Review of The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) by Mark S — 02 Nov 2012
As with all epics of this time, it retains a certain charm and a sense of depth that you rarely see anymore, as well as in this instance offering much more to the viewer than simply another sword and sandals romp.
This is a film with more about it, and it has an intelligence that makes you have to keep up with it and really engage with the story rather than let it wash over you with various set pieces. It helps when you have a series of actors at the top of their game giving it the gravitas it requires, with Alec Guiness, Sophia Loren and James Mason adding real weight and power to the characters, and Stephen Boyd delivering as he always did in these types of films.
Special mention, however, should go to Christopher Plummer, his deranged and almost child like portrayal of Commodus stole every scene, and provided something a little bit different just when the film needed it.
It is fair to say it won't be to all tastes, as it does at times feel it's length and this is more a drama than it is an adventure, but for those of us already enamoured with 1960s epic cinema, this is not to be forgotten and deserves its place amongst the best of the genre.
This review of The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) was written by Mark S on 02 Nov 2012.
The Fall of the Roman Empire has generally received positive reviews.
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