The Epic Film Gladiator - Movie Review Example

Gladiator Introduction Gladiator is one of the most famous British- American epic movies directed by Ridley Scott, starring Connie Nielsen, Russell Crowe, Ralf Moller, Joaquin phoenix, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, John Shrapnel, Derek Jacobi, and Richard Harris. The movie is a historical epic drama that attempts to bring out the roman civilization. The story revolves around, or rather is influenced by a loyal Roman general called Maximus Decimus Meridius who tastes the bitter juices of betrayal after the emperor Marcus Aurelius dies. Emperor Marcus Aurelius was killed by his over ambitious son Commodus, who immediately afterwards seizes the throne (Burgoyne 20). Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) is immediately reduced to slavery by circumstances that followed the self-declaration of Commodus as emperor. The basic reason why Commodus strangled his father was simply because his father (Emperor Marcus Aurelius) intended to let Maximus Decimus Meridius succeed his emperorship, and Commodus could not stand by to see someone else take the throne that he believed was rightfully his (Girgus 10). Maximus’ family pays the ultimate price, when they become collateral damage as Commodus men storm his home with an intention of killing him (Maximus). Downtrodden and heartbroken, Maximus buries his family, and probably out of shock and despair, collapses, and is picked up by Proximo’s men. Maximus understands that his family paid the price that was his to pay, and with that as a motivation, he rises up the military ranks (gladiator ranks) in a bid to avenge his family’s murder (Hughes-Warrington 23). This story portrays the ancient Roman culture, both in an authentic and entertaining way. The use of both fact and exaggeration in this movie brings out not only a clear idea of what the director wanted to bring out, but also an entertaining taste that increases the urge to watch. By correlating the historical facts as laid down by historians and the facts dramatized in this movie, this research paper will establish, precisely, whether this movie is authentic or fantastic. Analysis/Critique The movie is centered/based on true events that happened in the Roman Empire and were inspired by some true characters that existed as well during the time between 150 AD and 180 AD. Even though there is evidence of significant historical research, much of the plot is founded/based on fiction, along with some of the characters. The film is in its own sense creating an authenticity that tries to portray the true nature of ancient Rome, and how power struggles, betrayal, war, love, slavery and corruption led to divisions among family and friends, leading to the eventual fall of Rome, or at least numerous emperors (Hughes-Warrington 22). However, as much as the researchers tried to engage in scholarly research, the film comes out as an artistic presentation of the ancient history of struggles between emperors and slaves, as opposed to the precise, direct, and intentional reconstruction of the chronological events that happened in ancient Rome. The director also wanted to bring across his own envisioning of how ancient Rome was like, their spirit as well as the underlying socio-cultural elements that make up the era (Wick et al 31). Marcus Aurelius was a real character who existed between 160 and 180AD, and was the emperor of one of the regions in Rome, whose real name was Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus. The director refers Marcus as ‘sire’ and ‘my lord’ throughout the film, which is not accurate; as historians explain that he was referred to by his real name. It is true that the emperor fought many battles, and was very competent (Winkler 13). However, the director applied artistic effects and twists that deviate from what is generally known by history in the scene where the Emperor is killed by his son by strangulation in their own house. It is not truly known whether Commodus really killed his father, but the fact is that Marcus died at war of a plague, with his son by his side (Burgoyne 20). Commodus then declared himself emperor after his father died, which is true according to historical facts. This character existed in real life, and history portrays him as greedy and hasty, as he declared himself emperor immediately after the death of his father and claiming victory of the battle. Maximus Decimus Meridius is actually a fictional character in the movie and did not exist in real life. The director wanted to bring out a great story of an army general who led the revolution against slavery. However, as much as this character did not exist, his character could be compared to many generals who existed around the same time and even attempted to do some of the things he did. Spartacus is one character who existed and fought as a gladiator in what was called the house of Batiatus and later died freeing slaves (Paul 12). Besides Spartacus, Maximus is also comparable to Avidius Cassius who was a general fighting alongside the emperor Marcus. According to history, when this general heard that Marcus was dead, he declared himself emperor, but was later assassinated by some of his soldiers, a plot thought to be planned out by Commodus (Wick et al 33). Later on in the same empire, long after the era of Marcus and Commodus have passed, a general named Maximus existed, with the same intentions as those of the Maximus depicted in the film. A certain emperor named Diocletian who ruled Rome between 284 and 305 AD was not of Royal blood, but came from a poor family. Before becoming emperor, he was a gladiator and later a general and personal bodyguard to the emperor, who named Diocletian his heir (Girgus 11). The director seems to draw inspiration of the Maximus character from this story as well, because before Marcus dies, he named Maximus his heir instead of his son Commodus in the film. In the scene where Commodus dies, the film depicts that Maximus killed him in their final battle. History supports that Commodus really died by the hand of a wrestler named Narcissus, but he died while taking a bath through assassination. The development of these scenes in the movie by the director prove that even though Maximus did not really exist, his character in ancient Rome existed, and it is an amalgamation of different events by different people who were heroes in their own aspects, rather than a far-fetched character who never existed at all (Winkler 13). In the last scene where Maximus dies and sees himself being reunited with his family in an afterlife of happiness, the director applied the use of belief in afterlife, which was common among Romans and Christians during the time. However, there is conflict is in the personality of Maximus, who is portrayed as a stoic in the film, a character he takes after Marcus. According to history, stoics never believed in an afterlife when one dies. The director combined the two aspects to bring out fantasy, intrigue, entertainment and probably a sense of dramatic twist and happy ending for the film as the main character dies in the film after succumbing to his wound (Paul 12). Commodus ruled for twelve years and was killed in the last day of 192 AD according to history, contrary to the film, which depicts him ruling for a longer time. He was succeeded by Pertinax on 1st January, who was assassinated in March, less than three months after he took over. The real story of Rome also explains that it was not founded as a republic but rather a monarchy that was ruled by Kings, who were overthrown after a revolution. In the film, the director alluded through a senator, who is also a fictional character, that Rome was founded as a republic. In both the film and the real story, there is a central theme of republican governing system. This resulted from the Romans despising Kings and dictators who used the monarchial system, and revolutionized against them to let emperors rule using the republican governing system. Even though the foundations of the nation are inaccurate in the movie, the system of governing is consisted with the one explained in real history (Wick et al 31). The director also employed the use of current techniques on the screen and camera works through editing numerous parts so as the artistic nature of the film comes out, as well as entertain the audience. The use of sound effects, background editing, editing of graphic scenes as well as the use of recently made ancient-like costumes to represent the era is consistent throughout the film. For example, in the scene where Maximus rides back to Rome from North Africa on horseback, brings out the difficulties in transport at the time, even though those with rank and status rode on horses. Authentic or Fantastic? To establish whether or not this movie portrays the historical accuracy that would qualify it to be termed authentic or otherwise, there would be every need to look at the plot and the way the director of the movie alludes from the existing historical facts. Concisely, it would be accurate to conclude that this movie is loosely/slackly based on the actual historical events in the Roman Empire. The significant deviations from the historical facts were obviously made for the primary reason of increasing interest, maintaining narrative continuity and for practical reasons among others. One of the fundamental deviation of the movie from historical fact is with respect to the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius. This emperor actually died of a plague at a place called Vindobona, and not strangled by his son as portrayed in the movie Gladiator. In the true sense, Marcus Aurelius allowed his arguably immoral son to become emperor, and did not endorse Maximus rather than his son. In fact, Maximus is a fictional character, although the director probably used the Maximus figure to symbolize iconic and historical figures such as Narcissus or Spartacus, both of whom are remembered of doing heroic acts (Tierno 23). The main possible reason why Ridley Scott used the Maximus figure in the Gladiator was due to the existence of other heroic figures such as Narcissus. As much as this is a deviation from actual historical facts, there is a strong correlation, in terms of character, between Maximus Decimus Meridius and the likes of Spartacus and Narcissus (Hughes-Warrington 25).Spartacus is remembered for leading a slave revolt, while Narcissus is remembered for murdering Commodus. Other possible figures include Marcus Nonius Macrinus, who was a trusted general, as well as friend of Marcus Aurelius, and Cincinnatus who was a farmer that saved Rome from invasion, but then resigned from his appointment just after 15 days (Marcus and James 13). Commodus did not actually die in the arena as portrayed in the movie; he was strangled by Narcissus (a wrestler) in the bathroom. The story in the film portrays a close relationship to the historical facts according to the Herodian documentation. Claudius Pompeianus (from Syria) married Lucilla, Marcus Aurelius daughter, and it is strongly believed that Marcus Aurelius would have wanted Pompeianus to succeed him rather than his son, Commodus. This is probably where the director extracted the idea from, but the film had absolutely nothing on Pompeinus. In the film, Antonius Proximo points out that the primary reason why he lived in the colonies was that Marcus Aurelius had banned gladiatorial games. The truth is Marcus banned the gladiatorial games in Antioch specifically because the people of Antioch supported rebel Avidius Cassius, but this had very little to do with Rome (Wick et al 41). Marcus Aurelius, however, conscripted gladiators into the army, which automatically created their shortage, which led to a situation where Lanistas such as Proximo increased their charges exorbitantly leading to windfall profits (Marcus and James 13). Generally, as explained, there is a significant similarity of the story as portrayed in the film and the historical facts. The story of emperor Marcus Aurelius has been brought out fairly well apart from a few deviations that we meant to make the story a bit more sophisticated, as well as interesting. The fundamental idea by Ridley Scott brings out in a basic and fair way, the Roman civilization, as well as the form of government. Historical evidence supports the ideas of war of the ancient Romans as brought out in the film. Conclusion Epic films have tried to bring out the basic political and social structures of the ancient people, and the Roman Empire has been synonymous in most of these films. Gladiator is one of those films that portray the ancient Roman political culture as one that is intertwined with war and gladiatorial games. The services of the gladiators were highly regarded and could, from time to time, be hired to offer their military services. The film brings out not only this aspect of the Roman political system, but other succession escapades as outlined by different historical sources. Ridley Scott succeeds in recreating the past, and he achieves this by creating a close correlation between historical fact and fiction. The story of Marcus Aurelius, for example, is a true one, and the director managed to conveniently instill instances of fiction that generally made an already interesting story even more interesting. The director crafts the stories Maximus Decimus Meridius and Antonius Proximo in the film, a slight deviation from the historical facts, but with close allusion to other parallel stories that happened just about the same time in the Roman Empire. The ability to extrapolate and stretch the facts just over the fiction fence is what makes Gladiator one of the best movies to watch. In my opinion, Ridley Scott did not only want to replicate authentic antiquity, but also wanted to entertain. Works Cited Top of Form Burgoyne, Robert. The Hollywood Historical Film. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub, 2008. Print. Top of Form Girgus, Sam B. America on Film: Modernism, Documentary, and a Changing America. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Print.Bottom of FormBottom of Form Hughes-Warrington, Marnie. The History on Film Reader. Milon Park, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2009. Print. Top of Form Marcus, Aurelius, and James Moore. The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2008. Internet resource. Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Paul, Joanna. Film and the Classical Epic Tradition. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 2013. Print. Top of Form Tierno, Michael. Aristotles Poetics for Screenwriters: Storytelling Secrets from the Greatest Mind in Western Civilization. New York: Hyperion, 2002. Print.Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Wick, Douglas, David Franzoni, Branko Lustig, John Logan, William Nicholson, Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, Richard Harris, John Mathieson, Pietro Scalia, Hans Zimmer, and Lisa Gerrard. Gladiator. Universal City, CA: DreamWorks Home Entertainment, 2003. Winkler, Martin M. Gladiator: Film and History. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub, 2004. Print. Read More