The Duncan & Coe History Show: Gladiator II Episode Summary

Release Date: December 5, 2024

In this episode of The Duncan & Coe History Show, hosts Mike Duncan and Alexis Ko delve into the much-anticipated release of Gladiator II, exploring its historical authenticity, narrative structure, character development, and overall cinematic execution. Their conversation offers a comprehensive critique, blending scholarly insight with cinematic analysis.

1. Initial Impressions and Trailer Reaction (00:00 - 03:34)

The episode opens with Mike Duncan expressing his enthusiasm for discussing Gladiator II, despite Alexis Ko’s initial reluctance. Alexis admits her skepticism about the sequel, fearing it might demand another viewing experience akin to the original film. However, after viewing the trailer, both hosts’ perspectives shift.

Key Moments:

• Alexis Ko (00:04): Shares her tentative stance on watching the sequel.
• Mike Duncan (00:40): Notes the impactful casting revealed in the trailer.
• Alexis Ko (01:03): Questions the necessity of universal viewership for the film.

2. Ridley Scott’s Approach to Historical Epics (03:34 - 06:02)

Mike and Alexis critique Ridley Scott's track record with historical films, highlighting his tendency to prioritize narrative spectacle over factual accuracy. Mike references Scott's previous work, including Napoleon, which he severely criticized for its historical liberties.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Duncan (05:18): "Get a life. So rude." – Referring to Ridley Scott’s dismissive response to historical criticisms.
• Mike Duncan (06:02): Emphasizes that audiences can enjoy historically inaccurate films if they’re well-executed.

3. Historical Inaccuracies and Anachronisms in Gladiator II (06:02 - 19:19)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the myriad historical inaccuracies present in Gladiator II. Mike meticulously deconstructs timeline inconsistencies, incorrect character portrayals, and cultural misrepresentations. He underscores the film's portrayal of emperors Caracalla and Geta, noting discrepancies in their historical timelines and personalities.

Key Points:

• The film inaccurately dates events to 200 A.D., conflicting with the actual reigns of Caracalla and Geta starting in 211 A.D..
• Alexis Ko (17:30): Highlights the omission of influential women from the Severan dynasty, such as Julia Domna and Julia Misa, which Mike concurs undermines historical depth.
• Mike Duncan (15:40): Cites Roman military historian Brett Devereaux's critique of the film's anachronistic military gear.

4. Character Portrayals and Thematic Misrepresentations (19:19 - 29:04)

The hosts delve deeper into character development, focusing on the depiction of Caracalla and Geta. Mike criticizes the portrayal of these emperors as effeminate and morally corrupt, arguing it contradicts historical records of their militaristic and authoritative nature.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Duncan (24:31): "Nothing about Macronus aligns with the historical Macronus that we know."
• Alexis Ko (28:58): Expresses offense at the film’s disrespectful representation of historical figures.

Mike also addresses Ridley Scott's thematic intent to present Rome as a bastion of freedom and liberty, contrasting it with the empire's historical reality of conquest and oppression.

5. The Role of Women in Roman History (22:24 - 29:04)

Highlighting a significant omission, Mike discusses the silent presence of powerful women from the Severan dynasty in the film. He emphasizes their historical influence, which Gladiator II entirely disregards, thereby flattening the narrative and diminishing historical authenticity.

Key Insights:

• The Severan dynasty was notable for the political power wielded by women like Julia Domna and Julia Misa.
• Their absence in the film represents a missed opportunity to portray the nuanced dynamics of Roman imperial politics.

6. Denzel Washington’s Performance (29:04 - 36:35)

Shifting focus, the conversation turns to Denzel Washington’s role as Macronus. While acknowledging the film’s historical shortcomings, Mike praises Washington’s performance, describing it as the standout element of the movie.

Notable Quotes:

• Alexis Ko (32:46): Questions Washington's depiction, particularly his New York accent in a Roman setting.
• Mike Duncan (33:07): "He's got gravitas, for sure." – Commending Washington’s authoritative presence.
• Mike Duncan (36:13): "He was far and away the best part of the movie." – Affirming Washington’s contribution despite the flawed script.

Mike notes that Washington brings depth and entertainment, effectively elevating the film’s overall quality.

7. Comparisons to Other Historical Films (36:35 - 39:52)

The hosts draw parallels between Gladiator II and other historical productions like Napoleon, Spartacus, and HBO’s Rome. They contrast the varying degrees of historical fidelity and narrative execution, ultimately positioning Gladiator II as lacking in both areas compared to its peers.

Key Points:

• Mike Duncan (38:25): "Spartacus is ridiculous. Insanely ridiculous." – Acknowledges the over-the-top nature of similar historical epics.
• Preference for HBO’s Rome over Spartacus for its more tasteful and serious approach.

8. Final Verdict and Recommendations (39:52 - End)

Concluding the episode, Mike delivers a clear recommendation against viewing Gladiator II for those seeking historical accuracy or cultural significance. However, he concedes that the film might still offer visual spectacle and entertainment value, particularly on larger screens.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Duncan (36:54): "You do not need to see this movie at all."
• Alexis Ko (40:45): Decides to watch the film to support the actors and their craft, despite reservations.

The episode wraps up with a consensus that while Gladiator II fails to meet historical and narrative expectations, it may still serve as an entertaining spectacle for fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Mike Duncan and Alexis Ko provide a thorough examination of Gladiator II, blending critical analysis with appreciations of individual performances. Their discussion underscores the importance of historical fidelity in media and the challenges filmmakers face in balancing entertainment with accuracy. For listeners interested in the intersection of history and film, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of historical storytelling in cinema.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Alexis Ko (00:04): "At first I was reticent because I thought that I would have to go see it."
• Mike Duncan (05:18): "Get a life. So rude."
• Mike Duncan (24:31): "Nothing about Macronus aligns with the historical Macronus that we know."
• Alexis Ko (28:58): "You have to be true. You have to cue closely to who they were. So that seems really offensive to me."
• Mike Duncan (36:54): "You do not need to see this movie at all."
• Alexis Ko (40:45): "All right, I will go see it. Maybe."

Hosts:

• Mike Duncan: Bestselling author known for The History of Rome and Revolutions.
• Alexis Ko: Presidential historian and senior fellow with a focus on historical accuracy in media.

This summary encapsulates the critical discourse between Mike and Alexis, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of their perspectives on Gladiator II without needing to access the original podcast episode.