Maximus had another normal life apart from being the General of the Roman army. He also was a farmer who had a wife and his son of whom he dearly missed. He was expected to go back to his humble life in three weeks as this was indicated when he said, ‘three weeks time I will be harvesting my crops.’ As a general of his rank I couldn’t blame him as the life style he currently leads wouldn’t be prefer by many when leaving your loved ones at home. Despite this he is still fighting for his emperor Marcus Arilius who he deeply respects.
Maximus gives a feeling of great importance in what he is wearing and the speech he gives to his soldiers before they go into battle. The camera is on him for a majority of the time so this is also an indication of his importance. He tells them where he will be in three weeks time which gives the soldiers a sign of victory. He then makes light of the situation by making some jokes which stimulates their desire to win even more. With this importance comes respect which is portrayed by his soldiers when he walks along a narrow path between the two types of soldiers. Almost all of them nod to his presence and being the important figure nods back politely. The importance of his presence is also made known by his stride and posture which is strong and power full. One of the most significant camera shot is when it shows the first conflict between the Romans and the Barbarians.
The yellow colour does also appear in the battle scene but only in the fire. It would be wrong to say that this colour also represents tranquillity but something quiet different in this context. This colour represents rage and anger quiet similar to the movement of the fire where this colour is found. This colour illuminates the battle which makes it more effective. This could also be seen as something an influential wave that is spread over the Romans and the Barbarians as the fire is both violent and vicious.
The second scene is set in a cold area in a forest where the Romans are going to fight the barbarians which is set in Germanic. When the battle starts we see Maximus fighting with great skill. The motion slows down to the temp of the music. Almost every movement has a purpose. But we do see that he is sill in control of what he is doing and he is not reckless when he turns around to someone who is behind him but then realises that it is one of his own soldiers.
The music is being used to a point where it almost is in rhythm to the speed of the battle. I think that the speed of the battle was adjusted to fit perfectly with the music. Near the end of the battle there is a clear change tempo as it slows down and portrays Maximus as the victorious one but at a price of those who have given their life for their loyalty. We see many dead bodies soaked with blood on the floor of both the Barbarians and the Romans. The camera shots are really used to the directors advantage as he knew this would be an effective way of showing the audience what Maximus is thinking about instead of talking about it. For example when he starts to think about his home there are different camera shots used compared to when he is in the battle field. When the camera does return to reality (as I said before) it shows Maximuses face. This then changes into the illustration of the roman army and the background. I think that this could have gone on for a bit longer to show more of the army and its numbers and the background could have been given more attention to really give the audience a clear idea of the surroundings.
The audience are not aware of Maximuses private life except that he was a farmer who misses his family. Another character who is introduced into the first scene is Quintus, who is second in command of the Roman army. From what I have gathered his actions I have noticed that he wants to be aware of the issues around him for example he questions Maximuses actions which gives the indication of being inquisitive. To some extent he doesn’t show respect to Maximus as he speaks to him toe to toe and looks at him straight in the eyes. His role in the roman army is considered to be vital once aware of the roles he undertakes. His role includes making sure that the Roman army is organised and is fit and ready for battle. From his first impressions I see him as a strong character that like Maximus is certain that victory is easily in their grasp.
When talking to Quintus he says, ‘danger is acceptable, agreed.’ What he said was both a rhetorical question and a fact. He wanted Quintus to understand that what ever happens there is always going to a level of danger involved. Its is basic instinct if there is danger involved in any area of life the logical step would be to deal with it and this is a point that he is putting across to Quintus. Quintus also
In the opening scene there isn’t too much information as it is only an introduction except for the speeches that were given my Maximus. These speeches lead the audience to comprehend aspects of is personality and how he is dedicated and a role model to his fellow soldiers.
Maximus is fighting for Marcus Arilius who give the impression of Maximus as his own flesh and blood. He entrusts Maximus with the status of emperor when he dies because he feels that he trust him enough and believes that he can take Rome to success. His son Commenus reaction to this is disgusting as he kills his own father because he wanted to be the emperor of Rome. Commenus enlightened with this information wanted to dispose of Maximus by selling him as a slave confident that he wouldn’t bother him again. He sends a fleet of soldiers to kill both his wife and son hoping to break his spirit but this only fuels the desire for vengeance. Maximus realises that his only way to do this is to become a gladiator and win the favour of the Roman people.
Maximus once sold it then bought is then trained to become a gladiator which then proves to become an advantage. Maximus then obtains the name, ‘the Spaniard of the crowd.’ When fighting in the famous coliseum of Rome he shows his talent and makes short work out of is opposition. Commenus has noticed his victories and wishes to see the gladiator who has won the heart of Rome. Maximus refuses to take his helmet off as this is the only thing that conceals his identity but then if ordered to take his helmet as this is taken as discourteous. He was then forced to take of his helmet and this action is then followed by verbalizing, ‘my name is Maximus Aridius Desemus the sworn leader of the armies of the north and the loyal servant of the true emperor of Rome.’
‘I’m the husband of a dying wife and the father of a murdered son. I vow to take my revenge on the behalf of Marcus Arilius and my family on you.’ Sure enough Commodus takes this to surprise and is forced to keep him alive as the people of Rome favour him and if he did kill him then this would make him terribly unpopular among Rome.
Maximus succeeds in taking his revenge upon Commenus but with a complication. Die with honour or live with pride. Throughout this film I had regarded my saying as to be quiet appropriate to Maximuses situation. Before Maximus is expected to fight Commenus he is confronted by Commenus and then stabbed with a dagger laced with poison to hinder his performance and try and make defeat inevitable. Though Maximus is injured physically he continues to fight with his heart. When fighting Commenus Maximus found it very difficult because of his recent injury but despite this wins the match with the cost of his life.
