Why Gladiator Triumphs over Gladiator 2 and what that teaches us about Art
- Image taken from my Sketchbook
"What we do in life echoes in eternity."
- Gladiator
I remember watching the first Gladiator back in the day when I was barely able to tell a coherent story and being deeply captivated by it. I’d often watch it until near the end, but for some reason, my family would always stop midway through. I think that only made me more intrigued. It felt like a movie full of meaning. Every scene vivid and alive, as though the creators (as with so many movies of that time) poured their souls into it.
Later, when I was finally able to watch it in its entirety, it all clicked. After all, it’s a movie about: values; honor, loss, redemption; and every choice in its composition reflects those exact emotions.
Gladiator 2
And then came Gladiator 2. It's big, bold, and ambitious, but something is missing.
The pacing feels rushed. The characters come across as hollow. There’s this constant sense of over-perfection. It’s almost as though the polished look has stripped away the grit and heart that made the original shine.
The Pursuit of Technical Perfection in Drawing
(...)The best art; like the best stories; isn't perfect. It's meaningful. It connects to the audience.
The same happens in drawing when the pursuit of technical perfection blinds us to the why. We rush through strokes, focusing on flawless execution, and in doing so, forget to leave room for heart and inspiration. But the best art; like the best stories; isn’t perfect. It’s meaningful. It connects.
Gladiator 1
Gladiator 1 reminds us that values and intention are the foundation of any masterpiece. If you’re struggling with your art, perhaps it’s time to ask yourself: What am trying to convey? What values do I want my work to carry?
"How can I achieve that?" you might ask.
"Focus on the story behind the lines. And most importantly, don't let perfection override purpose."
Focus on the story behind the lines. And most importantly, don’t let perfection override purpose.
Whether you’re sketching, painting, or crafting a design, let your heart lead the way. Because art, like storytelling, isn’t just about what you see—it’s about what you feel.
So I end this post by asking you: What's the purpose behind your drawings?
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