Ridley Scott's Gladiator was the first epic film on a Roman subject in 35 years and generated a far-reaching renewal of interest in Roman history and culture. This book analyzes Gladiator from historical, cultural, and cinematic perspectives. It comprises ten essays by experts, examining the film as a representation of history and as cinema. Subjects covered include Roman history and gladiatorial combat, the cinematic origins and traditions of Gladiator, and the film's modern social and political overtones. The book also includes translations of the film's most important historical sources.
"Invaluable." Times Literary Supplement
"A most welcome addition to this rapidly expanding discourse. Itsucceeds in collecting an insightful and diverse set of reflections'inspired by' Gladiator (as filmmakers might say) and willhopefully encourage similar explorations of more recent andforthcoming films set in antiquity." Bryn Mawr ClassicalReview
"This book provides a very useful resource that will enhance theanalytical sophistication of students of Scott's film and one thatwill deepen their appreciation of the complexity of Roman societyin the reign of Commodus as well as the problem of imperialism thenand today. I have no doubt that it will be a great success and adistinct credit to its editor and his contributors."Scholia
"Martin Winkler is one of the pioneers in the use of filmas applied to classical antiquity." New England ClassicalJournal
Winkler has created an unlikely meeting of brains and brawn inthis collection of papers from classicists who contemplate thepopularity of Ridley Scott's film Gladiator." Reference andResearch Book News
"Martin Winkler has brought together classicists who understandand respect the power of modern film. This volume will set thestandard for the serious study of the reflections and influence ofthe classical world on contemporary popular culture." Gregory N.Daugherty, Randolph-Macon College
"Boasting its own triumphant array of stimulating double takeson the film Gladiator, this book successfully recaptures theexcitement and immediacy of the turn of the 21st century cinematicepic." Paula James, The Open University
"A promising model of the multiple approaches that may be takento a single cinematic text ... Its demonstration that even highlycommercial products of popular culture can still yield seriousinsights and analysis can only benefit the study of classics andcinema." Journal of Roman Studies
"A most welcome addition to this rapidly expanding discourse. Itsucceeds in collecting an insightful and diverse set of reflections'inspired by' Gladiator (as filmmakers might say) and willhopefully encourage similar explorations of more recent andforthcoming films set in antiquity." Bryn Mawr ClassicalReview
"This book provides a very useful resource that will enhance theanalytical sophistication of students of Scott's film and one thatwill deepen their appreciation of the complexity of Roman societyin the reign of Commodus as well as the problem of imperialism thenand today. I have no doubt that it will be a great success and adistinct credit to its editor and his contributors."Scholia
"Martin Winkler is one of the pioneers in the use of filmas applied to classical antiquity." New England ClassicalJournal
Winkler has created an unlikely meeting of brains and brawn inthis collection of papers from classicists who contemplate thepopularity of Ridley Scott's film Gladiator." Reference andResearch Book News
"Martin Winkler has brought together classicists who understandand respect the power of modern film. This volume will set thestandard for the serious study of the reflections and influence ofthe classical world on contemporary popular culture." Gregory N.Daugherty, Randolph-Macon College
"Boasting its own triumphant array of stimulating double takeson the film Gladiator, this book successfully recaptures theexcitement and immediacy of the turn of the 21st century cinematicepic." Paula James, The Open University
"A promising model of the multiple approaches that may be takento a single cinematic text ... Its demonstration that even highlycommercial products of popular culture can still yield seriousinsights and analysis can only benefit the study of classics andcinema." Journal of Roman Studies