As a film enthusiast with a particular fondness for epic historical dramas, I must say that Ridley Scott has certainly left his mark in this genre. His films, such as Gladiator and The Last Duel, have captivated audiences with their grandeur, intense action sequences, and compelling narratives.
Ridley Scott has dabbled in various genres, from “Alien” to “Thelma & Louise”. However, he appears particularly drawn to historical movies, a genre where his directorial skills truly shine. This is because his greatest talent lies in cinematography, and period films are renowned for their striking, atmospheric, and intensely detailed visuals.
Over time, Scott’s exceptional body of work has garnered him numerous honors, such as 10 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and three Academy Awards for Directing. However, this filmmaker is often criticized for his inconsistency, as a fantastic movie is frequently preceded by a disappointing one. Consequently, the quality of his historical films can be quite disparate. This has been evident in more recent times, with Napoleon being heavily criticized and Gladiator II receiving widespread praise.
So, which Ridley Scott historical movie is the best?
9 ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ (2014)
The movie Exodus: Gods and Kings follows Moses, played by Christian Bale, in a story filled with Hollywood drama. This Moses aims to free the enslaved Israelites from their harsh living conditions and lead them to better lands. However, diplomatic negotiations for their freedom are not an option here, so they must escape. The question is: Can they make it?
Scott’s Not-so-Creative Take on Biblical Emigration
In a departure from its source material, Ridley Scott’s bold portrayal of Egypt’s antiquated laws and traditional masculinity didn’t quite hit the mark. This is often acceptable for films, but since Scott openly identifies as an atheist, some critics felt he was being reckless by tackling a subject that wasn’t entirely within his grasp. Perhaps if Scott had remained more faithful to the truth, he might have garnered more positive reviews.
Still, there are some positives. Bale, delivering one of his finest performances, carries the historical thriller from the first frame to the last. And the action sequences stay in the mind.
8 ‘Robin Hood’ (2010)
In contrast to numerous films about the famed thief that Hollywood has produced, Ridley Scott decided to create yet another interpretation titled “Robin Hood”. This film features Russell Crowe as the lead character, who encounters a dying knight named and vows to return the man’s sword to his father in Nottingham. Upon arrival, he adopts the deceased knight’s identity; becomes romantically involved with the widow, Marion; and initiates a conflict with the primary law enforcer of the town and King John’s infamous right-hand man, Godfrey – a crude character known for his offensive language.
Scott and Crowe Fail to Replicate the Gladiator Magic
In a significantly altered retelling, blending intriguing aspects and unexpected twists for approximately two hours, this story might disappoint purists of the classic Robin Hood tales; however, fans of adventure will revel, finding humor in Godfrey’s raucous behavior and Robin’s trickery. The construction of the world requires some patience, and ultimately, it lacks depth, but eventually, we are treated to a vibrant, innovative British film, which is not common from today’s Hollywood production line.
7 ‘Napoleon’ (2023)
In the novel Napoleon, there are two interwoven tales. The first is the well-known account chronicling Napoleon’s ascent and downfall as a historical French figure. The second, which Scott devotes excessive attention to, explores Napoleon’s complex relationship with his wife, Josephine. Far from being endearing, their behavior can be volatile and petty. They frequently argue over trivial matters, and their underlying resentment escalates quickly.
Napoleon as a Soap Opera
High hopes surrounded Ridley Scott’s movie, Napoleon. However, it fell short of expectations. The film does provide a poignant and provocative portrayal of marriage, expressing feelings that are still considered taboo in today’s society. Regrettably, the intense exchanges between the couple seem like distracting side-plots to the historical conquest that viewers anticipated.
Despite being filmed in England and Malta, the movie is a stunning display of cutting-edge cinematography, clever dialogue, and exceptional performances by Joaquin Phoenix. In other words, viewers won’t leave feeling shortchanged.
6 ‘1492: Conquest of Paradise’ (1992)
1492: Conquest of Paradise recounts the adventures of Christopher Columbus, a man fueled by an unquenchable thirst for perilous exploration in his maturity. The movie delves into Columbus’ voyage to the New World and the impact his discovery had on the native communities.
The Usual Columbus Story
This film is an extravagant, captivating epic that continues a long lineage in cinematic storytelling. In it, Gérard Depardieu portrays Columbus and Sigourney Weaver plays Queen Isabella I, their scenes frequently showcased in tender close-ups. Scott reimagines a contentious historical event as an entertaining voyage on the high seas. With Adrian Biddle’s Oscar-nominated cinematography capturing stunning landscapes and oceans, this historical spectacle is both visually appealing and engaging.
Unfortunately, the tale doesn’t offer anything fresh or memorable – merely a repetition of familiar historical events. As a result, it turned out to be Ridley Scott’s most significant flop at the box office.
Stream it on Kanopy or Apple TV+
5 ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ (2005)
The movie titled “Kingdom of Heaven” presents a somewhat dramatized account of the happenings preceding the Third Crusade, a military endeavor orchestrated by France’s King Philip II, England’s King Richard I, and Germany’s Emperor Frederick Barbarossa with the aim of recapturing the Holy Land after its seizure by Saladin, the Ayyubid sultan, in 1187. The narrative primarily focuses on Balian of Ibelin, a blacksmith who becomes part of this crusade.
Treading Hot Religious Waters
The movie shares many of the criticisms leveled against Gods of Egypt. It seems to overstep boundaries when dealing with religious themes, causing offense among the devout. Critics suggest that it unfairly portrays Christianity and may inadvertently stimulate Islamic extremism.
However, from a filmmaking standpoint. It’s a triumph. Everything, from the sound and visuals, is magnificent. But it would have been much better if Scott hadn’t reused songs from previous films, especially “Vide Cor Meum” from Hannibal.
4 ‘The Duellists’ (1977)
The Duellists represents another captivating film by Ridley Scott, delving into the complexities of the Napoleonic Wars. Unlike some of his other works, this particular production stands out as a superior cinematic experience. Originally adapted from a short story in John Conrad’s anthology book, A Set of Six, The Duelists essentially unfolds as an extended duel between two French military officers – the fawning Gabriel Feraud (played by Harvey Keitel) and the aristocratic Armand d’Hubert (portrayed by Keith Carradine). These men engage in a relentless competition, striving to outshine each other, that escalates to the point where they resort to swordfights as a means of determining superiority.
Scott Was Off to a Flying Start
In a gritty, tense, and masterfully performed manner, Scott’s first full-length directorial effort follows the stories of two self-centered characters who find themselves trapped in an unwinnable predicament. Harvey Keitel delivers a gripping and fervent portrayal of Gabriel Feraud, a character reminiscent of Bonaparte. Additionally, we get insights into factors that contributed to Napoleon’s troops’ success. For instance, it was forbidden for officers at different ranks to engage in combat with each other to maintain harmony and teamwork among the troops. As Feraud advances in rank, he and his rival only exchange swords when such an occasion arises.
Stream it on Kanopy or Pluto
3 ‘The Last Duel’ (2021)
The movie “The Last Duel” follows a similar plotline as “The Duelists”. It’s adapted from the book “The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France” by Eric Jager. In this film, we see two close friends and knights, Jean de Carrouges (played by Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (portrayed by Adam Driver), who choose to resolve their disagreement through a fatal duel after the wife of de Carrouges alleges that Le Gris has assaulted her.
Believable Rivalry and Perfect Fights
In the skilled direction of Ridley Scott, his two exceptional leads take center stage in a subtle yet believable competition between them. At first, De Carrouge’s captivating charm and laid-back vibe seem overwhelming compared to the seemingly innocuous Le Gris Rose. However, as the story unfolds, more layers are revealed, showing that Le Gris Rose is just as formidable as his counterpart. The acting talent here, in particular, shines brightly, and to this day, this movie remains an underappreciated gem worth exploring.
2 ‘Gladiator II’ (2024)
Gladiator II is the long-awaited follow-up that exceeds expectations, featuring Lucius (Paul Mescal), son of the original hero Maximus. After his home is ransacked by the Roman military under General Acacius, Lucius takes up the mantle of a gladiator. Driven by vengeance, he displays his combat prowess in the arena while serving under Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a previous slave with ambitions to dethrone emperors Geta and Caracalla.
Better Cast Than the First Movie
In the announcement of his role, there was speculation about how Denzel Washington would fit into such a story. Some even raised doubts about whether Black slave owners existed in ancient Rome. However, Washington delivers a captivating performance that outshines the film, making it hard for anyone to look away. Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal also deserve recognition for their impressive action scenes that elevate them beyond typical action sequences.
1 ‘Gladiator’ (2000)
In this context, the film “Gladiator” stands out as one of Ridley Scott’s most impressive works within its genre, and it could even be considered his finest movie overall. The story revolves around jealousy, with Commodus (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix) murdering his father due to his suspicion that the latter favored Maximus (Russell Crowe), a general, as his successor. This accusation results in Maximus being forced into gladiatorial combat, but he remains steadfastly determined to seek revenge.
The Biggest Blockbuster of the 2000s
In the movie, Maximus poses a question similar to this: “Aren’t you satisfied?” This phrase echoes through history, captivating audiences from Rome to modern-day cinema enthusiasts. The reason for such widespread enjoyment? A superb script, outstanding performances, and the fulfillment of its title promise – intense gladiator battles. The film not only earned a profit but also garnered numerous awards. It was nominated for 12 Oscars, winning five, including Best Picture and Best Actor (for Crowe). Furthermore, it generated $450 million in revenue with an initial budget of just $103 million (according to The Numbers).
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2024-11-25 01:03