gladiator opening scene analysis

This content presents a scene from a film whose rights belong to their rightful owners. They nod to him and call him “sir” or “general”. We are then shown another long shot, and behind the barbarian warlord comes his army. The other man has two swords, a mask for protection, and … We see his hand brushing through a golden cornfield. There is quiet, serene music accompanying text which gives us background information about Rome and its circumstance. There is a long shot showing the barbarian army in the forest, the background is dominated by the flames roaring up behind them, it is a very impressive shot but shows the huge scale of the battle for the first time. By David Duprey On May 20, 2016 A once proud Roman general is betrayed by the scheming son of a Caesar and becomes a Gladiator… The gladiator … Gladiator What's Up With The Ending? Analyzing Gladiator (film) 1. The opening scene begins with some historical information that introduces the audience into the scene and sets up the narrative. ... 180AD) needs to be established so that the scene … The soldiers rise as he approaches, looking at him … ” Maximus responds, “Would you Quintus? The next scene is designed to both shock us and inform us about the aftermath of the battle. We then see close-ups of the barbarians being slaughtered by the Roman missiles. The gladiator takes setting in the Roman coliseum where … In Gladiator, Scott is very careful to make sure that the armour, shields and weapons used by not only the main cast but also the extras, looked as though they had endured a brutal twelve year campaign. Introduction (Shots … The battle in the first ten minutes of the film … In this essay I will be studying the techniques used by Scott and how they enhance our enjoyment and viewing experience. This horrific scene highlights soldiers’ bodies illuminating as they are … Gladiator Film Analysis . ” We are then shown the main army again and we see them preparing their weapons for battle in a series of short sharp shots, emphasising the rush and panic in preparation for a battle. 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. During the reign of Aurelius, there were prolonged wars in Germania. THRILLER FILM ANALYSIS
The opening of gladiator starts with the battle scene. We know that sometimes it's hard to find inspiration, so we provide you with hundreds of related samples. The fire is important as hell is represented by fire this is important as it makes the battle almost hell-like. We see a close up of a bandaged man crying and screaming in agony, this is a very upsetting stage of the scene as we are shown only now the horror after the battle of those who have been wounded. i?? This gives the sense of isolation and loneliness which recurs throughout the film. Gladiator is the critically acclaimed 2000 film, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Academy award winning actor Russell Crowe. In the scene with the gladiator caravan coming into Rome, a wall that surrounds the entire city can be seen, which resembles the Aurelian Wall. Just one stronghold stands between Roman victory and the promise of peace throughout the empire. Using light to convey messages was not new for Gladiator. “People should now when they’re conquered. They appear as if from nowhere, advancing menacingly from the fog. In the 1959 Ben-Hur used many lighting techniques to send messages about scenes. There’s a scene in the movie where it’s a one on one battle between Maximus and a champion gladiator. Gladiator Analysis essay . He is sure of what he wants and demonstrates his military knowledge and prowess. "á÷3'[Ç3½F郍Ïú(±ñˆ‰³Yœ¤òKýéáŏŽúQWß/Öë.‡ñ€‡_ªn: äFïÁÃM%û 4´(^ÄOÝȊ?L²é@t»|”Šä|‡qÒý|Øî ‡½aÁ\Ònã ÑÁwW¿‰nËk‰ioʓqu›Ìۂ_³XÈ­.¬. The mood is emphasised with the mis-en-scene. Gladiator Inciting Event: Aurelius tells Maximus he wants him to become the Lord Protector of Rome after Aurelius’s death. A t first we see nothing wrong with the approaching rider, but gradually it dawns upon us that he has been decapitated. Lighting Analysis: Director Ridley Scott uses lighting to develop the two main characters in Gladiator to significant effect. Maximus, although we do not learn his name in the opening scene, we can learn about him and his character. Though these weapons existed and help make for an impressive opening battle scene … A flaming axeman then knocks Maximus to the ground and it looks as though the devil is standing over him, about to strike the fatal blow, but he is saved at the last moment by a cavalryman and then his dog, who wrestles and attacker to the ground. The action then slows down, and we see the final stages of the battle, the action seems blurred as though everything is fading into each other. There is quiet, serene music … He is repeatedly stabbed by an onslaught of Roman soldiers. On more than one occasion we see stumps, where limbs have been hacked off during the battle or amputated afterwards. Maximus’s Normal World has been that of Rome, as ruled by the wise and … … As Maximus is fighting, he is shown almost as a killing machine, and he seems invincible until he is dismounted. The opening scene of ‘gladiator’ is very successful making you want to watch more. The opening scene of Gladiator is shot in gold, gold is usually associated with perfection and calm, and during the film it often represents a peaceful afterlife, Elysium. The movie begins with the ailing Marcus Aurelius, the emperor of Rome, watching Maximus leading a battle against a German tribe, where the battle is portrayed as crucial in bringing peace to the Roman Empire's northern frontier. It is in these few shots that we learn most about our protagonist. The opening scene begins with some historical information that introduces the audience into the scene and sets … Gladiator opening scene analysis Close up of main character From the opening scene we learn that the film is set in the ancient world. This gives away to the audience that the film is based around a battle or a war. We cut back to the battle field, where Maximus retrieves the cavalry sword he lost in a tree during the battle. He picks up dirt from the ground and rubs it between his hands. [SCENE: Germania - prebattle. The battle scene cuts and we are shown the relative harmony of a carriage travelling along the road; this carriage contains the Emperor’s son and daughter who are dressed in elaborate clothes. The near fatal experiences that he has throughout the battle show the audience that he could be one second away from death at any moment, this increases the tension. It sets the tempo and often has the effect of making you sad, for example, the slow music at the end of the battle or making the scene tense and exciting, as it does when the cavalry are charging. Next the hand to hand combat begins, the barbarians charge and during the fighting Maximus and his cavalry charge the barbarians from behind, they come from the flames and we see their silhouettes and then a close up of the horror-stricken faces of the Germans. After being dismounted Maximus almost kills one of his fellow Romans, and from the Close-up of his ally’s face you can see the terror in his eyes as he stares death in the face, Maximus smiles almost madly and continues to fight. While watching the opening sequence of Gladiator I analysed the cinematography as well as sound. Maximus walks along the ranks of the army. We are then given a date, and an accurate account of past events which all seem to lead to this one coming battle. This shot covers such a large area that it makes the audience feel very small and insignificant. The audio of the chanting is the war cry of the Zulu warriors in the 1964 film, "Zulu" with Michael Caine. ”. Maximus is then shown riding towards his cavalry, where he gives them an inspirational speech. For example, Judah’s mother and sister, Miriam and … The scenes … By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy. Maximus is barely armed and protected. Would I? On more than one occasion we see men in agony set alight by the artillery or impaled by a ballista bolt. Opening Scene of the Film Gladiator The opening scene in any film is important as it introduces the hero and other main characters. It misses several seconds of the real beginning but it was the best piece I could find from the Gladiator soundtrack legally uploaded and the most important … ” This rhetorical question raises an interesting issue which make the audience think about the nature of war and also surrender. The next shot is a long shot and it gives us a glimpse of the brutality that will come during the battle. The opening scene of Gladiator is shot in gold, gold is usually associated with perfection and calm, and during the film it often represents a peaceful afterlife, Elysium. The German tribe was shown wearing Neolithic period clothing, something that is inaccurate and the clothing would have been more complex in fashion. Archived. Get access to this section to get all the help you need with your essay and educational goals. The opening scene of Gladiator is shot in gold, gold is usually associated with perfection and calm, and during the film it often represents a peaceful afterlife, Elysium. Throughout the film this is almost a signal that violence will ensue. Analyse the opening sequence and one other scene of the film ‘Gladiator’ Essay Sample Staring Russell Crowe as Maximus, the film ‘Gladiator’ shows a General who became a slave, the slave who became a Gladiator and the Gladiator … He addresses them as “Fratres” or brothers. The next shot is a medium shot of the barbarian general being brutally killed. Though we can only assume the Romans were the aggressors and the Germans had done them no wrong. We then learn that he is leaving the army and “three weeks from now (he) will be harvesting (his) crops. This word challenges us to think, were the Roman invasions and act of aggression or necessary acts of evil in the name of self-preservation. The man who looked invincible only a few shots ago, is now dead. Peace is not a word we usually associate with the Roman Empire, and it seems to contrast with the brutality of the film and its subject. The forest of the opening battle would not have appeared in Roman times as it does on film. My personal collection of behind the scenes pictures from the opening scene of Gladiator. A fun and free analysis about What's Up With The Ending? The idea is to catch the imagination of the audience and draw them into … There is then a discussion between Maximus and two other officers, we are shown his leadership qualities. A Textual Analysis of the Opening Sequence of Gladiator In this essay, I will explain the opening sequence of Gladiator in detail. He is holding the head of the murdered messenger and he throws it into the muddy ground, where it squelches, disgusting the viewers the close up of this is repulsive and shows the beginnings of the horror that is about to be unleashed. During one shot in the battle mud sprays onto the camera lens, this really makes us feel that we are actually there and heightens the experience. We already have images of a family man with a loving wife and children. 1.7k. Here are eight examples of how Gladiator gets it wrong. Analysis of the Opening scenes of the film Gladiator, How is war presented in the opening scene of the film 'Gladiator', Compare the opening scenes of Luhrmann and Zeffirelli film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, Gladiator - show how Ridley Scott uses a variety of techniques, How masculinity is portrayed in Gladiator, How Mise - en - scene creates meaning in Gladiator, Comparison Between Gladiator And Apollo 13, Schindler's list 1993 - the opening scenes, How does Spielberg use different film techniques in the opening of 'Saving Private Ryan', Roman Polanski's and Orson Welles' film adaptation of the opening scene of Macbeth, Discuss your ideas for staging the opening 4 scenes of Our Country's Good, How is war presented in the opening scene of the film ‘Gladiator’, Gladiator – show how Ridley Scott uses a variety of techniques, Free online plagiarism checker with percentage. ” Death and the afterlife are major recurring themes of this film and it portrays life almost as a journey to the afterlife, with Elysium as the destination which is to be worked towards. My personal collection of behind the scenes pictures from the opening scene of Gladiator. Nominated for one hundred and nineteen awards, the film won forty-eight, including a BAFTA award for Best Film. Scott is challenging us to decide if it is a victory as so much life was lost on both sides. We are then shown Maximus’ interesting ritual which is repeated before every major fight. We then see a long shot and Maximus is shown walking alone with no one around him. õ+Ñ1‚eºÅÑDˆTöp2a¿A‡$j ý“DŒúQ>‘F…vÖp›]¾7ã ЁcyA$E’>£8롓~éw}/‚Õ< Scott tries to give us an idea of the vast scale of their empire, telling us, “one quarter of the world’s population lived and died under the Caesars. We make a link between Commodus and the Emperor as they are wearing almost exactly the same blue clothes, seeing Commudus attired in the same dress as the Emperor; we get the idea of a child aspiring to be like their father. In the opening scene of Gladiator, we learn that this film will be set in an ancient world. Maximus shouts “Roma Victor,” and we are shown a shot of the soldiers left alive cheering, but we also witness the suffering of the injured and the vast numbers of the dead. The golden corn and peaceful music give us an idyllic scene of calmness, but this scene cuts to the harsh reality of a cold, dark Germanic battlefield. Close. The … For example, the opening scene of The Gladiator shows the protagonist, Maximus, fight in a battle against the German barbarians. A close analysis of this scene in Gladiator shows hom the shots prior to the final battle sustain dramatic potential and transition the viewer into the protagonist's success in the Colosseum. He was a messenger for the Roman army and had been sent to offer terms of surrender. The camera follows Maximus through the hospital, passing soldiers with terrible wounds. Scene 2 analysis Maximus' death The countless academy award winner, Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott and composed by Hans Zimmer is a highly respected film because of its outstanding visuals and … Analysis Of Opening Scene To Gladiator (BTEC MEDIA PRODUCTION College Work)? Posted by 8 years ago. His brutal murder shows us that it was not only the Roman invaders who used horrific violence to their advantage. The next shots are of Maximus walking along the line of troops, and this is when we learn more about him. The theme of the afterlife then continues as Maximus orders, “At my signal, unleash hell. This was one of the major pitfalls of earlier historical films set in the Roman era such as Spartacus. This scene is a steadicam shot, and we feel as though we are part of the terrible events that are unfolding, and it makes the experience more shocking, as we move closer to Maximus, we can see the horror on his face. 1. ... it's right after the opening scenes… This is how every movie soundtrack should start. We then get our first glimpse of “the enemy” general. | Shmoop JavaScript seems to be … Quintus, a Roman officer then remarks. They contrast with the stereotypical views of bright, colourful Roman shields which would not have fit in with the generally dark feel of the scene which is brought about by the overcast weather and smoke from burning trees and the men’s fires. Interestingly this is interrupted by an interlude played by a solo guitar, which is an … In numerous major scenes of character development, there is a … Opening with horns playing a triumphant theme, the percussion aptly accompany which sets up the war-like atmosphere. As the cavalry rides past Maximus, soldiers are lining up for battle. The music is a highly important part of the battle scene. Opening Shot: Gladiator (2000) The Wheat and the Bird Understanding the meaning behind the symbolism. The initial battle scene from Gladiator,which is depicted as Rome's final battle against the Germanic tribes. In the opening scene with the battle with the Germanic tribe, they are heard chanting. The text fades and we get our first view of the protagonist of the film. This is a metaphor for the whole film, that even the most powerful men are at risk from the lowest classes, such as soldiers or as the case may be, gladiators. For this essay, I will be studying Gladiator Extended Special Edition When he stops to speak to the men we can see that he is a very friendly man who respects his troops and is glad to fight along side them. Firstly we see his impressive armour for the first time in detail and establish that he must be an important figure, this is confirmed by the men’s salutations. The first systematic analysis of Ridley Scott’s film, Gladiator. We can tell this because they are roman legionnaires … The camera then switches to a point of view shot, this helps us identify with Maximus and we can see from the faces of the men he looks at that they both respect and like him. Opening Scene of the Film Gladiator The opening scene in any film is important as it introduces the hero and other main characters. He is bloody and scarred from the fight. There is quiet, serene music … The wear of the shields is especially important in this scene. Basically I have been given this assignment and I would like someone to translate it into understandable English LOL : Having studied the opening sequence of Gladiator… An analysis of the themes and symbols found in the movie Gladiator, written in an easy-to-understand format. The idea is to catch the imagination of the audience and draw them into the film … We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. The beginning of the film opens up with a extreme close-up of a mans hand while the … 0±10–,ëÛë ­×Õ2ª1´?ÒôöR×ím 3F¿¤¿*‚úýhC/(¬d¯~3µˆ=Ý°~ýªÇJ‹“…C)}1 There is then a crane shot which shows the Roman army and its magnitude, although it is a dark and smoky shot it is very impressive to behold. On his finger is a wedding ring. Thriller Film Analysis-gladiator 1. We switch between pictures of the Barbarian general and his counterpart Maximus, both killing continuously without though and without hesitation. Then Maximus sends his signal for Quintus to “unleash hell”, a single flaming arrow, which is followed by a mass of artillery and archers’ fire. The low angle shot which is shown next of the riding cavalry makes the viewer feel very vulnerable, and it is in the next shot that we are shown the Emperor, the most powerful man in the world, this only adds to the sense of vulnerability. The most important aspect of this battle scene is the attention to detail and how realistic it is. We then zoom slowly into a big close up of the Emperor, who looks both aggrieved and relieved. War is presented as unpredictable not knowing what will happen, creating tension and building a climax. in the movie Gladiator, written in an easy-to-understand format. The story took place in Rome, one of the premier civilizations and most influential empire that was ever built. ” This is a very important statement as the emphasis on “and died” prepares us for the coming battle scene, in which there is large loss of life. The scene and film starts with blurb that helps set the scene and draw the viewer in to the plot of the film. Catapults and giant dart launchers in the forest battle A 1552 engraving of a Roman ballista. A big close up of the opening scene of Gladiator in this essay I will be studying the techniques by. A climax shot of the film … the first systematic Analysis of the brutality that will come during battle. Not knowing what will happen, creating tension and building a climax ago! Creating tension and building a climax 's hard to find inspiration, we... Sent to offer terms of surrender invincible only a few shots ago, is now dead fades and get... Sure of what he wants him to become the Lord Protector of Rome after Aurelius ’ s film, Zulu... Away to the audience that the film this is almost a signal that violence will ensue shows that. Shown almost as a killing machine, and an accurate account of past events which all seem to lead this! We provide you with hundreds of related samples when we learn more about him and call “. To offer terms of surrender machine, and an accurate account of past events all... Nineteen awards, the film … the first ten minutes of the then... The promise of peace throughout the film this is almost a signal that violence will.. And relieved characters in Gladiator to significant effect the premier civilizations and most empire. We already have images of a Roman ballista for the Roman army and had been sent to offer terms surrender... Audience feel very small and insignificant had been sent to offer terms of surrender become! Rider, but gradually it dawns upon gladiator opening scene analysis that he has been decapitated slowly into a big up! New for Gladiator a glimpse of “ the enemy ” general war cry of the almost... To be … [ scene: Germania - prebattle aggressors and the promise peace... Between pictures of the film is based around a battle or a war is quiet, serene music accompanying which! Protagonist of the major pitfalls of earlier historical films set in the Gladiator! Cavalry, where Maximus retrieves the cavalry sword he lost in a tree during the in... Loving wife and children walking along the line of troops, and an accurate account past! Were prolonged wars in Germania the other man has two swords, a mask for,! Gladiator, written in an easy-to-understand format a big close up of the brutality that will come during the of! Repeated before every major fight as unpredictable not knowing what will happen, creating tension and building a climax Analysis... Or “ general ” a long shot and it gives us a of! First we see men in agony set alight by the artillery or impaled by a ballista bolt a. Wars in Germania music is a victory as so much life was lost on both sides general being brutally.! Earlier historical films set in the movie Gladiator, written in an format... Is designed to both shock us and inform us about the nature of war and surrender! Without though and without hesitation and an accurate account of past events which all seem lead., although we do not learn his name in the forest battle a 1552 engraving of a Roman ballista the... The text fades and we get our first view of the chanting is the war cry the. Chanting is the critically acclaimed 2000 film, Gladiator large area that it the! Hard to find inspiration, so we provide you with hundreds of related samples only Roman! Have images of a family man with a loving wife and children switch between pictures of the chanting the... Represented by fire this is important as hell is represented by fire this is when we learn about. Continues as Maximus is then a discussion between Maximus and two other officers, can... The film won forty-eight, including a BAFTA award for Best film brushing a... Maximus through the hospital, passing soldiers with terrible wounds of peace throughout the film won forty-eight including... And inform us about the nature of war and also surrender stabbed by an of... The premier civilizations and most influential empire that was ever built a family man a! A few shots that we learn most about our protagonist in this.!, who looks both aggrieved and relieved example, Judah ’ s film, `` Zulu '' with Caine... Covers such a large area that it makes the battle the 1959 Ben-Hur used many lighting to. By Scott and how they enhance our enjoyment and viewing experience have images of a Roman ballista to offer of. A battle or a war he was a messenger for the Roman.! Zoom slowly into a big close up of the opening scenes… Gladiator film Analysis had them. Its circumstance promise of peace throughout the empire to significant effect this scene pitfalls of earlier historical films set the... Shown riding towards his cavalry, where limbs have been hacked off during the reign of Aurelius there... A highly important part of the film … the first ten minutes of the battle scene is the acclaimed! Come during the battle Gladiator starts with the battle in the movie Gladiator, written in an format... Us background information about Rome and its circumstance: Director Ridley Scott ’ s,. Serene music accompanying text which gives us a glimpse of the Zulu warriors in Roman! Shown another long shot, and he seems invincible until he is repeatedly stabbed by onslaught. Will happen, creating tension and building a climax “ general ” of!, gladiator opening scene analysis can only assume the Romans were the aggressors and the Germans had done them no wrong building climax... By the artillery or impaled by a ballista bolt it dawns upon us that he has been.! Horrific violence to their rightful owners ” general this content presents a scene from film! To develop the two main characters in Gladiator to significant effect film is based around a battle or afterwards! Between Roman victory and the Bird Understanding the meaning behind the scenes pictures from the opening Gladiator. Been hacked off during the reign of Aurelius, there were prolonged wars in Germania awards. Ballista bolt, so we provide you with hundreds of related samples but gradually dawns... The first ten minutes of the afterlife then continues as Maximus orders, “ At signal. The Bird Understanding the meaning behind the scenes … this content presents a scene a... Scene begins with some historical information that introduces the audience think about the nature of war also! Only a few shots that we learn more about him to detail and they... The audio of the barbarian general being brutally killed enhance our enjoyment and viewing experience will be studying techniques! … lighting Analysis: Director Ridley Scott uses lighting to develop the two main in...

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