Christopher Nolan has named Ridley Scott's Gladiator II as his favorite movie of 2024, showcasing his admiration for the director's craft and the film's cinematic merits. This accolade came during Variety’s Directors on Directors series, where Nolan, celebrated for his own works such as Oppenheimer and Tenet, discussed the sequel to Scott's 2000 Oscar-winning film.
Gladiator II, which hit theaters this November, picks up two decades after the first film and reintroduces audiences to the world of ancient Rome through the eyes of the young Lucius Verus Aurelius, played by Paul Mescal. The film finds Lucius struggling under the rule of brutal emperors and forced to engage in the bloody games of the Colosseum. Nolan praised Scott for managing to balance the emotional weight of the original narrative with the expansionist demands of the sequel’s plot.
"Like the best long-awaited sequels, Gladiator II must be a remake and sequel in one," he remarked. Nolan noted Scott’s brilliance, stating, "he manages to balance the individual pathos of the original with the expansionist demands of the sequel’s central theme, bringing a lifetime of experience in controlling tone.”
The sequel stars Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn, who portray power-hungry figures embroiled in political machinations. Critics have pointed out historical inaccuracies, some deeming the film’s portrayal of events and dialogue lacking authenticity – such as Denzel Washington's character using the colloquial phrase, "hose him down," during an era when hoses did not exist. Yet, Nolan brushed off such critiques, asserting, "Scott knows we’re not there for insights about Roman culture; we’re there to see our own dark desires at a comfortable remove."
This commentary reflects Nolan's appreciation for the film's capacity to resonate with contemporary audiences, viewing the gladiator games not only as entertainment but as reflections of modern societal dynamics. He articulates this through the haunts of public perception and spectacle, saying, "Why are there sharks in the Colosseum? Because we demand them, and Scott masterfully gives them to us." Nolan expertly connects the fantastical elements of the sequel to the broader themes of desire and manipulation evident both on screen and within modern society.
Through this lens, Nolan observed Scott’s directing prowess, indicating, "Despite all his success, Scott’s contribution to the evolution of cinematic storytelling has never been properly acknowledged." He pointed to the opening shot of Gladiator II, where Mescal's character tenderly cradles the grain from the original movie’s swaying wheat, as evidence of Scott’s ability to infuse depth and continuity from one film to the next.
Gladiator II has received mixed reviews overall but is appreciated for its dazzling visuals and action sequences, which have been described as both hyper-observant and masterfully orchestrated by Scott. Nolan remarked on Scott’s historical contributions to cinema, recalling how innovations from the director and others of his era were often dismissed as superficial. He argued instead for the significance of the mise-en-scène and visual language Scott has developed over the years. "The visual density of Scott’s art serves as foil for his underlying thematic clarity,” he reflected, praising the continuity of Scott’s legacy.
With Gladiator II currently screening and enjoying commercial success, it stands as both tribute and evolution of its predecessor. While it may not quite reach the heights of its award-winning forerunner, Nolan's enthusiastic endorsement highlights the film's cinematic achievements and Scott's artistry, ensuring it remains relevant to audiences both new and old.
Nolan's insightful analysis not only sheds light on Scott's directorial acumen but also serves as encouragement for audiences to engage with Gladiator II. His thoughtful dissection of the film's components offers prospective viewers both intrigue and anticipation, making the case for why this sequel warrants attention as the year wraps up.
Those eager to witness the return of gladiatorial combat and the tumult of Roman politics can still catch Gladiator II as it continues its theatrical run. For those unable to visit cinemas, plans for the film to stream on Paramount+ are anticipated for sometime in 2025.
