Gladiator Essay
Chloe Grierson Higher English Essay – Film Analysis – “Gladiator”
“The general who became a slave, the slave. The slave who became a gladiator. And the gladiator who defied an empire.” – Theory of Maximus
Gladiator, a Ridley Scott production is a five academy award winning film. It is a epic tale about Maximus, the films main protagonist and his life in 180 AD when the roman army was “at the height of its power”. The film opens on the roman army at their last battle in Germania for the “final fight for peace throughout the land”. Maximus is a general and leads his men to the battle against the barbarians. Maximus is played by Russell Crowe and is greatly honoured by the emperor Marcus Arrellus. Cesar (Marcus Arrellus) later tells Maximus in the early moments of the film that he will be the new Cesar come his death, as opposed to his son Commendus. Commendus’s fury over finding out his decision results in him taking the life of his father and the worlds Cesar. Since Cesar never announced his wishes for Maximus to take his place, Commendus is pronounced Cesar. Maximus realises what has happened and refuses Commendus’s hand which he “only offers once”. Maximus and Commendus now share a friction throughout the film that effects Commendus’s position as Cesar, Maximus’s well-being, Maximus’s family and the fate of the Roman Empire.
The film, Gladiator, is set in 180 AD. The films main protagonist is Maximus, a farmer from Spain turned General. In the opening moments of the film we see and hear many different things that give us an understanding of the film, helps set the overall mood and atmosphere of the film and gives us an indication about our main character Maximus. The opening music is the film, composed by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerard, sets the tone by using a certain drone and eerie brass instrument to indicate that it is set a long time ago. The minor notes also give a good indication that the film may be about sadness’s and war. The acoustic guitar also...
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