Gladiator 2 Cinematographer Absolutely Rips Ridley Scott For Being ‘Lazy’

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Gladiator 2 Cinematographer Absolutely Rips Ridley Scott For Being 'Lazy'

Key Takeaways

  • Cinematographer criticizes Ridley Scott’s impatient, lazy approach to filming Gladiator 2, affecting visual appeal.
  • Concerns raised about Scott prioritizing grandiosity over substance; previous crew defends his efficient method.
  • Fans eagerly anticipate Gladiator 2 despite criticism of Scott’s approach, highlighting his evolving filmmaking style.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experiencing various forms of storytelling and immersion, I must say that my anticipation for Gladiator 2 was as high as the colossal walls of the Colosseum itself. The original Gladiator, under Ridley Scott’s visionary direction, was a cinematic tour de force that left an indelible mark on me, and I eagerly awaited to return to Rome.

In my role as a diehard fan eagerly awaiting the release of Gladiator 2, the long-anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 masterpiece, I’ve learned that one of the film’s pivotal team members has voiced some discontent regarding the director’s backstage handling of this project.

The upcoming film titled “Gladiator 2” takes viewers once more to ancient Rome and its bustling Colosseum. Unlike the previous installment with Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, this time we see Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington leading the charge. The movie has garnered attention, although responses have been somewhat divided compared to the unanimously positive feedback for the original. Notably, “Gladiator” won an Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. While Scott’s direction in this sequel has earned praise, some critics claim it feels like a repeat of the first film.

Ridley Scott Has Become An Impatient Filmmaker

Gladiator 2 Cinematographer Absolutely Rips Ridley Scott For Being 'Lazy'

During an unexpected revelation on The DocFix Documentary Storytelling Podcast, cinematographer John Mathieson expressed reservations about director Ridley Scott’s methods for filming Gladiator 2. Mathieson characterized Scott as being rather impatient and somewhat lackadaisical in his approach, criticizing his excessive use of multiple cameras and digital removal of equipment within shots using CGI. Mathieson, who has collaborated with Scott on films like Gladiator, Hannibal, and Kingdom of Heaven, noted that this technique negatively impacts the movie’s visual allure and represents a shift from Scott’s earlier works, where lighting was given significant emphasis.

He tends to be rather eager, preferring to gather a lot all at once instead of gradually. However, this approach isn’t particularly beneficial when it comes to filmmaking.

As a devoted admirer, I must admit that Matheison’s revelation merely solidifies the concerns we’ve long harbored about Scott: his inclination towards extravagance and visual grandeur often overshadows the depth and substance in his work. It seems that the golden age of this esteemed director is now a fading memory, as his latest cinematic offerings have sparked debate for their seemingly lackluster narratives.

While some may find Scott’s extensive use of cameras on set bothersome, it’s not universally disliked. In fact, individuals like Matt Damon, Drew Goddard, Christopher Plummer, who have collaborated with the director in projects such as The Martian and All the Money in the World, have commended his approach for its efficiency, often resulting in filming periods of just five to six weeks at maximum. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Scott has been criticized for what others might call “unconventional filmmaking.” For instance, during the production of Gladiator, the script was still being finalized, and adjustments had to be made on the fly. This led to crew members needing time off because the script hit a dead end at times. Russell Crowe even confessed to feeling frustrated to the point of considering leaving set due to what he perceived as a lackluster script.

Enthusiasts of the original “Gladiator,” who have been anticipating a sequel for over two decades, are likely to dismiss Matheison’s remarks. The grandeur displayed in the trailers might outweigh any concerns about cinematic decline. With “Gladiator 2” potentially reigniting Ridley Scott’s debate for an Academy Award for Best Director, the director himself would most likely be unfazed by the changing dynamics of his profession, or advice to slow down on filmmaking, given his busy portfolio of ongoing projects.

Gladiator 2 is currently showing in theaters globally.

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2024-12-03 18:53