Fact and Fiction in Gladiator II: Those Who Are About to Lie Salute You
As a history buff and film enthusiast, I have always been captivated by the intricate blend of fact and fiction that Ridley Scott masterfully weaves into his epics. However, my admiration for his storytelling prowess is tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to historical accuracy – much like a Frenchman savoring a fine wine but eyeing the label for inconsistencies. The latest installment in this grand tradition, “Gladiator II”, has left me both entertained and perplexed. I find myself nodding approvingly at the grandeur of the Colosseum filled with sharks (even though I’m pretty sure Romans didn’t have Netflix to stream “Shark Week”), while simultaneously shaking my head in disbelief at the sight of a Roman noble sipping tea in a café – a good 1,200 years before the invention of the teabag.
When Ridley Scott’s upcoming biopic “Napoleon” stirred up a fuss among strict French historians due to its factual errors, it seems that the 86-year-old director is once again under fire. This time, scholars of ancient Rome are gearing up for a confrontation with Scott Free Productions. Despite the positive reception at early screenings, the upcoming release of “Gladiator II” on Nov. 22 appears to be riddled with historical inaccuracies.
South Pole Doc Uses AI to Bring Explorers Back to Life
Over a hundred years ago, the renowned polar explorer Ernest Shackleton grasped the concept of “show it or it didn’t happen,” which is relevant in today’s internet era. The new National Geographic documentary titled Endurance, directed by Academy Award-winning duo Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (known for films like Free Solo and The Rescue), features breathtaking footage from Shackleton’s 1907 Antarctic expedition. This includes visuals of his ship being destroyed by ice, leaving 28 men stranded at the Earth’s southernmost point. Unsurprisingly, no photographs were taken during Shackleton’s 800-mile boat voyage across the South Seas to seek help. To illustrate this perilous part of the documentary, the filmmakers employed a mix of reenactments (filmed with actors in Iceland and Los Angeles) and artificial intelligence. Using advanced software to generate audio recordings of the survivors, deceased crew members seemingly read their diary entries aloud. Given the debate sparked by using AI to resurrect Anthony Bourdain in 2021’s Roadrunner, Chin and Vasarhelyi were taking risks. However, they are pioneers in their own right, as Vasarhelyi remarks, “It’s a powerful tool, but you must be thoughtful and ethical about how you utilize it.
How Star Trek’s Jess Bush Became a Bee Actress
In the popular series “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”, Jessica Bush portrays Nurse Chapel. Meanwhile, on our contemporary Earth in the 21st century, the 32-year-old Australian artist, known as ONEJESSA, is making waves with her latest art exhibition in New York City. Her work, titled “Honey”, features 1,000 preserved bees encased in resin orbs and suspended from a floating sculpture located in the Glass Atrium lobby of Manhattan West on Ninth Avenue and 32nd Street. Bush explains that her inspiration came from her appreciation for Earth’s beauty. As for how she obtained the dead bees, she mentions that it wasn’t difficult as she has connections with several beekeepers in Australia who provide her with deceased bees found around their hives. The Hollywood Reporter (THR) had a sneak peek of the exhibition, which opened to the public on October 30, and can confirm that it indeed exudes a sweet allure.
This story appeared in the Oct. 30 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-30 20:24