Gladiator - Sophia

I chose this scene from Gladiator because I thought it held a lot of meaning. This is a group of slaves traveling through the desert, under pretty terrible conditions, but the way it’s filmed makes it look so peaceful. The difference in color of the sky/ground makes this scene deeper and more complex. The contrast between the quiet, simple dusk sky and the agonizing and tiring emotions coming from the people builds a more well-rounded picture. This also gives the viewers some important insight surrounding how Maximus’ life changed dramatically. He goes from a strong, respected leader of the Roman Army, to a weak and enslaved man who cannot even walk on his own. 


Additionally, this scene is familiar from older epics. It appears in Spartacus when all the men are being paraded to the gladiator training house. Then again in Ben Hur when Hur is on the brink of death during his travels through the desert. Though we have seen this picture multiple times previously, in Gladiator it holds the most meaning and information for the audience. 

-Sophia 


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