As Ridley Scott gears up to release Gladiator 2, fans of the original 2000 epic are bracing for a fresh dose of cinematic grandeur. However, despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming movie, Scott’s project seemingly faced a few strikes from fans regarding its soundtrack in the trailer. Meanwhile, there appeared another potential issue, following lead actor Paul Mescal’s interview.
According to recent comments from Paul Mescal, the film’s lead star hinted that Ridley Scott may have borrowed a page from Zack Snyder’s playbook, particularly in the use of slow-motion during fight scenes. This decision could prove to be a double-edged sword, in the light of some of the pitfalls that Snyder’s films have faced.
Paul Mescal Possibly Dropped a Major Hint About Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2
Following the success of Ridley Scott’s original Gladiator (2000), with its visceral and dynamic battle sequences, the filmmaker decided to return with similar intensity in Gladiator 2. Picking up the story 20 years after the events of the original movie, Scott hired Paul Mescal to play the titular character Lucius (glimpsed as a kid last time around – not played by Mescal).
This time Paul Mescal’s Lucius will enter the world of gladiatorial combat, promising blood, brawls, and beastly encounters set against the story of vengeance. Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 will therefore witness Lucius facing off against Pedro Pascal’s Roman General, Marcus Acacius. Meanwhile, considering the gritty take on the film, Mescal informed audiences via Empire magazine, on what to expect from it.
I had always had a kind of latent ambition to do something that was more muscular and physical. From a selfish side of things, I wanted to surprise an audience, because I knew that I have this kind of role within me. When this came up, I was like, ‘This is something that I don’t think anybody who’s seen the work that I’ve done previously will be expecting,’ and it’s Ridley Scott.
We made an attempt to not feel slick… You’re feeling like their bodies are slowing down as they’re fighting. It’s not like ting-ting-ting! It’s more brutal. You’re feeling the fatigue… It’s full-bore, brutal action.
Considering Paul Mescal‘s comments we can safely assume that Gladiator 2 will be a bloodbath. But more than anything, what we picked up from the depths of his words is Ridley Scott’s attempt at a distinct cinematic style that’s often seen in Zack Snyder’s films – slow-motion sequences. Designed to heighten the drama of pivotal moments, as the slow-motion style has long been Snyder’s staple, it seems even Scott is probably leaning towards it.
Ridley Scott Following Zack Snyder’s Footsteps Could Impact Fan Reception
When a slow-motion style is used effectively, it can intensify action scenes, allowing audiences to savor every detail of a character’s struggle or triumph. Therefore, Paul Mescal’s comment seems to suggest that Ridley Scott might be using it as a deliberate stylistic choice to emphasize the physicality and gravity of combat in Gladiator 2. But while slow-motion shots could enhance the epic feel, it could also end up being a risky move.
Considering how Zack Snyder’s reliance on heavy use of slow motion has been criticized for turning a moment of tension into a prolonged spectacle deviating from the story, Ridley Scott’s decision to follow in his footsteps could end up being a risky gamble. In Snyder’s films like 300, slow-motion sequences were employed to create a visually striking effect. However, critics argue that the visual flair overshadowed the plot’s coherence and emotional depth.
Therefore, if Ridley Scott opts to integrate slow-motion sequences as heavily as Zack Snyder does, Gladiator 2 might face similar issues. Considering how Scott previously balanced raw intensity with strategic pauses in Gladiator, the filmmaker should be able to create a similar rhythm that kept the audience on edge. But in case he fails, it might result in a massive flop.
Moreover, considering how the trailer for Gladiator 2 has already sparked some skepticism, particularly regarding the film’s score, Ridley Scott’s possible reliance on Zack Snyder-esque slow-motion style might gravely affect the film’s reception. The use of slow-motion sequences, as hinted by Paul Mescal, might further fuel concerns, especially if they come across as a stylistic gimmick rather than a meaningful enhancement of the narrative in Gladiator 2.
Gladiator 2 is set to release internationally on November 15 and will hit US theaters on November 22.
