Russell Crowe on Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in “Gladiator” (2001). Russell is always very complimentary of his co-stars, and I am a fan of his approach. “Gladiator” wouldn't be half of what it became if it wasn't for the performances of the entire cast. From ‘green’ actors like Joaquin to veterans like Oliver Reed and Richard Harris. Everyone was simply fantastic. They started shooting the film with about 20-ish pages of the script. For your reference, movie scripts usually have around 110 pa

Oliver Reed, known for his intense on-screen presence and hard-living lifestyle, died in 1999 while filming Gladiator. Reed portrayed Proximo, a retired gladiator who trains Russell Crowe’s character. While on a break in Malta, Reed visited a local bar and reportedly challenged a group of British sailors to a drinking contest. He consumed 8 pints of beer, 12 shots of rum, half a bottle of whisky, and several shots of cognac before collapsing and dying from a heart attack. His death presented a p