By the end of this long film, I would have traded any given gladiatorial victory for just one shot of blue skies... Gladiator lacks joy. It employs depression as a substitute for personality, and believes that if the characters are bitter and morose enough, we won't notice how dull they are.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ebert critiques Gladiator for using depression as a substitute for personality, making the film dull despite its action. He argues the characters' bitterness masks a lack of genuine joy or depth.
- In plain terms
- The movie is dull because the characters are just bitter and miserable instead of interesting.
- What can you take from it?
- Characters need personality and joy, not just misery, to engage an audience.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can a film be engaging without joy?
- Is depression a valid substitute for personality?
Another view
Dark tones and bitter characters can be effective if handled with artistic intent.
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