Gladiator Scene Analysis--Avery Stoddard

Image of Gladiator


This is a scene from the movie Gladiator. This is right before Maximus fights the formerly undefeated gladiator and beats him. You can see the light coming from the doors which obviously makes sense with the way the light is shining from the bright arena. However, I think it also symbolizes Rome, because at the beginning of the movie when Maximus is talking to the old Emperor, Maximus compares Rome to the light (even though he's never been there before). Also, he is walking toward the light away from the darker part of the corridor which could symbolize that he's getting closer to his goal of getting revenge on Commodus. He's stepping out from the darkness that was his grief into the light of a purpose he gave himself. Another thing I think this scene could be showing with the light and darkness is that Maximus is stepping out into the spotlight where thousands of Romans are watching him. He's being plucked from the obscurity he's had since he was removed from the army.


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