Maximus questions, "What possible difference can I make?"

Rating: Null/10 (18 June 2011)

The film, Gladiator, shows that despite formidable obstacles, be it physical, emotional, or political, a man can triumph over them and succeed in making a difference for others. Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, is in favor with Rome's Caesar, Marcus Aurelius played by Richard Harris, and is chosen by Marcus Aurelius to be the next Caesar over his own son Commodus. Joaquin Phoenix plays Commodus, who is hurt and enraged by this turn of events and subsequently kills his father and seizes the crown for himself. He orders Maximus executed right then and there and dispatches Praetorian guards to murder his family as he sees Maximus as the main obstacle to his obsession – to be loved, by everyone.
However, Maximus escapes the would be execution and manages to hold himself together despite the heart break upon finding his brutally murdered family. He nearly loses the will to survive, goes on to battle in the gladiator games in fights for his life winning the respect, loyalty, admiration, and love of the slaves: the gladiators owner – Proximo played by the late Oliver Reed; the Roman soldiers; the crowds of Roman citizens; and by Commodus's sister Lucilla, portrayed by Connie Nielson. Maximus seems to get the steepest odds and most dangerous obstacles in the arena after Commodus finds out who he is. Despite this, at the end of it all, Maximus conquers Commodus in the arena giving his life for Rome and changes the dynamics of the Roman Empire.
The director's use of lighting, color, and camera angle pulls the viewer into the story so that they have the full emotional experience. The dark, shadowy scenes of battle, clandestine meetings, and an escape attempt give an ominous and foreboding feel. While the use of red streamers as Maximus enters the arena for his first fight and red petals as he enters the arena for his last fight give the feeling that death is ever present. The red color of the streamers and petals, along with the darkness and shadows create the feeling of doom and despair and make the viewer wonder how this man, this one man, fails to give up and manages to keep fighting against such adversity.
The shots of the beginning of Maximus's story are much the same as the shots at the end of Maximus's story. We can see just the hand of Maximus running along the stalks of grass as he walks through the fields towards home. There is much relief and serenity as Maximus heads home – we are him – it is our hand – through the grass in the beginning of the story and in the end, as the fight is over and he has triumphed, just the reason for the fight and for who he fights is different. Both times we see Maximus near death the director brings us into the physical and emotional impact on the Roman General via use of a hovering camera angle, which makes the viewer feel as if Maximus is floating surreal above the ground. The first near death experience Maximus recovers to battle tyranny and fight on against all odds. The latter is his triumph over the injustices he has experienced and victory for Rome over Commodus' tyranny.
The viewer directly experiences the character's emotions through use of close-ups. We experience Commodus's hate, loathing, and deceitfulness; Lucilla's confidence, fear of Commodus, and love for Maximus; Marcus Aurelius' love and admiration of Maximus, his weariness of battle, and concern for Rome's welfare; and Maximus's pain and despair, his angst and sadness, and his strength, determination, and resolve. The viewer can't help but cheer along with Rome for Maximus to overcome.
As with the film, The Man in the Iron Mask, two would be brothers (one literally, the other figuratively) are pitted against each other. The power hungry, ego-maniac of a brother seeks to destroy the other and rule a kingdom at all costs. While the humble, morally conscious brother fights back to triumph over all obstacles set before him. In the film Gladiator, Maximus questions, "What possible difference can I make?" (Wick & Scott, 2000). Both films show that one man can make a difference. The strength and determination to not fail is contagious when one man is willing to take a stand despite the obvious obstacles working against him. Proving that one man can make a difference even if they don't always know what it is, even if it is to just give rise to others to take action.