We can't keep letting Hollywood get away with this nonsense...

Summary

In this critique of *Gladiator 2*, the speaker explores the portrayal of villains in media, particularly focusing on the 'villain was right' trope. Using examples from *Black Panther*, *Falcon and the Winter Soldier*, and *Ant-Man 2*, the speaker argues that radical characters with justified motives are often framed as villains, especially when challenging corrupt systems. In *Gladiator 2*, Denzel Washington’s character critiques Rome’s corruption and greed, with his radical methods depicted as historically accurate, yet ultimately he is defeated. The video blends a critique of film with broader commentary on race, political action, and media manipulation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'villain was right' trope is a recurring theme in media, where villains often present justified or compelling arguments that challenge the status quo, making the audience question the hero's motivations.
• 😀 The script discusses how the villain in *Gladiator 2* (played by Denzel Washington) was portrayed as someone who wanted to destroy a corrupt Rome, which is historically accurate but framed in a way that left the viewer questioning why he was ultimately defeated.
• 😀 Denzel Washington's character in *Gladiator 2* challenges the traditional 'hero' archetype by advocating for the destruction of the Roman Empire due to its corruption, greed, and immorality.
• 😀 The film's portrayal of Washington's character as a morally complex figure who seeks to tear down Rome mirrors the real-world frustrations with corrupt political structures, making his cause feel relatable despite his radical methods.
• 😀 The script critiques the tendency in Hollywood to have radical movements or characters be vilified in order to maintain the status quo, noting how *Gladiator 2* aligns with this pattern, presenting Denzel's character as both right and wrong.
• 😀 The 'all lives matter' speech in the movie by the hero figure is compared to populist rhetoric, criticizing how it undermines the radical protagonist’s vision for systemic change by pushing a more moderate, feel-good solution.
• 😀 The analysis explores the historical implications of Rome’s downfall, with the character of Denzel’s antagonist accurately recognizing the inevitable collapse of the empire, making his perspective more credible than the hero's.
• 😀 The script mentions the criticism surrounding the casting of Denzel Washington as a Roman figure, noting the racial controversy but also pointing out that the Roman Empire had many Africans and didn’t have the same racial distinctions we do today.
• 😀 The video reflects on how *Gladiator 2* might be seen as a form of 'counterinsurgency propaganda,' where radical ideas are showcased, only to be ultimately quashed by the system being critiqued.
• 😀 The speaker stresses the importance of separating political views from entertainment, arguing that while *Gladiator 2* is politically flawed, it’s still an engaging film that raises important questions about power, revolution, and societal change.

Q & A

What is the 'villain was right' trope discussed in the video?

The 'villain was right' trope refers to a narrative where the supposed villain of a story has legitimate or compelling reasons for their actions, even though they may resort to violence or immoral methods. This trope suggests that the hero may not always be in the right, and sometimes the villain's analysis of a situation is more accurate or morally justified.

How does the 'villain was right' trope apply to 'Gladiator 2'?

In 'Gladiator 2,' the character portrayed by Denzel Washington is seen as the villain, but his motivations—wanting to destroy the corrupt Roman Empire—are presented as historically accurate and morally justified. His goal to tear down a system of greed and corruption is compelling, making him the most sympathetic character in the film despite his ruthless methods.

What does the speaker mean by 'counterinsurgency' in relation to 'Gladiator 2'?

'Counterinsurgency' in this context refers to the idea that the film may be subtly promoting propaganda by portraying the destruction of a character who is challenging a corrupt power structure (Rome). The speaker suggests that by framing Denzel Washington's character as the villain and ultimately defeating him, the film supports the status quo and discourages radical action against oppressive systems.

How does the speaker analyze the portrayal of Killmonger in 'Black Panther'?

The speaker acknowledges that while Killmonger in 'Black Panther' presents a valid critique of global oppression and the need for radical change, his methods are ultimately flawed. The character is used to explore the complexity of black radical thought, showing that it can be both necessary and problematic. The film ultimately undermines Killmonger's stance by framing him as a villain who is defeated, reinforcing the idea that revolutionary action is not the solution.

What is the significance of Denzel Washington’s character in 'Gladiator 2'?

Denzel Washington's character in 'Gladiator 2' is significant because he represents a critique of the Roman Empire's corruption. He is portrayed as someone who was once oppressed and who now seeks to destroy the empire. His speech and motivations align with historical critiques of power structures, but the film ultimately frames him as the antagonist, raising questions about the portrayal of revolutionary figures in mainstream media.

How does the film handle the historical accuracy of Denzel Washington's character?

While Denzel Washington’s character in 'Gladiator 2' is historically inaccurate in terms of race—since the real historical figure was not Black—the film plays on the idea that Rome had a diverse population and did not have a concept of race as we do today. The film's casting choice sparked controversy, but the speaker argues it is more about the narrative's symbolic message than historical accuracy.

What is the speaker’s opinion on how 'Gladiator 2' handles its political themes?

The speaker believes that 'Gladiator 2' handles its political themes poorly by using a character with a valid critique of a corrupt empire and then undermining that character's motivations. The character’s revolutionary intentions are never fully validated, and he is ultimately defeated, which the speaker views as a way of discouraging radical thought and reinforcing the idea that the status quo is preferable.

Why does the speaker mention 'all lives matter' in relation to 'Gladiator 2'?

The speaker compares the film's conclusion to the 'all lives matter' slogan, suggesting that the film's portrayal of the aftermath of Denzel Washington's character’s death is akin to a narrative that dismisses the legitimacy of radical resistance. After the character's defeat, the film’s resolution offers a message of peace and reconciliation, ignoring the systemic issues that the character sought to address.

What role does Denzel Washington's charisma play in the film?

Denzel Washington's charisma plays a central role in making his character's arguments compelling. Despite being the film's antagonist, his performance and persuasive speeches about the destruction of Rome make his ideas resonate with the audience. This charisma adds complexity to his character, blurring the line between hero and villain.

How does the speaker view the historical and political context of the film's setting?

The speaker reflects on the historical context of the Roman Empire, noting that the empire was rife with corruption and power struggles. The film's portrayal of Denzel Washington's character as someone who understands these systemic flaws highlights a deeper political message about the failure of corrupt institutions. However, the film ultimately undermines this critique by portraying his radical response as misguided.