I came here to list a few disappointing movies, but now I'm all caught up in the conversations about
The Thin Red Line and
Gladiator.
Rufnek, should every film you watch make total and perfect logical, historical sense? Where's the joy in that?
Gladiator, imo, is that kind of film that would have been disappointing if what I saw was what I expected to see.... instead of an action-packed revenge sword and sandal epic, Scott executed a rather spiritual journey of a tragic hero's journey "home." The film is anchored by what I believe is a perfect performance by Crowe as the sacrificial hero -- he is all loyalty and never wavers from it. When given a chance to live (all he had to do was shake Commodous' hand), he could not bring himself to betray a man he loved. And Scott bookmarks the film beautifully with Maximus' spirit in heaven. It's all about how we live and the choices we make --
"What we do in life echoes in eternity." Great line; summarizes the story.
I actually find it frustrating when people think that film is disappointing, because it wasn't at all what I expected when I went to see it. I had seen my share of sword and sandal epics and this was markedly different. I absolutely love it. And Crowe is simply amazing to watch.
I think
The Thin Red Line is a beautiful, poetic film about the nature of war and is a debate about whether man finds war natural or unnatural. A better discussion on war I don't think has ever been done.
Just my opinion, of course...
My most disappointing movie is Pirates 3. That doesn't mean I don't watch it or enjoy it. (I just watched it again!) I understand it more with multiple viewings, but what gets me is how great it could have been. I really wish the last two films hadn't been so convoluted. The story of Sparrow and what happened with Beckett in the past would have made for an interesting film, I think. Or something along the lines of the East India Trading Company or the British going after Sparrow.
Oh, and the ending of
No Country for Old Men is what made it great.