A textual analysis of the opening sequence of 'Gladiator', making specific reference to the effects of the audience

Before any filming or acting is shown, there are blocks of writing. It shows historical evidence that some research has been done. It also explains important facts about the battle and puts things into context. The writing is in short blocks to make the audience read it. If it was just one continual piece of writing, then many people wouldn't bother.

One of the first shots is a close up of Maximus' hand. It has a ring on it, which means he is married. In the background there are children laughing, which could show that he is also a family man. The woodwind instruments create a calming atmosphere that match the autumn colours used in the shot. When the shot changes severely to cold and dark colours, it proves that he was only dreaming of his family before going to battle.

We then cut to a close up of the hero that shows his face and emotions. The close up is needed so that the detail can be seen clearly, especially in his eyes. His eyes show warmth, which demonstrate to the audience that he isn't just a 2-D picture on the screen, but a deep character with feelings. It reveals that he isn't barbaric and that he is only doing his job, which balances his character. The close up then moves to a medium close up to show Maximus' shoulders as well. He seems manly because of his broad shoulders and armour. This is evidence of him being superior to everyone else. This is a clever illusion, because Russell Crowe isn't very big or tall.

The scene of Maximus and the robin is used to indicate that there is hope of survival, because the dark colours are brightened up by the robin. A robin is territorial which again can illustrate that Maximus is superior. Also, a robin symbolises death in the family and at the end of the film, Maximus' family are killed. This could mean that it is used as some sort of warning for the audience.

For the next couple of shots, I will focus on camera techniques and why they are used. It will include how the camera moves and how the shots are composed. The first shot is a close up of Maximus, but then it quickly changes to a long shot. It shows what he is responsible for and also that he is powerful and respected. The long shot also establishes what is going on. It gives the impression of what the atmosphere is like straight away. It sets the scene of being cold and muddy. It also has a caption saying 'Germania' so that the audience knows where the story is taking place. The camera slowly zooms out to a crane shot, gradually revealing a larger view of what is happening. It concentrates on different points, whilst still staying within the same shot. This is so that the audience can have a better understanding of what is going on.

The camera cuts from the close up of Maximus to the shot of the 'front.' This is because it connects Maximus to what is going on and the effects that his power has. It makes the audience realise that he is important and the main character. This is because the film has revolved around what he is doing, involved in and responsible for, instead of someone else.

The camera follows Maximus as he walks past his men, cutting from him to them. The camera moves slowly, but flashes quickly from peoples' faces. This camera technique is called tracking. It shows he is calming, but there is a lot going on around him. Also from the way the men are looking at him, it shows that they respect him. In most of the shots, Maximus is in the centre. This demonstrates to the audience that he is the main character and very important.

For the last few shots, I will concentrate on how the director, Ridley Scott tries to get the audience to feel certain emotions about the situations. It is important that they are able to show various emotions and reactions with Maximus and the other characters throughout the film. The first scene which I will focus on is the arrival of the headless messenger. The audience are supposed to be shocked by this surprisingly awful encounter and experience fear towards the Germans. It also shows that the Germans are not going to give up easily. The audience are supposed to feel hatred towards the Germans, even though they are only protecting their land, and it is the Romans who are conquering them.

The leader of the Germans has no respect for the Romans. He is portrayed as being inferior to the Romans. This is done, by him rolling in the mud and by the audience not being able to understand what he is saying. People watching are expected to prefer Maximus instead of the Barbarian.

The Barbarian Horde is different to the Roman troop in many ways. The Germans are portrayed as being savages and a rabble, whereas the Romans are more civilised and organised. The audience can understand this, because the Romans are well-equipped with weapons to match their uniforms. They also have a hierarchy of different people, whereas the Germans improvise, using axes or clubs and are very dirty. The Romans are also physically more attractive than the Germans who have beards!

One of the main themes in this film is loyalty. This is demonstrated perfectly by the dog's loyalty for Maximus. It shows companionship and is protective towards Maximus. The dog is used, because people show more sympathy towards animals than they do towards people. This is because of the amount of violence that goes on in real life becomes tedious and isn't sympathised with as much. There could also be another reason for the dog. The quote "At my signal...unleash hell" is a line from Julius Caesar. It establishes Maximus with the true house of Caesar, or an ally of Caesar. This is reflected in the film because Maximus is the leader of the Roman army.

I think that the sequence used is effective for the audience because a variety of techniques are used. I think that setting the scene by using blocks of writing is good, because the people who want to know background information can find out. The music is effective, because it can capture the audiences' attention before the film has even started. All of the vital information is explained at the beginning which I think is really important as well. The audience need to know the time, place and characters within the first 10 minutes, otherwise everything can become confusing. I consider the sequence used to be highly effective and a great way to put across information to the audience and to set the scene.

By Emma Holgate