Maximus!
Maximus!
Maximus!
Maximus!
Maximus!
Maximus!
Maximus!
Maximus!
Are you not entertained?
Maximus!
There was a time when Hollywood made movies
as big as the Roman Empire.
I am Spartacus!
Monumental in scope, the types of films that
would swallow an entire afternoon.
The era of the Hollywood period epic was indeed
out of style for about 40 years.
This was the time that came before the birth
of the modern blockbuster, and the imminent
age of Spielberg, the blazing skyscrapers
and sunken ships that ruled movie theaters
from the 70’s to the early 2000’s.
The “sword and sandal” genre disappeared
to favour the sci-fi and visual effects revolution
of modern cinema.
Strength and honor!
It was until the start of the new millenium
that Ridley Scott’s Gladiator made one hell
of a comeback in the genre.
It succeeded in touching on all the themes
and scope of the period epic, while using
modern filmmaking techniques to create utter
impact in audiences, with great performances
and grand ambition.
What follows is an exploration of Gladiator,
its themes and characters; as well as its
influence on the film industry in the 21st
century.
Before the opening battle scene, Maximus grabs
some dirt and rubs it in his hands.
This is something he repeatedly does throughout
the film, which makes it clear that he’s
not afraid to get his hands dirty (literally
and symbolically), as well as reminding him
of the peaceful life he led as a farmer.
Russell Crowe seems like a throwback to the
movie stars of the past, like Kirk Douglas
in Spartacus, athletic without looking like
a bodybuilder.
The opening of the film shows us his fearlessness
to ride straight into a battle, leading his
own army.
Hold the line!
This dirty, visceral scene sets the tone for
the entire film.
The hordes of extras crashing against each
other reminds us of Hollywood’s old days.
The amazing use of steadicam and stroboscopic
editing places the viewer in the middle of
the action.
Things look very dark here, the scene is lit
this way to symbolize how the Romans thought
of the world outside the Empire: “I’ve
seen much of the rest of the world.
It is brutal and cruel and dark.
Rome is the light.”
But of course, the lighting here also sets
the tone for the tragic unfolding of events
in the movie.
Have I missed it?
Have I missed the battle?
Shortly after we’re introduced to Commodus,
the son of Marcus Aurelius and perhaps one
of the most hated villains in film history.
And even though he definitely is a total prick,
what isn’t usually addressed is how his
character is kind of understandable.
Meaning the guy was getting ready to be emperor
for his entire life and suddenly he’s told
the job will be given to Maximus.
The lack of love from his father ultimately
and maybe inevitably created a monster.
He’s going to announce it.
You will not be emperor.
My powers will pass to Maximus.
Am I not merciful?!
After the cruel unfolding of events that set
the main plot in motion, the main theme of
the film is revealed: Revenge.
Once he arrives in Rome, Maximus’ entire
meaning of life revolves around revenge.
He decides to continue to fight as a Gladiator
until he can get to Commodus, who is directly
responsible for the death of his family and
mentor.
This is the most obvious representation of
the desire for vengeance in Gladiator.
“I have only one more life to take.
Then it is done.”
Maximus doesn’t enjoy killing in the arena,
but every man that dies by his sword gets
him one step closer to killing Commodus.
Maximus isn’t the only character bent on
revenge, though.
It may seem that Commodus’ sole motivation
is found in politics, but the reality is he
shares some of the same motivation that drives
Maximus.
Commodus kills his father because of his decision
to make Rome a republic, refusing to make
him emperor and continuously tries to kill
Maximus.
In him he sees what he never had: the love
of his father and of the people.
“Today I saw a slave become more powerful
than the emperor of Rome.”
Another major theme in Gladiator is the power
even a slave can have when he has the support
of the crowd.
I am a slave!
What possible difference can I make?
Commodus desperately wants to kill Maximus,
but can’t because he’s loved by the crowd.
It takes a while for Maximus to realize that
even he can wield this much power.
The power of the people.
What Marcus Aurelius sees in him is the realization
that the best politicians are the people who
don’t want to be politicians.
There’s also an irony about Rome in the
film.
Even though it’s technically the most civilized
of cities, in a way, it’s also uncivil,
even compared to the wastelands of Africa.
The most brutal combats take place here, in
the Coliseum and despite the alleged “peace”
that was to be achieved if the Romans won
the opening battle, the city is divided.
There is a cold war raging between Commodus
and the Senators, the people hate the new
Emperor and his sister struggles with his
incestous tendencies.
Death rules over all in Ancient Rome.
Maximus killed countless soldiers as a general
and kills even more as a gladiator; and Commodus
has whomever he pleases killed.
It’s a time when death is seen as the main
source of entertainment.
Are you not entertained?
But it may be that what’s more important
than the immense body count, are the reflections
Maximus has about death.
“What we do in life, echoes in eternity.”
He has a deep connection to the afterlife,
reflected in the opening and final scenes
where he runs the wheat across his hand.
At no point does he seem afraid of death,
because he knows that as long as we are remembered,
we will never really die.
“I knew a man who once said, “Death smiles
at us all.”
All a man can do is smile back.”.
Maximus’ death is tragic, but it also proves
to be heroic and meaningful.
Oddly, Commodus’ death is also meaningful,
as we are left to believe that it saved Rome,
even if it wasn’t heroic at all.
“My name is gladiator.”
The film isn’t the story about Maximus Decimus
Meridius.
It’s the story about a man’s struggle
against decadence in his society, a man driven
not by power, but by revenge and loyalty.
Shadows and dust, Maximus!
It may be the number one reason for Hollywood’s
attempt at the revival of historical epics,
as even Ridley Scott has attempted to recreate
the same feeling several times in the past
few years.
But as each one of those attempts failed to
live up to expectations, with each poster
and every one of those movies, we are reminded
of the glory of Gladiator.
They honor you, Caesar.
They honor you, Maximus.
They honor you.
There is one more duty that I ask of you before
you go home.
What would you have me do Caesar?
I want you to become the protector of Rome
after I die.
Our great father is dead.
Your emperor asked for your loyalty, Maximus.
Ride until dawn, and then execute him.
Promise me that you’ll look after my family.
Your family will meet you in the afterlife.
I did not pay good money for you for your
company!
I paid it so that I could profit from your
death.
Who is he?
They call him “The Spaniard”, sire.
The emperor has asked for you.
My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander
of the Armies of the North.
Father to a murdered son.
Husband to a murdered wife.
And I will have my vengeance.
The general who became a slave.
The slave who became a gladiator.
The gladiator who defied an emperor.
The time for honoring yourself will soon be
at an end.
Now we are free.
I will see you again,
but not yet…
Not yet...
Hey guys, thank you very much for watching
this video til the end.
For three weeks we have been talking about
our favorite films of the early 2000s.
What is your favorite early 2000s film?
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We'll see you next week.
