In a fascinating revelation, Gladiator II star Paul Mescal disclosed that camera operators adopted the attire of Roman soldiers, highlighting director Ridley Scott’s unique filming approach. This sequel, arriving 24 years after the classic Gladiator, follows the journey of Mescal’s character, Lucius, as he rises to fame within the Colosseum. Early reviews for Gladiator II have been largely favorable, particularly praising the film’s engrossing action sequences and its grand scope. Scott has reportedly employed a multitude of cameras to create this cinematic experience.
During The Hollywood Reporter’s Actor Roundtable, Mescal elaborated on Scott’s filming techniques, sharing insights into the extensive use of cameras throughout the project. For more intimate moments, the director might utilize five or six cameras; however, during the larger battleground sequences, Mescal noted the presence of up to a dozen cameras. This high volume required innovative planning, including having camera operators disguised in costumes to seamlessly integrate into the scenes. Below are Mescal’s observations:
In the scenes in the cell, he would get as many cameras in there as possible — maybe he’d get to five, trying to cram a sixth in the door. Whereas when you’re shooting the battle scenes, it’s 12 […] Twelve cameras, easy. Camera operators dressed up in costume like Roman soldiers […] So you save time with the amount of takes that you’re going to do because the coverage is there. But you also gain a sense of freedom because continuity goes out the window.
The Implications of Scott’s Filming Technique for His Career
Criticism from a Collaborator on Camera Techniques
At 87 years old, Scott remains a prolific figure in cinema, with recent works like The Last Duel and House of Gucci released in 2021 and his latest, Napoleon, premiering in 2023. His method of deploying numerous cameras during action scenes allows for the swift production of ambitious and complex films.
However, recent criticisms from Gladiator 2’s cinematographer, John Mathieson, shed light on potential drawbacks of this approach. Mathieson described Scott’s use of multiple cameras as “really lazy”and characterized the director as “quite impatient,”citing that this rush may detract from the filmmaking process. He also raised concerns about Scott’s reliance on CGI, which not only was used to enhance the film’s Roman backdrop and introduce creatures like rhinos and baboons but also to eliminate any visible cameras and crew present in the shots.
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Rotten Tomatoes Scores for the Gladiator Franchise |
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Title |
Critics’ Score |
Audience Score |
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Gladiator |
80% |
87% |
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Gladiator 2 |
71% |
82% |
Evaluating Scott’s Filming Technique in Gladiator 2
Prospects for Enhancement in Gladiator 3
The reactions to Gladiator 2 have been mixed, especially when juxtaposed with the original film that featured Russell Crowe. While Scott’s filming techniques are innovative, they may not be the primary issue with the sequel. The narrative shortcomings likely stem from a script that lacks the emotional depth and engagement seen in Maximus’ journey. As discussions of a potential Gladiator 3 surface, the continuation of Scott’s filming style is anticipated, but hopefully, Lucius’ narrative will evolve into a more compelling experience.
Source: THR