Wednesday, April 25, 2012

COMMODUS at the movies

Alan Steel probably played the best Commodus on screen in THE REBEL GLADIATORS. He looked the most like the infamous Emperor who was reputed to be in excellent physical condition, like Steel.

Christopher Plummer probably played the most literate version of Commodus in THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.

Mimmo Palmara as Commodus in TWO GLADIATORS

Enzo Tarascio was Commodus in SWORD OF THE EMPIRE; like FALL OF ROMAN EMPIRE, this film "influenced" GLADIATOR (2000).

Joaquin Phoenix in GLADIATOR (2000). Joaquin was nominated for best supporting actor for his interpretation of Commodus. As good as it was Joaquin is probably the farthest removed from the real thing. 


2 comments:

  1. S.R.OrsulakApril 27, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    I was away for a couple of days, would like to comment on the different portrayals of Commodus. My opinion is that each actor does a good job at portraying this nut case. Plummer- the psycho part,Joaquin- the insecurity part, Steel- the warrior part, M.P.- was quite good at the sadistic part. All were this emperor's traits and he might be considered in the top 3 of bad leaders right behind Nero & Caligula.

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  2. PEPLUM cinemaApril 28, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    SR, excellent points!

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