GLADIATOR : story analysis

A good leader has to be a visionary also. Is Maximus a bad leader? Of course.

“Gladiator” has a lot of questionable scenes but being an action-adventure this is not an important issue. Somehow, at a subconscious level they annoy me, but I will not go into details.

Maximus. What I don’t like about him.

He is selfish.

He refuses Marcus’s offer to stand for the Emperorship after his death.

He is stupid.

"Quintus: Soldier! I told you to move those catapults forward. They're out of range.
Maximus: Range is good.
Quintus: A danger to the cavalry...
Maximus: Is acceptable. Agreed?"

He is leading the cavalry. For an army the risk of hitting its own general with the artillery is not acceptable.

He is not able to foresee his decline to accept Commodus’s offer will have consequences although he’s warned by Lucilla.

He is not able to understand Lucilla. The woman loves him and all he finds to say to her is: “I knew your brother would send assassins. I didn't think he would send his best”. Give me a break.

He is a clown. He likes to entertain.


Maximus changes from selfish to unselfish. Finally he agrees to help the rebellion against Commodus, which he was going to kill anyway. The man has a big heart.

An other thing he learns is to take advises. He finds this particularly useful because he is kind of simpleton.
 
Did any of you know that they had only written the first 30 pages before the producers started casting it and starting pre-production. Just thought that was interesting way of going about it.
 
djinjis said:
A good leader has to be a visionary also. Is Maximus a bad leader? Of course.

“Gladiator” has a lot of questionable scenes but being an action-adventure this is not an important issue. Somehow, at a subconscious level they annoy me, but I will not go into details.

Maximus. What I don’t like about him.

He is selfish.

He refuses Marcus’s offer to stand for the Emperorship after his death.

He is stupid.

"Quintus: Soldier! I told you to move those catapults forward. They're out of range.
Maximus: Range is good.
Quintus: A danger to the cavalry...
Maximus: Is acceptable. Agreed?"

He is leading the cavalry. For an army the risk of hitting its own general with the artillery is not acceptable.

He is not able to foresee his decline to accept Commodus’s offer will have consequences although he’s warned by Lucilla.

He is not able to understand Lucilla. The woman loves him and all he finds to say to her is: “I knew your brother would send assassins. I didn't think he would send his best”. Give me a break.

He is a clown. He likes to entertain.


Maximus changes from selfish to unselfish. Finally he agrees to help the rebellion against Commodus, which he was going to kill anyway. The man has a big heart.

An other thing he learns is to take advises. He finds this particularly useful because he is kind of simpleton.
Click to expand...

I'll disagree with some of this. For example, Maximus's willingness to place himself in jeopary with regards to catapult range and his decline of Commodus's offer despite lethal consequences are consistent with the warrior ethos of disregard for personal safety -- bravery in other words. Also, placing yourself in the same danger you're subjecting you soldiers to is a form of leadership. As former military, I can say from first hand experience that you find many things to b*tch about but it's tough to b*tch if your commander is standing shoulder to shoulder with you for the task at hand. Of course, from a tactics and strategy POV it's insanity to put a general in the thick of things -- but you know, it's Hollywood afterall. Then, the reticence or even clumsiness with regards to Lucinda is appropriate for several reasons, not the least of which is submission to Lucinda would be betrayal to his deceased wife and as we've hopefully established, the murder of his familiy is the event that drives the entire story.

One thing I'm foggy on, DJ says Maximus refuses the Emperor's charge to be Protectorate of Rome until the Republic is re-established. Is that how it happened? I remember it more as moment of humility for Maxiums, that "I'm a soldier" and "I'm not worthy" blah blah and that the implication was the Maximus would reluctantly. afterall, accept his emperor's request. But I just don't remember. Anyone?
 
Yeddi said:
Did any of you know that they had only written the first 30 pages before the producers started casting it and starting pre-production. Just thought that was interesting way of going about it.
Click to expand...

Are you positive? I read a long interview with the Franzoni, and he didn't say that which doesn't disprove what you say, I'm just sayin'.

I recall Franzoni saying Russel Crowe went to war with Ridley Scott during production over the character and dialog. Also that they were log jammed on the story until Franzoni read up on the REAL Commudus, the historical one, and how the real Commudus actually did enter the arena to fight gladiators. It was a break through and solved the story problems.
 
The battle scene in the movie is considerably changed from the script. It doesn’t make any sense but it doesn’t matter much. What I hate is the smirk Crowe has on his face, while he is talking nonsense.

“submission to Lucinda would be betrayal to his deceased wife”

He acts like Lucilla would be his enemy. He knew and probably loved her from childhood (although he is from Spain) so, in fact, he betrayed Lucilla with his wife, ha ha.


MARCUS
Before I die I will give the people
this final gift. I will give them
the Senate reborn. The voice of the
people empowered again, as it was
always meant to be. It is my design
that they will elect the next
Emperor. And I would put forward
your name with my backing.

MAXIMUS
Caesar, you do me honor -- but your
son has pride of place for
succession.

MARCUS
Son... I know that one grove of your
vineyard is worth more to you than
all the treasures of Rome. I know
one loving word from your wife is
worth more than the accolades of an
Empire. But... a fond old man, who
loves you more than he can say, begs
you to at least think about what he
has said tonight.

MAXIMUS
I shall, Caesar.
 
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LUCILLA
... Maximus will summon his army
from Ostia and he will strike from
the inside as his army strikes from
the outside. But he insists that
the Senate be present.

GAIUS
We've been ordered to attend.

LUCILLA
How many are with us?

GRACCHUS
About half. But once the tyrant is
dead. All.


the truth? all Maximus had to do after the failed execution attempt was to walk back in his camp and whistle (You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and... blow) and his legionaries would ass-rape Commodus till he would squeal like a girl and moan like a whore when they ravage him again and again... and again.
 
This looks more and more like a monologue. Anyway, look what I found.



Call to Adventure: Marcus Aurelius asks Maximus to give Rome back to the people.

Refusal of the Call: Maximus refuses – he wishes to return home to his wife and child.

Supernatural Aid: Maximus asks advice from Cicero; he treasures the statuette (magical gift) during this stage of the journey. But the real mentor is Proximo, who is met during the stage of the Transformation /Road of Trials.

Crossing the First Threshold: Maximus is taken away to be murdered by the Roman soldiers; he travels home to find his wife and child murdered (NO Way Back).

Physical Separation from the Old World (Belly of the Whale): The slave caravan carries Maximus to the World of the Transformation.

Transformation (Road of Trials): Proximo forces Maximus to learn the art of the gladiator until he transforms to the leader and best of the best. (to me looks more like Maximus rediscovers himself after a break down, rebirth)

The Ideal, Seizing the Sword (Meeting with the Goddess): Proximo lures Maximus to Rome, where he will have a chance to confront Commodus.

Rebirth through Death (Woman as Temptress): Lucilla tempts Maximus to meet with Senator Graccus; Cicero and many of Maximus’ gladiator allies die.

Atonement: Maximus and Commodus confront each other.

Apotheosis: Commodus is not a moral man – he will use deceit to win.

Ultimate Boon: Maximus has a opportunity to fight Commodus in the arena.
 
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THE LOST LINE FROM "GLADIATOR"


Yes, there is such a line(it was censored) and in my opinion is the best from the entire script. First time I saw this movie in the theatre and when I heard the line I had a moment of epiphany the rest kind of faded away. Later, in every version I saw, the line was missing. During time, obsessed with this strange disappearance I sought in every script for it. Nothing. Once I found something like “he answers obscene” but the actually line was not there. What I want to know is if anybody else from you, Gladiator fans, had noticed this line and you know what I’m talking about.

Maximus glares at her, his muscles tensing.

LUCILLA
Rich matrons pay well to be
pleasured by the bravest champions.

MAXIMUS
?

Maximus backs up, fighting the urge to strangle her on the
spot. He finally bumps into a wall of the cell.
 
djinjis said:
THE LOST LINE FROM "GLADIATOR"


Yes, there is such a line(it was censored) and in my opinion is the best from the entire script. First time I saw this movie in the theatre and when I heard the line I had a moment of epiphany the rest kind of faded away. Later, in every version I saw, the line was missing. During time, obsessed with this strange disappearance I sought in every script for it. Nothing. Once I found something like “he answers obscene” but the actually line was not there. What I want to know is if anybody else from you, Gladiator fans, had noticed this line and you know what I’m talking about.

Maximus glares at her, his muscles tensing.

LUCILLA
Rich matrons pay well to be
pleasured by the bravest champions.

MAXIMUS
?

Maximus backs up, fighting the urge to strangle her on the
spot. He finally bumps into a wall of the cell.
Click to expand...

I have no idea but I DO know Russel Crowe and Ridley Scott went to war over Maximus's lines and character. What you saw may have been added to the script on the set and never formally made it on to one of the drafts. If it even works that way...

Btw, very obvious by now dj, you are such a closet "Gladiator" fan. I think it's time you come clean on it. The community here will be supportive, I promise, I went through the exact same thing last year with "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".
 
There are only two or three lines that I would cut from the ending scene [when Maximus dies], otherwise it's a perfect movie in every way.
 
I recently read the second draft of this story. Act III was significantly different from the movie. Here's the breakdown:


*********************

1-18: Great opening battle in which General Maximus leads his troops to victory against a German army. We're introduced to Caesar Aurelius, his two children (the manipulative Lucilla and ambitious Commodus), Maximus, and some other army commanders.

20'ish: Caesar Marcus Aurelius informs Maximus that he will receive a personal recommendation to ascend to power. Maximus remains reluctant, but promises to consider this unwanted honor in order to realize Aurelius' dream of returning the Roman Empire to a republic state.

Commodus discovers his father's intentions. Kills his father and sends his personal bodyguards (the Praetorians) to kill Maximus and his family.

29-32: Maximus defeats his assassins and rushes home to try to save his family. Too late. They're dead. Maximus collapses and wakes up in a slave caravan.



Maximus, now a slave, is bought and forced to become a gladiator. He's reluctant to defend himself, but kicks ass when the situation calls for it. Befriends some of the other gladiators. Wants nothing but revenge against Commodus (which means going to Rome).

We also see Rome political scenes mixed in. Commodus decides to hold massive, expensive gladiatorial games. Lucilla and some of the senators conspire against him when he starts selling off Rome's food stores to finance the games. His loyal praetorian guards are too powerful, however, and there's very little they can do.

58: Maximus gets to Rome. As a gladiator. Time to kick ass on a much bigger scale.

Maximus overcomes enormous odds to kick ass in the Colosseum.

67: Maximus is forced to reveal his identity to Commodus. He's going to be in for a hell of a few more battles now that Commodus knows his identity.

Maximus continues kicking ass. Gains enormous popularity with the people after he shows opponents mercy. He also begins plotting with Lucilla and the senators. He'll use his army in coordination with the city guard (loyal to senators) to overtake Commodus' powerful Praetorians. A fantastic coup d'etat.

92: Commodus becomes suspicious of Lucilla and threatens Lucilla's son. He forces her to reveal her plans. Knowing the threat at hand, he dispatches his guards to quell the uprising before it occurs. Senators are arrested and Praetorians storm the gladiator holding cells. Looks like they're screwed.



(This is where the second draft and movie seem to split)

97: Maximus succeeds in escaping and joins his army.

Maximus and his army ride into Rome, join up with city guards and neutralize many Praetorians. Maximus then rides into the arena to save the senators (who are about to be killed).

103: Lucilla is killed in the rescue attempt. Tries to take down Commodus herself and fails. Maximus had promised to take care of her son should anything happen to her.

105: Maximus strikes down Commodus.

Maximus returns rule to the senators. Asks them to fulfill dream of a Roman republic. Maximus takes Lucilla's son and rides into the west, away from Rome, as he promised. Her son resembles his son greatly.

107: The End.

*********************

This script relies on a lot of action, which is executed exquisitely. However, there are underlying dramatic questions that underpin the action: will Maximus have his revenge? How? Will he survive being a gladiator? How? Further, it was satisfying to see Maximus rise in popularity with the people of Rome in spite of being a mere gladiator. He was able to gain power without become more powerful than Caesar Commodus (would hate to have a hero become more powerful than the villain).

Very tight script.
 
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