So I was watching Gladiator the other night, which has been a favorite of mine since it first came out (I'm a huge Roman History nerd) and a few interesting points popped into my head.
When Gladiator was first released, I was a die hard BJJ practitioner and 19 years old. I loved the action sequences and whatnot. I also loved how (sort of) historically accurate the film was in terms of architecture, military strategy, etc. I didn't think much else about the film.
But after watching it again recently, I saw it through a different lens. I don't think it's news that people try to find reflections of themselves in the art they like, the clothes they wear, etc etc.
Think about this:
Older people will identify with the dying Emperor because he is close to death. When people are closer to death, a lot of them start asking themselves bigger questions. What did I leave behind, what did I do? Was I honorable?
Machiavellian businessfolk are likely to identify with Commodus (Jaquin Phoenix's character) because he will do anything to accomplish what he wants.
People who are into economics or government will see the larger narrative of giving control of the senate back to the people.
Strong willed women will identify with Commodus' sister, who did what she could while forced to live in "a man's" world.
The point is, I believe people see what the want to see, and if you looks at big blockbuster Hollywood films, many of them try and grab the broadest demographic possible. This ends up leaving us with pretty dumbed down shit. But some filmmakers, REALLY, REALLY GOOD ONES, are able to market to a broad demographic, without sacrificing the integrity of the script.
Thoughts?
When Gladiator was first released, I was a die hard BJJ practitioner and 19 years old. I loved the action sequences and whatnot. I also loved how (sort of) historically accurate the film was in terms of architecture, military strategy, etc. I didn't think much else about the film.
But after watching it again recently, I saw it through a different lens. I don't think it's news that people try to find reflections of themselves in the art they like, the clothes they wear, etc etc.
Think about this:
Older people will identify with the dying Emperor because he is close to death. When people are closer to death, a lot of them start asking themselves bigger questions. What did I leave behind, what did I do? Was I honorable?
Machiavellian businessfolk are likely to identify with Commodus (Jaquin Phoenix's character) because he will do anything to accomplish what he wants.
People who are into economics or government will see the larger narrative of giving control of the senate back to the people.
Strong willed women will identify with Commodus' sister, who did what she could while forced to live in "a man's" world.
The point is, I believe people see what the want to see, and if you looks at big blockbuster Hollywood films, many of them try and grab the broadest demographic possible. This ends up leaving us with pretty dumbed down shit. But some filmmakers, REALLY, REALLY GOOD ONES, are able to market to a broad demographic, without sacrificing the integrity of the script.
Thoughts?
