Russell Crowe as Maximus: 7 Quotes About Iconic Role

In 2000, Russell Crowe took on what is now the iconic role of Maximus in "Gladiator." Out of all of Crowe's roles, this was the one that earned him a Best Actor Oscar.

Here are 10 quotes about Crowe's iconic role.

1. "In Russell Crowe, Scott has found an actor who can carry this movie the way Atlas was supposed to carry the globe of the world on his back — in Crowe's case without stooping."
– Alexander Walker, London Evening Standard

2. ”Throughout it all, Crowe maintains a tough, slot-mouthed reticence; he is very persuasive as the superman of the Coliseum."
– Peter Bradshaw, the Guardian

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3. "Russell Crowe does not prevent the fall of the Roman empire in "Gladiator," but that's only because no one asked him to. What he does manage to do is pretty darned epic. Crowe doesn't use tricks in this role to court our approval. He earns it the old-fashioned way, by daring to be quiet, if not silent, and intensely, implacably strong."
– Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal

4. "The journey of Maximus, from triumph on the battlefield through despair and degradation in slavery and then to a final epiphany in the Coliseum is an exciting one – and Russell Crowe plays the character with considerable toughness and authority."
David Stratton, "At the Movies"

5. "Crowe is perfect for the role, creating a character that will quickly gain your sympathies." Bob Grimm, Reno News and Review

6. "The movie is dominated by Russell Crowe's towering Maximus, a man of intelligence, probity, and Roman virtue. He's the most virile presence in a film of this kind since Richard Burton commanded the widescreen in "The Robe," in 1953. Following on from 'L.A. Confidential' and 'The Insider,' Crowe confirms his position as one of the best star character actors around."
"Gladiator" director Ridley Scott, to The Observer

7. "[Crowe's] commanding performance not only towers over Ridley Scott's epic adventure, but elevates it to a higher plane."
– Michael Dequina, Film Threat

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