Gladiator: Critical film essay Essay

Ridley Scotts Gladiator is the critically acclaimed 2000 film starring Russell Crowe which won xlviii awards, including a BAFTA for best film. Gladiator depicts the tale of Maximus Decimus Meridius and his struggle against the might of the papistic Empire and the vicious gladiatorial atomic number 18nas. Throughout Scotts masterpiece argon a wide range of filmic techniques in the visual and auditory carry that collaborate in enunciating the overall narrative. The coal scuttle sequence is a aboriginal example that uses Mise-en-scene, lighting, tog out and film speed to enunciate the key scene. The opening scene begins with some diachronic information that introduces the sense of hearing into the scene and coifs up the narrative. Scott informs his audience on the vast scale of the papistical Empire, One depict of the worlds population lived and died under the Caesars. The emphasis is on and died in order to pose the scene for the incoming contend. The Universal and DreamWo rks logos are in a sepia colour. This colour informs the audience that the film is set in the past due to it being used for old photographs and ink. The historical information is accompanied by calming, serene unison which leads to the graduation deliberate of the protagonist.Scott has made use of coloured lighting, incorporating gold (which is representative of the wealth the roman Empire had) in many scenes throughout the film. The colour gold is an interest choice because it represents peace and riches which could in any case be a grapheme to the Roman afterlife Elysium. Scott has used Mise-en-scene in the first shot of the protagonist, brushwood his hand in the corn field. Although the audience are only presented with an utmost(prenominal) fuddled up shot of his hand they learn about his quotation through Scotts control of what appears in the frame. The audience sees a spousal ring on his hand and so learn that he is a family man. The critic John Gibbs also comments o n Mise-en scene, the contents of the frame and the bearing they are organised. During the close-up of the protagonists hand, the audience can hear a diegetic sound of the wheat blowing. A non-diegetic sound of children playing and soothing music can also be heard which again tells the audience he is a family man with something to loose. The consonant tone of music and golden cornfields set up an idyllic scene of calmness which instantly contrasts when the frame cuts to a harsh, cold and dark Germanic meshfield. The camera uses a medium close up of Maximuss face which reveals the emotions of a tired soldier. Maximus catches a coup doeil of a redrobin which symbolises his near return home to the summertime and his family. The robins red breast could also be a signifier of the forthcoming bloodshed. When Maximus moves on to greet his armament a broad shot is used which displays him walking alone.The theme of isolation comes into play which also recurs throughout the film. As the b attle scene draws near, a high move long shot is used to display the mighty Roman army. garment is used a great deal in Gladiator and adds to the films authoritative feel. A medium close up shot is used for the first time on Emperor Marcus Aurelius which shows him wearing rich clothing and touch by knights. This scene only coatings a few seconds but the audience discover he is a man of importance through costume. Moreover, Scott cute Maximus to appear as a strong character that holds high allowance as an important character. This is achieved through costume as Maximuss outfit is bigger than all other characters and has different insignias weaved into it. The costume for the untamed army is rather contrasting to that of the Roman Empire. The barbarians are dressed in strong cloth which suggests they are not nearly as advanced or wealthy as the Roams who wear steel armour. A Critical accession to Film highlights the importance of costume, Costume provides information about time and place, but, more(prenominal) importantly, they express social milieu and personal style. At 0441 the barbarian leader steps forward from his army and lunges the head of the Roman courier into the swampy ground and disrespects the Roman army.This is a episodic chain of events that avail drive the plot forward, Film narration moves forward by a succession of events linked in a casual chain. It is evident that the Roman army will fight now and Maximus kneels down to run land through his hands which is a recurring motif. The motif shows the spiritual font of Maximus, he asks the gods to fight beside him. As Maximus kneels down the audience are wedded a Point of View shot through Maximus staring into a dogs eyes. The dog symbolises the brute force of Maximus and suggests he is a wild character. As Gladiator mounts his horse the music quickens and a non-diegetic amaze beat begins to enunciate the battle scene. The music increases pace as the battle almost begins which heig htens audiences tension and excitement. As the battle begins a wave of Roman arrows are dispersed and computer generated imagery showcases a variety of special effects. A long range establishing shot on a high angle displays the destruction that the Roman Empire is unleashing.AsGladiator rides with his cavalry there is an array of fast cutting shots that last a few seconds each. The fast paced shots give the audience a battle like feel with exaggerated sound effects of swords clashing and explosions. Maximus demonstrates his leading role by shouting commands like, Stay with me and Hold the line . after the establishing shots of the battle Scott includes scenes that are more subjective to Gladiator. The gory battle follows Maximus as he enters a slow-motion phase that displays his disorientated point of view of the battle and a montage of his men fighting. Furthermore, the dog also engages in battle which suggests he is strong and independent like Gladiator. Ridley Scotts Gladiator incorporates brilliant techniques that contribute in enunciating the opening sequence.These techniques are things such as the use of costume which generates an authentic feel and camera speed which demonstrates a terrifying battle. A strong use of Mise-en-scene shows how the narrative develops through camera lighting and casual chains in the plot.