What are the intended effects of the opening of Ridley Scott's Gladiator and how effective are they?

   Before the film has even started the director uses credits such as Universal studio and DreamWorks pictures as a way of introducing the mood and the atmosphere in an eye catching way. Universal Studios has mysterious music and the logo appears slowly with mist swirling amongst it. DreamWorks Pictures continues this music but has more mist and the use of clouds and a dim light. The transition of the writing appears slowly almost in time with the slow music. The colours that are used are very unusual which make the start of the film more effective as they also fit in with the historical time of the narrative. The historical information given to the audience at the start of the film is very useful as it gives background knowledge about the country and setting. It is presented in the same way as the credits in an old font which is eye catching. It also makes the film seem a lot more real as the audience are able to know a lot more about it.

   Throughout the opening of the film the director uses different types of colour and lighting which is one of the key features to create tension. At the start when Maximus is in the cornfield, there are bright lights which are used to help focus on him. A sepia colour is also used when the cornfield scene is shown. The director also does this when Maximus enters the battlefield and speaks to the other men as he walks past the soldiers. The director does this as a way of introducing the character and to make him stand out. The director in the film ‘Gladiator’ uses a lot of different techniques to create various moods and to tell the audience how important certain characters are. The background shows freedom and happiness as it is in open country and there is no one ordering him around. You can tell the mood is pleasant as it is sunny with trees surrounding him and a bird in the bushes. You can tell the change in moods as we enter the battlefield as the sound and lighting completely change. The lighting is dull and dismal and it creates a rather frightening feeling amongst the audience. There is a freezing atmosphere as there are no bright colours or cheerful sounds. There is a good use of dark shadows throughout the battlefield which creates a good effect as it adds to the atmosphere. The director uses dark and dull colours to help represent the moods of the soldiers and to show that it isn’t a happy environment. The lighting and colour help to make the film seem very real, as it shows what a battlefield is like. The director uses a dull background for the battlefield and signals the battle is about to commence when the characters light their torches, which therefore stand out as it is a change in colour.

  Before the film starts the music begins to build tension. The pace starts off slow but increases towards the start of the battle. In the cornfield it is very peaceful and the audience can hear normal sounds like the Gladiators arm brushing over the corn and the laughter of children. Throughout the scene you don’t hear background music; all we hear is the natural sound of the crops which sounds like the wind. As it gets nearer the battle more instruments are introduced such as Violins, flutes and harps therefore the sounds become louder and more daunting. When the battle begins the sounds of the weapons and gunfire are exaggerated to create a good effect and impact. The director uses different sounds and music to build up more tension. The use of quiet sounds in the cornfield help make the opening even more effective by making it stand out from the title of the film. Throughout the opening we hear normal noises like horses and shouting which also creates tension.

   The director wants us to believe that Maximus is a strong person who takes pride in what he does. He also wants him to come across as someone who is obeyed and very well respected. The director achieves this by making him wear more armour then the other soldiers and showing him as not having any weaknesses. The gladiator is physically heavy with huge muscles and a loud voice which shows he is a tough, fearless leader. Before the battle Maximus says to his soldiers ‘strength and honour’. I think he says this to encourage them and to make them think that this is for their country and that they are to be strong and have courage. When talking to his cavalry he tells them about how he will be harvesting his crops in three weeks and where do they think they will be in that time. This puts belief into the soldiers’ minds as they want to be able to make it to that stage in their lives. Before he rides off he also says ‘unleash hell’. This signals to the audience that there is going to be violence and mass destruction during the battle.

   I think that Ridley Scott has created a very effective Gladiator character as he is everything that he should be. He has used various different lights to help reflect his moods and different sound effects which blend in with the scenes. He has a very strong personality and he wears clothing and armour that make him stand out as a leader. Overall I think that the opening is very gripping and a brilliant way to start a clever and well worked film.