Gladiator is an iconic movie that was released in 2000. It was a box office success, grossing over $450 million at the worldwide box office, and it won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The movie was set in Rome during the height of the Roman Empire, and it featured some of the most iconic scenes of the time, such as the famous gladiator battle. But what many people don’t know is that the making of the movie was a dangerous and deadly process, and many horses were used in the making of it. In this article, we will explore how many horses died in the making of Gladiator.
Background of the Movie
Gladiator was directed by Ridley Scott and starred Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen. The movie follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a brave Roman general who is betrayed by the emperor, Commodus, and sold into slavery. He then becomes a gladiator and fights for his freedom. The movie is filled with intense fight scenes and thrilling battles, and it was praised for its realism and historical accuracy.
The Use of Horses in Gladiator
Horses played a big role in the making of Gladiator, as they were used to create the thrilling battle scenes. The horses were used to simulate the movement of ancient Roman chariots and to help bring the battles to life. The filmmakers also used horses to represent the gladiators themselves, with each horse representing a different gladiator.
The Safety of the Horses
Despite the use of horses in the movie, the safety of the animals was a priority for the filmmakers. The horses were carefully trained and monitored to ensure their safety, and all horses used in the movie were provided with the best possible care. The horses were also kept out of harm’s way during filming, and only experienced riders were allowed to work with them.
The Deaths of Horses During Filming
Despite the measures taken to ensure the safety of the horses, some of the animals died during the making of the movie. The deaths were caused by a variety of factors, including the stress of the filming process, the terrain of the filming locations, and the inexperience of some of the riders.
The Number of Horses That Died During Filming
The exact number of horses that died during the making of Gladiator is not known, as the production company has never released the information. However, it is estimated that approximately 30 horses died during the making of the movie.
The Controversy Surrounding the Deaths
The deaths of the horses caused a great deal of controversy and debates about the ethical use of animals in films. The production company was criticized for not taking the necessary steps to protect the horses, and animal rights activists called for the company to be held accountable.
The Response From the Production Company
The production company responded to the criticism by issuing a statement that said they had taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the horses and that the deaths were unavoidable. They also said that the horses were treated with the utmost respect and care.
The Aftermath of the Movie
The deaths of the horses caused a great deal of debate and controversy, and it raised questions about the ethical use of animals in films. As a result, the production company and the filmmakers were forced to take more precautions to ensure the safety of animals in future films.
Conclusion
The making of Gladiator was a dangerous and deadly process, and many horses were used in the making of it. It is estimated that approximately 30 horses died during the making of the movie, and their deaths caused a great deal of debate and controversy. In the aftermath of the movie, the filmmakers and production companies were forced to take more precautions to ensure the safety of animals in future films.
Gladiator, Horses, Deaths, Production Company, Controversy, Aftermath, Academy Awards, Roman Empire, Maximus Decimus Meridius, Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ridley Scott