Explain the opening sequence of Gladiator.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Gladiator coursework

In this essay, I will explain the opening sequence of Gladiator in detail. I will describe the effects it has on the audience, and look at the way it makes them feel and the way in which events are portrayed. I will look at in depth: The themes and atmosphere, the camera techniques and how audience emotions are manipulated. At the end, I will include a conclusion giving my opinion of how the sequences used are effective for the audience.

The opening sequence to Gladiator has numerous purposes. It has to inform the audience of many things, in such a short period of time. The place and time (Germania, 180AD) needs to be established so that the scene can be set quickly. The main character (Maximus,) has to be identified, so that the audience knows which side they are on before the battle starts. It is important that the audience can relate to a certain character from the beginning, so that they can really begin to experience events with the character and show emotions for them. Narrative is used at the beginning to explain important details that can help the audience to understand certain proceedings