While Ridley Scott’s 2000 historical epic film draws inspiration from Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 non-fiction book Those About to Die, they represent distinct works with unique approaches to the world of gladiatorial combat.
Gladiator is a fictionalized account centered on Maximus Decimus Meridius, a fallen Roman general seeking vengeance. Those About to Die offers a broader historical perspective, detailing the lives and experiences of various gladiators and the societal context of gladiatorial games in ancient Rome.
The film prioritizes emotional impact and character development, taking creative liberties with historical details to create a compelling narrative. Mannix’s book, while offering fictionalized elements, strives for greater historical accuracy, providing a more nuanced portrayal of the gladiatorial world and its participants.
The movie excels in its visual spectacle, showcasing the brutality and grandeur of gladiatorial combat. Mannix’s book delves deeper into the social, economic, and political forces shaping the gladiatorial games, offering a more critical commentary on their place in Roman society.
Gladiator is a movie directed by Ridley Scott in 2000 and inspired by the book Those About to Die by Daniel P. Mannix, first published in 1958. The movie features Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, and others.
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Storyline
In AD 180, Hispano-Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius intends to return to his home after he leads the Roman army to victory against the Germanic tribes near Vindobona on the Limes Germanicus. Emperor Marcus Aurelius tells Maximus that his own son, Commodus, is unfit to rule and that he wishes Maximus to succeed him, as regent, to help save Rome from corruption and restore the Roman Republic.
Movie vs Book
movie vs book
Comparison
While Ridley Scott’s 2000 historical epic film draws inspiration from Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 non-fiction book Those About to Die, they represent distinct works with unique approaches to the world of gladiatorial combat.
Gladiator is a fictionalized account centered on Maximus Decimus Meridius, a fallen Roman general seeking vengeance. Those About to Die offers a broader historical perspective, detailing the lives and experiences of various gladiators and the societal context of gladiatorial games in ancient Rome.
The film prioritizes emotional impact and character development, taking creative liberties with historical details to create a compelling narrative. Mannix’s book, while offering fictionalized elements, strives for greater historical accuracy, providing a more nuanced portrayal of the gladiatorial world and its participants.
The movie excels in its visual spectacle, showcasing the brutality and grandeur of gladiatorial combat. Mannix’s book delves deeper into the social, economic, and political forces shaping the gladiatorial games, offering a more critical commentary on their place in Roman society.
Year
2000
Minutes
155
Movie Rate
8.50
Source: IMDb
Year
1958
Pages
184
Book Rate
7.88
S: Goodreads
Book
Those About to Die
Author: Daniel P. Mannix
Country: USA
First published in: 1958
Length: 184 pages
Genre: Non Fiction
User polls & recommendations
“I'm always really impressed when a movie can function like a novel does - that's so hard to do.”
GIA COPPOLA (Filmmaker)
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