Gladiator Shot Analysis - Annabelle Pastori

 

The scene I chose from Gladiator (2000) was at the end of the film, after the battle between Commodus and Maximus that killed them both. I found this shot particularly compelling because of both its cinematic quality, as well as its meaning. This is a long shot, showing the majority of the colosseum, the audience in the stands, and many people in the center. The audience seems to compositionally surround the events in the center, bringing our eyes downward.

The shot has a solemn tone, the audience is silent and dark as similarly dark figures carry out Maximus' body. This in contrast to the lightly dressed Commodus, alone in his death, is striking. Commodus' motivation throughout his life, and the film, is to be loved. Whether it be the Romans, Lucilla, or his father, he is desperate for it. This scene shows the end of his story, as he ends up with nobody. They all follow Maximus out, even in death. It is also interesting how Lucilla stands in the middle, while looking toward Maximus. This is symbolic to her position throughout the film, as she did love her brother and stayed by his side for the majority of the movie, but was always looking toward Maximus.

The final detail I found quite striking was the roses. We saw the audience before the battle throwing them out over the ground, celebrating this battle. And now, after their deaths, the audience is silent, and their rose petals from afar look like blood staining the dirt. This could be a representation of the Roman "mob" message throughout the film, as they are constantly looking to celebrate death. Up close, we see celebratory rose petals, while from afar, we see bodies and blood. It also solidifies Commodus' need for their approval, literally dying in a bed of their celebrations as they surround him-- though he's still alone. All of this is framed in the light of a setting sun, adding dramatic lighting and symbolizing the end of both their stories.

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