Gladiator is considered one of the best films ever, and not just among sword-and-sandal fans. The revenge epic about the gladiator and ex-legionnaire Maximus (Russell Crowe) is captivatingly acted and megalomaniacally staged. Part 2 was only recently released in cinemas after more than 20 years. But the action masterpiece isn’t just known for its highlights: it also contains three absolutely legendary film mistakes. You can see it on TV tonight.
Gladiator Mistake 1: Action Battle with Crew Member in Blue Jeans
Some film errors are widespread. So-called continuity errors, for example, with which a sword suddenly disappears after a cut. Gladiator doesn’t even bother with such frills.
This is where it hits straight away: right in the battle scene at the beginning of the film a crew member wanders around in front of the camera. Maximus can only dream of his ultra-fashionable jeans.
Gladiator Mistake 2: Russell Crowe’s audience includes the cameraman
Things continue to be astonishingly striking. The newly minted gladiator Maximus proves his fighting skills in various arenas before he reaches Rome. In one scene, not only blood-lusting spectators can be seen in the stands, but also a whole camera team.
Gladiator Mistake 3: Legendary mishap in the big action massacre
Such mistakes are unusual. Typically, scenes with crew walking around or equipment visible are canceled and reshot. This makes the next mistake all the more hair-raising. It is now part of every film mistakes top 5 like The Godfather in the best lists.
In Rome, Crowe’s character has to prove himself to Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). He also competes against a squadron of chariots. When one of them falls over on his side, an air bottle is clearly visible on the tread surface.
This is stunt equipment. The air pressure is used to cause the car to fall over. The device shows itself wonderfully clearly, especially in the Blu-ray version of the film. It is only about 2000 years too early.
Even though Gladiator’s flaws are absolutely spectacular compared to other films, that doesn’t detract from the quality of the film. Perhaps exceptional director Ridley Scott was under great time pressure and therefore had to use incorrect scenes. In the end Above all, they give his masterpiece character.
When will the historical action Gladiator be on TV?
Gladiator premieres today, Friday, December 6, 2024 8:15 p.m. on ZDFneo. In addition to Crowe and Phoenix, acting legends Richard Harris and Oliver Reed can also be seen in the film. Connie Nielsen, who plays Commodus’ sister Lucilla, was back in front of the camera for Gladiator 2.
This article was first published in a similar form on Moviepilot in MAY 2022.