan. That's the name of our leading lady (French Actress Marceau) and Alexandre (Vincent Perez) her love interest. I think that the chemistry displayed by these two great performers is rarely surpassed, and seldom achieved. From the moment the movie begins and the characters meet, the viewer knows they are bound to fall deeply and madly in love with one another. The problem, and it is a biggie, is that Alexandre is engaged and only three months away from his wedding to his 5 year girlfriend. He decides to court her without ever getting too close to her, or involved in any kind of physical relationship. The decission and the way he carries out his plan is outstanding, funny, imaginative and everygirl's dreams about finding her prince charming. But then, the table turns and Fanfan, aware of his engagement and somewhat humilliated by his refusal to bed her although she can 'smell' his interest and desire, acts nonchantly and finds herself a so-called fiance. Alexanders ideals are not merely drawn from a hat, or random ravings, but at the end one finds his reasons for never wanting to let go of those precious moments when one is falling in love with another person. Furthermore, his intented way of living together but without the messy complications and danger or becoming a rutinary and trivial couple is brilliant and funny, just perfect. I won't give up the ending. One should see it for oneself. If it is not a classic by now, it surely will become one in time. The writing is superb, and the acting equal to it's greatness.
Beyond the Clouds
(1995)
Watch out! Don't expect too much.....
4 February 2000
Although I'm a big fan of his work, and specially his revolutionary masterpieces, I would say this film did not live up to my expectations regarding Antonioni's abilities. In one word, I found myself utterly bored. I could not bring myself to share any emotions with the characters (no matter how hard I tried) and finally gave up on watching it. Malkovich was poorly casted and instead of bringing warmth and real human emotions to the character, made it a drag and sometimes impossible to follow. There are no real links for this four short stories, and least of all Malkovich's ramblings and philosophical (attempts at best) remarks bordering on sunday sermons. If you want good quality film, better stick to the director's earlier works. Sorry!!!
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