Gladiator: Deconstruction of Scene.

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Gladiator: Deconstruction of Scene.

The scene I have chosen is very dramatic, and one of mixed emotions. The basic denotation of this scene is simple: it involves a gladiator (once commander) called Maximus, who’s up against a stronger and meaner gladiator, they battle it out, and eventually Maximus wins. It is a very memorable action/adventure scene.

One of the most effective features of this scene is the mise-en-scene. The events depicted take place within constructed setting (coliseum, Rome). One of the most noticeable factors of the mise-en-scene used is the intensive quality of the light, very cleverly used by the director to create highlights and shadows. The intensive light therefore emphasises the dramatic setting and is used to highlight the key features of the set, and adds a naturalistic feel. This element of intensive light in the mise-en-scene also enables the audience to get a better sense of appearance, gestures, and facial expressions, thus become more involved. So by manipulating the light in the mise-en-scene the moving image achieves a great variety of effects and communicates more information to the audience.

The effects used in the mise-en-scene also help to increase the intensity and strength of the cinematography, camera shots and angels etc. At the very beginning of the scene and establishing shot is used, and is shot at a long take. The establishing shot is used when Maximus (Hero) first walks out into the arena full of waiting spectators, the establishing shot is used here as a continuous recording to emphasise the dramatic scene, and to show the vivid and remarkable nature of the set (Historical coliseum, usually people would have only seen pictures), and also to establish the situation. It is shot as a long take to let the audience gather there thoughts and make assumptions of what might happen next. Audience positioning is also used, (a shot from within the spectators in the coliseum), this is done to put the audience in the hot seat, and make them feel the occasion from the view of the spectators.

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A close up shot is also used, at the start of the duel between Maximus and the other gladiator, in this shot the gladiator opens his helmet. A close up shot is used here to emphasise the gigantic scare on the gladiators face and therefore give him a more intimidating feel. Another noticeable thing is, how nearly all the shots of the fighting are shot as close up shots, apart from a few. This has been done to add greater tension to the fighting as the facial expressions and actions become more visible as the fight progresses, this use ...

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