It seems after 100 years interest in Rome is again on the rise. Books are coming out on the subject continuously, historical recreations (such as the one that is near and dear to my heart) are being explored, role playing games are being played, etc., etc.

When the screen writer approached Ridley Scott to do this film, he jumped at the chance. His Napoleonic period piece "The Duelists" was beautifully shot, and his films are usually works of art, since he is first and foremost a visualist. Because he is, we get a much better picture then we should have.

The Scotts (Tony & Ridley) have decided that they will recreate Rome in all its glory. And we are the benefactors. What would have been unthinkable 10 yews ago, is quite possible and even cheap today. I'm talking about CGI. With CGI the marble model of Rome of Lanciani comes to life. We see via strong swooping overhead shots, a populated, colorful, believable Rome with throngs of people every where. We see the Flavian arena, (the Coliseum acquired the name from a huge (colossal) bronze statue of the Emperor Nero that stood nearby until it was melted down) looking down its throat like we are some improbable Goodyear blimp, floating overhead. Even though its animation, it is still impressive. It also looks very modern. It could be any stadium in the US, all is needed is the green grass below, rather than yellow sands.

The props range from good to excellent. There are Legionaries in Gallic "F" type helmets with Lorica Sigmentata and file shaped scutums, there are Auxiliary horse, some with Hamata, (chain mail) with oval shields, the military costuming is reasonably accurate and the color schemes plausible. I especially like the dark blue of the Practorian guards, looks like Tyrian purple with the rose removed. The Practorians also have the oval archaic shields, the effect spoiled by interesting but inaccurate Thracian/Roman helmets. The Hamian auxiliary archers have the old armor resurrected from the Miniseries Masada which also looks right.

There are no regular auxiliary infantry, (non legion provincial infantry) I guess everybody wanted to be a Roman. As a touch of humanity, the Romans all wear animal skins and furs over their armor before the battle scene. The land looks cold and inhospitable. Perfect description of Germania)

When we get to Rome, the Senators and the court are more or less correct in dress, hair styles, and color schemes. However the co-stars wear the most ridiculous costumes, especially Connie Neilson. Her last couple of stolas are as Roman as you or I. So, you ask me, why all this diatribe about this flash?

Because the flash is the movie. There is no meat on the bones of the story.

As the movie opens Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) is emperor. It is 180 AD. He is campaigning in Germany against the Marcommani, after successfully defeating their invasion of Italy. He offers them peace in return for submission to Romans rule. The Germans refuse. Here we are introduced to Aurelius' general (Legatus) Maximus (Russell Crowe). After the battle, which has a great buildup (watching cohorts move into position via the magic of CGI) but turns into a Scorpion and Onager fireball tossing extravaganza (nobody explained to the producers it was the Byzantines that had Greek fire) the Germans are fried and defeated. The Hispanic Maximus, who seems to be based on the actual historical figure Legate Publius Helvius Pertinax, is Aurelius' best General, and apparently destined for great things. However, he just wants to go home and see his wife and son and live as a farmer on his Spanish estates early in the movie. We just know that this is not going to happen.

Up to this point so good. History now takes a sharp curve and leaves the road of reality. Commodus Antonius, (Jaoquin Phoenix) is Marcus Aurelius' son and heir. He is arriving with his sister Lucilla, (Connie Neilson) to see his father. (Why is never explained.) Phoenix is a dark featured person. Several ancient sources call Commodus very fair, with blond curls. See where this is going?. But I digress.

Aurelius knows that Commodus: is unfit to rule the Empire. He plans to give the Curule chair to Maximus who will restore the Republic. Commodus agrees that he is unfit. But rule be will. In a touching scene, he smothers his father. This conveniently ignores the fact that Aurelius actually died in his bed in Rome. And in no stretch of the imagination would Aurelius request that the Republic be restored. Actually the Senate by this time could not rule such a large Empire. These screen writers and their ideal of a Republic! Always, always restore the Republic is a re-occurring theme.

Maximus obviously had a thing with Lucilla once upon a time. However that is history as the virtuous Maximus spurns her advances while in camp.

Aware of this, since this baseless pervert also desires his sister, which has never been documented and refers more to Caligula, equally aware as well that his father offered Maximus the throne, Commodus orders the execution of Maximus for treason. However the Spaniard escapes after cutting down four Praetorians in a bit of nifty sword play. (This establishes that our boy Maximus is quite a sword master. Killing Germans is one thing. Killing elite Romans is something else entirely. He's going to be a great gladiator).

At this point the story degenerates into a "Demerit and the Gladiator" plot: The wronged solider escapes, loses all that be cares for, fights his way to Rome (in eye-popping, unrealistic fight scenes) to finally deal with the evil emperor in hand to hand combat in the Arena. (By the way. We have no record of any Emperor dying in the Arena. Just stating those pesky facts again.)

Crowe, using the momenturn from his Oscar nod in "The Insider," comes across as credible; and gives a fair performance as the troubled brooding Maximus. Oliver Reed as Maximus' trainer makes the most of his final performance, dominating the screen whenever he has scenes. I guess if you have to go out, a sand & sword epic is as good a way to exit. Farewell then to a fine Musketeer.

So, in conclusion, go see the movie. Pay no attention to the ahistorical story that takes center stage. Concentrate instead on the backdrop. You will see amazing and reasonably wonderful things.

(This review appeared in the June 2000 issue of 'Film Fax' and is reprinted by permission.)