Mel Gibsonis an extremely accomplished actor, but has also directed many critically-acclaimed movies over the course of his career. Some of Gibson’s best movies includeBraveheart,The Passion of the Christ,Apocalypto, andHacksaw Ridge. Through these movies and several more, Gibson has proven that he is a talented filmmaker. However, Gibson has claimed that he always likes to reference a shot included in a movie that was made by another iconic director, Ridley Scott.
Ridley Scott’s best moviesincludeAlien,Blade Runner,Kingdom of Heaven, andAmerican Gangster. However,Gibson admitted that he always references a specific shot from Scott’s 2000 blockbusterGladiator. It makes sense that Gibson looks towardsGladiatorfor inspiration, as it is one of the highest-rated films of Scott’s career and has remained culturally relevant for years. In fact, the shot that Gibson is referring to was recreated in the recently releasedGladiator II.
Mel Gibson Is Inspired By One Specific Shot In Gladiator
The Opening Shot Of Gladiator Is Iconic
Gibson recently explained why he loves the shot inGladiatorwhich features Maximus running his hand through wheat. The story ofGladiatorfollows Maximus, a Roman general who served under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. After Marcus Aurelius is betrayed and Maximus' wife and son are murdered, he becomes a gladiator and seeks revenge against the newly appointed Emperor Commodus. Thecast ofGladiatorincludes Russell Crowe, Joaquin Pheonix, Connie Nielsen, and Djimon Hounsou.
Gladiator: Why Commodus Needed To Murder Maximus' Family
One of Emperor Commodus' most diabolical crimes may have seemed unnecessarily cruel, but there was a specific purpose behind his actions.
In a recent interview onThe Joe Rogan Experiencepodcast,Gibson explains that he loves this shot inGladiatorbecause it gauges an emotional reaction from viewers without being too overt. Gibson explains that he doesn’t know why the shot works so well, but claims that it has always resonated with him. He then goes on to praise Scott more and stress what a talented visual storyteller he is. Read Gibson’s full comments below:
I’m pretty average at most things, but I’m good at a couple of things. I know how to tell a story on film, I know how to do that. That’s a weird place to be, but I think a lot can be achieved by art and image and you may convey a lot without actually having to say it. You can do things to affect people emotionally or spiritually even without being overt.
I always like to reference just a shot, it’s in a Scott movie and you don’t know why it works or why it’s effective on some level, but it’s kind of a profound, effective shot. It’s that first shot in Gladiator where he’s running his hand over the wheat, with that music and stuff. Why does that work? I don’t know. you’re able to’t explain it, but it works.
He knows how to shoot, and it’s a valid pursuit I think in storytelling if you’re able to do that. Every time he goes out there, it’s eye candy. It’s a feast for the eyes.
Our Take On Mel Gibson’s Favorite Gladiator Shot
Gladiator 2’s Ending Recreated The Opening Of Gladiator
The shot of Maximus running his hand through wheat is perhaps the most memorable shot from the firstGladiatormovie. It has become such an iconic shot that it was even recreated for theending ofGladiator II. Gibson’s own movies include many iconic shots, so it is clear he has a good eye for cinematography. Gibson praisingGladiatorfurther proves how influential Scott’s work is, and thatGladiatorremains one of the best films of his career.
Gladiator
Cast
Gladiator follows Maximus, a Roman general betrayed by the new emperor Commodus. After escaping execution, he is enslaved and becomes a gladiator. Set in ancient Rome, the story portrays his struggle for survival and quest for vengeance as he battles for his freedom in the arena.
