How Gladiator Won Best Picture WITHOUT A Script

When Ridley Scott's Gladiator first started production, they were without a major piece of the puzzle, a script. Even though it was light on pages, both Ridley Scott and star Russel Crowe believed this would be something special. As production on Gladiator moved forward, the script shortly came into focus after several writers were brought in. Eventually debuting to glowing reviews, and a massive box office haul, Gladiator would go on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Starting without a script would be unacceptable in most cases, but Gladiator proved to be the exception to the rule.
#gladiator #gladiator2 #ridleyscott #pedropascal #russelcrowe
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[@thegunslinger1363]

My local theatre re-released this Gladiator back in October. The whole time while watching it, I said to myself, "Why make a sequel to this masterpiece?"

[@watcherofwatchers]

You don't have to watch it. The existence of a sequel doesn't diminish the original.

[@masterknife8423]

No one says you have to watch it.

[@mmem4264]

I'm more shocked they didn't just remake it.

[@gabrielmenezes2761]

brazilian here, the sequel its good but not better than the original

[@andrewa9700]

“I wanted this generation to have their own Star Wars” -George Lucas about the sequel trilogy.

[@chasehedges6775]

A 10/10 film. Will always love and cherish this movie.

[@Richie_Godsil]

Damn, the Gladiator we almost got (unfocused and unpolished) is exactly what Scott's and Crowe's Robin Hood ended up being...

[@josephkitchens1644]

Still a masterpiece of film making!! A great story, characters, and the acting and direction are on point. Exited to see II and what they do with it

[@AdrielGituson-cm4ii]

This was one of the first movies I ever saw, and I remember a couple years later when I was around 7 I told my big brother how these two movies, The Gladiator and The Patriot, could not have a sequel because their endings are a complete story satisfaction. Lol🤕

[@andreagv3]

Ha ha the patriot a masterpiece. That's the most idiotic thing I've heard all day

[@Churchofthefathers]

Just watched it again with my wife yesterday in preparation for part two. It still remains my favorite movie of all time. It’s a perfect film.

[@matthewjohnson9199]

One of my all-time favorite movies. Can't wait to rewatch it ahead of the sequel.

[@MaximusAgabiti-ws2bq]

One of the best movies of the 2000’s. Joaquin Phoenix gives the best supporting performance of the decade (tied with Javier Bardem in No Country For Old Men and Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight) and Russell Crowe gives his best performance. Easily Ridley Scott’s best movie.

[@andreagv3]

ha ha, what are you raving about? Ridley Scott's best movie? Don't make me laugh!

[@jamielondon6436]

Honestly, Crowe did far better things as an actor, namely L. A. Confidential, which truly was an Oscar worthy performance, IMHO.

[@MrGeekFreek]

Were we not entertained?

[@ksperfection]

We were Maximus, we were.

[@HappyMSI1]

​@@ksperfection You forgot a comma, which changes the sentence.

[@mariocollisionmaker]

​@@HappyMSI1I am Maximus though.

[@defeqel6537]

@@mariocollisionmaker I was, now I'm Minimus

[@ke6319]

A perfect movie. Makes me tear up each time he goes down at the end. Shame the 2nd movie was made. You don't see Monalisa part 2

[@IM-xs3uv]

Instead of a sequel they should (still could) have made a prequel showing Maximus rise to General. That opening sequence was so strong.

[@gorknmork6997]

That would have been fantastic

[@Motofiend]

When have prequels ever truly worked? Knowing the end of the arch hamstrings the drama and emotional development of the characters because they must be who they become. That or changes can work to undercut their eventual character and goals. I would much rather a terrible sequel than a mediocre prequel that robs the original of its shine

[@KevinDublin]

​@@Motofiend Star Wars Episode I & III

[@cyrusatanil]

​@@KevinDublin I love the prequels, but there are very legitimate arguments about why they (mostly the first two) are actually very much mediocre movies, especially in comparison to the first three. I mean, the original Star Wars trilogy basically defines the Hero's Journey. It's by far the most impactful trilogy in modern cinema, in terms if how it's influenced future filmmaking. You could argue the Godfather Trilogy or The Lord of the Rings Trilogy are greater achievements, but that is subject to opinion, whereas the domino effect of the original Star Wars trilogy is not. The prequels were perhaps even bigger events when they came out, but that was because of the first trilogy. All in all, there is an evident drop in qaulity, particularly in dialogue.

[@Andre-ym2bm]

@@Motofiend Godfather 2

[@kendallroy2k4]

end of the day, they won the crowd giving them something they've never seen before!

[@rufusblue8044]

If hollywood wants to remake or make sequels. They should do it to movies that had a good premise but wasnt that good. Ghost of Mars or wishmaster. Stuff that people wont hate the original if they mess up the new thing

[@chrisjfox8715]

Definitely not a bad idea for a talented filmmaker to resurrect good ideas that were poorly executed, but it takes a special kind of vision to look past what went wrong. Plus, its marketing would be up against the "Why tf are they remaking that ish for?!? Hollywood is truly out of ideas" crowd... Either way, worrying about sequels "ruining" originals is incredibly overrated. If it bothers someone that much then it's easy to just ignore it, and the original isn't going anywhere. But they'll hate on sequels until one comes along they enjoy. Of course Top Gun and Gladiator didn't *need* sequels but their sequels are loved nonetheless - people don't know what they want until they see it, and a filmmaker doesn't truly know how a film is going to turn out until they go for it. *Every* filmmaking journey is a gamble, original or not.

[@vipul6623]

The speech goes so hard

[@LukeLovesRose]

I wish more people online would rave about Braveheart like this. They both take historical liberties. But theyre both so powerful. They both celebrate masculinity and sacrifice for the greater good. Truthfully, i think Ridley Scott was totally robbed of Best Director.

[@TheOfficialEmirati]

Despite being made only 5 years before Gladiator, Braveheart has aged much worse for many reasons

[@LukeLovesRose]

@TheOfficialEmirati Bulls***

[@ninjasquee2475]

@@TheOfficialEmirati it’s been a longgg time since I’ve seen it. Why has it aged worse?

[@TheOfficialEmirati]

@ninjasquee2475 At the time, the cinematography & battle scenes were revolutionary. Additionally, the soundtrack is great & it was the first good historical epic in decades. This is why people liked it back then and remember it fondly since they have not rewatched it in years. However, watching it back now, you see the issues: biggest is poor pacing, terrible second love story,1 dimensional female characters, acting/tone that is stone age compared to gladiator, mild homophobia, a main character that is not only 100% morally righteous but literally never makes single mistake/has no growth. Too much Christian suffering. In short, it's as if 14 year old boy's wet dream fantasy was made into a poorly paced historical epic. A lot of this is because Gibson wanted to make a sword & sandals romantic epic similar to those in the 1930s-1950s. In Gladiator, they put a modern style in line with what movies were like in late 90s/ and became in 2000s.

[@ninjasquee2475]

@@TheOfficialEmirati good points. As I haven’t seen it in so long just remember the good bits. If I ever watch it again I’ll probably notice your points. appreciate the response!

[@famisigo]

One of the most re-watchable movies of all time

[@redbearddan2000]

2000: Gladiator without a script wins Best Picture 2009: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen without a script wins Worst Picture 2 sides of one coin

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

Two-Face

[@darknessincarnate138]

2000 : wins Best Picture 2009 : Makes over a billion

[@redbearddan2000]

@darknessincarnate138 actually Transformers 2 made $800+ mln.

[@conancito]

Including Edge of Tomorrow as a negative Exampe of not having a complete script not working is uncalled for. It's a great movie far beyond the reach it had at the box office

[@spurezurko]

I agree. I watched it probably 5 times and it's always interesting.

[@alexfright8217]

It was god awful

[@user-cy9vd7rl4h]

​@@alexfright8217 it's well liked and a good film. Saying you didn't like it is not the same as declaring it's a bad film.

[@angelbangtana9885]

I think this was the first film I saw more than one at the cinema, not counting films I had to watch at University

[@AKen_Films]

You know a studio doesn’t have its priorities right when they say, “We have Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott in this epic concept! Just make the movie, it will sell, who cares about the script?” When those same same guys say “If you want us to do what we do best then you will care about the script!” One new writer later (Bill Nicholson) and you have hit and a best picture winner! Wow, your epic concept still needs to be a well writen movie to win audiences over? Who would have thought of that?!

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

“Are you not entertained”

[@bangajohntt]

Fine I’ll watch Gladiator again

[@Shrek2onVHS]

Thought that was MF DOOMS mask in the thumbnail

[@stimpaxx]

hell yeah gladiator holds up. the sequel though... i'm just going to say i'm not currently planning to catch it in the movie theater.

[@diegodreossi1458]

Absolute classic!

[@swiper-fox1283]

Nice timing. I rewatched two days ago

[@jenniferri7735]

why the HELL would anyone ever want to make a sequel to this piece of brilliance???

[@Amdecreations.]

Cash grab.

[@iantan6056]

No need to see the sequel if it doesn't make you happy. Just skip it.

[@jenniferri7735]

@ don’t worry, i won’t

[@Qwerty-db1js]

Some ppl do want to watch this type of films in theatres.

[@EzRida04]

My favourite movie!

[@Corleone1891]

Great essay!

[@Devil-Made]

0:43 I can’t imagine any screenwriter today taking time off work to go on a one-year cross-continent motorcycle ride while meditating on the musings of a single novel and the historical implications of its fictional story - all to write a movie script. But that’s precisely why movies SUCK. Movies today seem like the first draft of an idea some stoner kids farted out at a house party the previous weekend. Like everything else in life, writing takes work - EFFORT - and passion, skills and character traits very few are born with. They have to be cultivated through life experiences. That’s how great stories become reality. That’s how great movies are made. No one in Hollywood has the discipline to work that intensely (except for a very few true auteurs). I’d like to see the writers of She Hulk make this kind of effort.

[@ForgotMegun]

Gladiator (2000) is completely inaccurate when it comes to historical events-it's undeniably fiction. But what it lacks in accuracy, it makes up for in emotional depth and raw intensity. The feelings it portrays are incredibly real, and the storytelling is both fun and profound. This movie holds a special place in my heart, not just for its cinematic brilliance but also because it sparked my interest in Roman history, which is how I came to understand its historical inaccuracies. It's a fantastic film that resonates deeply, even if it rewrites the past.

[@dariostabletopminatures]

Gonna soak this up later!

[@vybzkardo]

watched it yesterday for the first time and now I'm seeing stuff about it everywhere 😂😂

[@HarvestStore]

Great video.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Love Gladiator

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

I keep hearing good things about this one. One day i will watch this movie lol

[@davidborozenets249]

Does anyone have the link to 4:57 document? Amazing video btw

[@c.s.christopher5801]

Gladiator did have a script. It was written by David Franzoni (revised by John Logan I believe) who was nominated for an academy award for it.

[@Jack_Gibby]

I beg the next Gladiator movie doesn't ruin this masterpiece

[@BuddhaSunn]

Don’t watch the sequel

[@VictorMaxol]

Crowe really was instrumental to it's success.

[@nefftron1]

Is there a link to the full Nicholson Gladiator script critique? It looks really interesting.

[@jaybone2321]

And I’ll also add MAXIMUS! MAXIMUS THE MERCIFUL!!!

[@jaybone2321]

Strength & Honor!

[@JerryC25]

I love this channel

[@watermunteconomie3938]

Love the movie.. just cannot get the chariot gas container out of my head. But i was entertained.

[@burrahobbithalf]

casablanca also had an unfinished script and several screenwriters.

[@JoshuaHopkins-j9o]

Answer : Russel Crowe is a legend

[@iDuLicious]

Hell yeah

[@Magurkz]

Russell said on the set to one of the writers "this is the stupidest things i ever reed, but Im worlds greatest actors, i make it work"

[@steve.santiago]

Am I not merciful?!

[@wajdimoutamared]

the first time i watched i cried like little girl

[@jneilson7568]

Gets me every damn time, incredible music brings it out 😭

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

Plot twist: you actually were a little girl when you watched it

[@Kentama]

Gladiator was okay. Entertaining enough to watch once, but not something I'd intentionally revisit.

[@bojacknorseman9009]

So, not no script at all. A changing script. Different thing!

[@k-slay4407]

As a screenwriter myself with two produced scripts under my belt, I can tell you that a not ready script before principal photography is due to commence is like having no script. 😅 Especially on a film this massive. Things are changing every day, and it's a nightmare.

[@BaggeyTrowsers-w2n]

There are no rules to what makes a great movie. George Miller went out into the desert with a million dollars and some magic mushrooms and returned with The Road Warrior

[@remuslazar2033]

Those about to die is also a series that came out this summer starring Anthony Hopkins. Has anyone seen it?

[@phil631]

Having no script or a not finished script are 2 different things.

[@CaptainQwazCaz]

when you cram an assignment in one night

[@kia2065]

top 5 greatest ever

[@maxtelero4904]

And these 3 should have been in glad2, with Zimmer doing the music. It’s why glad2 fell short

[@Halak014]

Man comes home is the best ending...

[@sumantasahoo7841]

Edge of tomorrow is a good movie

[@mrhumble2937]

Best movie ever

[@alarson1799]

I disagree that the audience was rooting for Maximus to die. Rather, I would say that it's cathartic that he does because, after taking his revenge, all he wants is to be reunited with his wife and son.

[@bhavanthr92]

you do know casablanca also didnt have a solid script its still a classic

[@ednis32]

If Gladiator 2 could be 50% of what its predecessor was then it'll be fine.

[@wudipest]

Not gonna lie... Whenever someone tells me how good a movie is and I feel it's being overhyped, I would always say "Yeah, but it's no "Gladiator" though..."

[@AbdullahDanish-d9t]

1:21 you hear that grifters.

[@Tiago_SD]

All that learned Scott still manages to let this Gladiator 2 script nightmare referential madness

[@That1GuyUDontKnow]

If you want to see an interesting Russell Crowe movie watch Romper Stomper.

[@gizmit420]

I thought edge of tomorrow was awesome.. a movie you only see once though 😅 its like watching the same movie 20 times in a row in one go.

[@frankjaeger882]

I think it was a tragic ending

[@jamielondon6436]

Intriguing and compelling. Though like many other people, I think that in hindsight Gladiator winning best picture (and especially best actor) is a bit laughable. Ironically, for me personally the best thing that came of it was a resurgence of historic action movies, that gave us Troy, which I consider far superior. But that's just me. :-)

[@luciusael]

Ridley never came close to this film afterwards

[@Smee319]

*reads title* Because some Academy voters got paid off.

[@welshman100]

Ridley Scott was already cemented, lets be real.

[@pjmonkeyjohnson]

Edge of tomorrow deserved to win best picture

[@ralphflint4264]

Can three writers work in tandem? The only three people on a tandem I can think of are the Goodies :) (*Ah, seems the definition is two or more... Well, never too old to learn something new)

[@suneasmussen2650]

no... and tbh it never really did. Scott should probably have stopped after Blade Runner. The past forty years haven't done him any favors.

[@MarkLaw13]

Why are people so mad with Denzel being in the film? The first film was full of inaccuracies but truly entertaining. If it is about race, we literally had a black man in the Arena next to Maximus. Must blacks always be slaves for it to be accepted? Denzel Washington played a lot of characters, iconic leaders where Daniel Day-Lewis was winning for Lincoln, a leader must weren't alive to see. When Denzel played Malcolm X he lost. He won for being a slave and for being a criminal, those were his two Oscar wins. Denzel has yet to work with the greats of the greats in Directors. Daniel Day-Lewis has the luxury of working with all that esteem. You will call Daniel one of the best actors if not the best. What about an actor who doesn't have the luxury to work with such esteemed directors? My point is, imagine if Denzel could have worked with directors Daniel has worked with? This is why I always choose Christian Bale over DiCaprio. Imagine he stuck himself to Nolan like Leo did with Scorsese. How can he ever go wrong?

[@mrkgulchenko]

Because he’s speaking with an American accent and it pulls you out of the world.

[@MarkLaw13]

@mrkgulchenko Have you seen the film? I've you seen the reviews?

[@BillGunslinger]

​@@mrkgulchenko they are all speaking english aniway lol

[@fletchbundy]

Now we have a sequel where Maximus cheated on his wife & Lucius is now his kid instead of the father he was named after for the first film... Great.

[@danielharpermagic9279]

Next we’ll learn the Godfather was shot without a camera …

[@Darth_Pro_x]

Wasn't the Good the Bad and the Ugly also made without a script?

[@dookieeater]

Hhahahahahahahahhaa I new that ending was coming hahahah

[@chairshoe81]

MF DOOM

[@andrewnorris485]

The script for this movie is pretty trash when actually think about characters motivations at all. The spectacle and directing put it over the top.

[@milfenthusiast1582]

And now all his movies are terrible 😂 can't wait for Gladiator 2 to fucking suck even worse than Napoleon

[@Miki19910723]

That's why it felt so unclear and over rated xd

[@jhubjrbrbr]

Its not one of the greatest movies of all time… its a nice pop corn movie… that’s all

[@alexandrecaisse8520]

1:38

[@jasonmadinya7759]

i dont understand how this won best picture, the dialogue is bad and the fact that the script was basically created on the spot and it shows. I loved it when I first saw it a 15, but having seen it recently i found it super overrated. Yea joaquin and crowe were good, but the actual writing was just bad.

[@kenten]

The protagonist dying is the most uplifting and romantic ending I've ever seen? 7:21 I wasn't rooting for Maximus to die, and I find nothing uplifting about his death. Can't imagine everyone agrees with this perspective. I wouldn't change the movie, but I'd hardly call the ending uplifting and romantic.

[@manognaalapati4199]

Well he didn't have anything to live for after the emperor's death than reuniting with his wife and son in the afterworld. So yaa his death was supported by the audience I think

[@wiktiktik]

Why he got the MF DOOM mask in the thumbnail??

[@chairshoe81]

he wears it in the movie

[@MyManD]

I think it was unfair to lump Edge of Tomorrow in with the other two. The movie’s a legit action masterpiece.

[@entropyme9]

they simply don't make movies with such a model male character anymore. treasure!

[@Ryans.instruments]

1st minute

[@matiasgallardo2726]

This movie sucks

[@isuriadireja91]

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon should've won Best Picture that year.

[@AxeAfrika242]

And after this masterpiece they took over 20 years to give us the absolute mediocre Gladiator 2... You cant make this up 🥲