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Maximus the Gladiator
Scene: Proximo's room. Proximo has just told Maximus that they are heading to Rome. Maximus has vowed to Win the crowd.
Proximo: So, Spaniard, we shall go to Rome together and have bloody adventures... And then, when enough men have died, perhaps you will have your freedom.
Throughout this exchange, Maximus continues to stand at attention, turning to follow Proximo, who is unaware that freedom, at least in the sense he it talking about, is the last thing on Maximus's mind.
Finally, Proximo throws a gift to his best fighter: armour. This will not only protect him in future fights, it will set him apart from the other gladiators. Maximus has clearly made an impression on Proximo - not even Haken, his previous favourite, has armour of his own. Since slaves are not generally permitted to own propery, the gife is even more generous. There is another side to it though - Proximo has an interest in keeping Maximus alive. As his best and most popular fighter, Maximus must make Proximo large amounts of money.
Initially the armour contains only 2 griffins, matching those on the armour we later see on Proximo's Mars statue in Rome. As the film progresses, more images from the story appear on it, as though signifying Maximus path towards his home and family.
Scene: On the rooftop of one of Proximo's buildings Maximus and Juba sit and talk.
This is possibly the most heartfelt talk we see between any of the gladiators, and one of only 2 conversations we see between Maximus and Juba. Juba seems to be a kindred spirit to Maximus: he too talks about his home and family, not yet realising the situation Maximus is in, though he echoes his sentiments.
Juba: It is out there, my country. My wife is preparing food. My daughters carry water from the river. Will I ever see them again? I think not.
It is even more unlikely that Maximus will see his family again, at least physically. Suddenly he questions if he will see them at all - echoing Juba's question, but applying it to his own situation:
Do you believe you will see them again when you die?
Juba's answer reassures him slightly, but he is still worried.
Juba: ...I will die soon. They will not die for many years. I will have to wait.
Maximus: But you would? Wait?
His voice betrays the worry that maybe people don't wait in the afterlife. His only thought all along has been to meet his family. Suddenly, he is forced to consider what will happen if he doesn't and that thought hurts him more than anything else has. He would gladly face death, execution, slavery or pain knowing he will see them again. The thought that it is all for nothing is too much for him to bear.
Again, Juba reassures him:
Juba: Of course!
Finally, Maximus explains his questions:
You see, my wife, and my son, are already waiting for me.
Juba senses his friend's anxiety and pain - he had thought along similar lines only moments before - and is quick to support and reassure him again.
Juba: You will meet them again. But not yet. Not yet!
Still not sounding completely convinced, Maximus echoes Juba's words. Perhaps he remembers them from his hallucinations earlier.
This scene gives us the deepest insight into the relationship between Maximus and Juba. Juba comes across as very caring - when he first meets Maximus, he takes care of him, cleaning his wounds, even though he himself cannot have been captured too long before. After the 'fight' with Haken it is Juba who talks to Maximus. As cell-mates they would have to get along with each other, but they seem to have something deeper: a fraternity. Now we see that they have similar dreams: both are men who love off the land, Maximus as a farmer, Juba as a hunter; both value their homes and families highly; both have a talent for fighting.
Juba is Maximus's support when he is down. Juba is closest to him, and the one who is there when he is needed most. Throughout the story Maximus 'adopts' family: Marcus as a father, Lucius as a son, his men and fellow gladiators as brothers - but it is Juba who is the closest to Maximus real brother: a kindred soul.
Scene: In Proximo's Gladiator School in Rome, the gladiators stand and look in wonder at the Colosseum.
Her is another irony of the film: When he was talking to Marcus, Maximus referred to Rome as the light, and the rest of the world as brutal, and cruel and dark, but now that he is finally in Rome, the first thing he sees is the darkest, most brutal building of them all - the Colosseum.
There is more irony in Juba's words:
Juba: Did you ever see anything like that before? I didn't know men could build such things.
Does he realise that the building he is talking about was built for one purpose alone? Death.
Proximo sees the gladiators looking at the building and as he walks past them he speaks directly to Maximus, reminding him to Win the crowd.
Whether Maximus is thinking of the crowd is open to debate - though I believe it more likely he is imagining the future beyond the fights, standing before Commodus, the moment when he can truly win his freedom.
Scene: The gladiators sit in a cell facing onto the public area at the Colosseum. A young man walks along, looking for someone. He sees Maximus and gestures at him to approach.
Maximus looks quizzically at the boy for a second, then goes to see what he wants. As he reaches the front of the cage he leans on the bars and looks down at the boy, perhaps not expecting anyone so young to be there, or maybe just wondering why the young man has chosen him.Lucius takes the initiative, revealing that he was indeed looking for Maximus. His tone is regal though, not as inquisitive as would be imagined for a boy of his age. Lucius has clearly heard stories of Maximus, and for the first time we see an indication of his fame.
Lucius: They said you were a giant. They said you could crush a man's skull with one hand.
It's not clear whether Lucius believed what he heard, and it is somewhat ironic since Maximus is actually one of the least tall of all the gladiators we see in the arena. Maximus decides to play along.
A man's? No. A boy's...?
He flexes his hand as he speaks, as though testing the thought. He meets Lucius' eye and smiles slightly. Lucius appreciates the humour, then seeking to prolong the conversation he sees the first addition to Maximus's breastplate - horses. Pointing to them he asks:
Lucius: Do they have good horses in Spain?
Maximus: Some of the best.
At this point, Maximus becomes less playful and more thoughtful. A hint of pain can be heard in his voice as he tells the boy This is Argento. This is Scato. They were my horses. They were taken from me.
We can almost hear the thought which is left unsaid: "As they took everything else from me." A flicker of sadness crosses his face.
Lucius decides:
I like you Spaniard. I shall cheer for you.
Maximus doesn't seem particularly surprised, though his voice still sounds pained as he replies.
They let you watch the games?
By now he has probably worked out that the boy is similar in age to his son, and following on from previous thoughts, perhaps he is starting to compare the boy to his son. He seems concerned that it is Lucius' uncle who makes decisions about him.
And what does your father say.
The unspoken words are again clear: "If he had any sense he'd get you as far from this place as possible. This is no place for a child." Perhaps imagining what he would think if his own son wanted to see the games. More and more as the conversation progresses he sees Lucius as a son. After the boy's next comment, My father is dead.
Maximus's reaction is similar to one we see earlier in the film, during a scene between Maximus and Lucilla ("I too have a son who is nearly eight"). A connection has been made between them. Now the connection is not in having a son, but having a son who is dead, as this boy's father is dead. As Lucius' servant tells him that it is time to leave (revealing his name in the process), the pieces begin to fall into place. Just as Lucius turns to go, Maximus makes the connection.
Your name is Lucius?
The unasked question is again clear: "Lucilla's son is called Lucius - could that be you?"
Lucius confirms his suspicions. Suddenly, all the pieces fit together, and now the bigger picture is becoming apparent. Lucilla's son is called Lucius. Her husband was Lucius Verus. This boy is Lucius Verus after his father. THIS BOY IS LUCILLA'S SON.
Where Lucius is, the rest of the imperial family cannot be far behind. The emperor must be nearby. Maximus's chance of revenge will come far sooner than he could ever have dreamed.
Scene: Beneath the Colosseum the gladiators prepare for their fight. Maximus, once again preparing to fight a battle completes his ritual, rubbing sand on his hands, earthing himself before the fight.
This time it is more important than before: he can get his revenge if he can meet the emperor, but if he dies before then, everything will have been in vain. Maximus knows the odds will be greatly stacked against him and the other gladiators but he is preparing something which will help to balance those odds. Something that has not been seen before.
His ritual complete, Maximus moves on to select a helmet, walking along the rack until he finds one which will hide his identity as far as possible. If his plan succeeds, everyone will be looking at him, and he can't risk being identified. His helmet also gives him good protection while fighting.
Eventually he takes a spear from a guard, then joins the queue of gladiators waiting to move into the arena, listening as the guard speaks to them:
Guard: When the emperor enters, raise your weapons, salute him, and then speak together. Face the emperor and don't turn your back on him.
Throughout this speech Maximus must become more tense - thinking of the emperor, Commodus, who he lives only to kill - his chance is imminent and it must take much of his control to push Commodus from his thoughts. The fight he faces and plans now requires the cool, calm skill of the general, not the raw brutal anger of his last fight in Zucchabar. The final line of the instructions is particularly relevant: Go, and die with honour.
If Maximus's plan succeeds, he is very likely to be killed where he stands - but with Commodus dead, that will be irrelevant. He will finally be able to die with honour.
Scene: The gladiators make their way into the arena
As they all run out, they look around in awe and wonder, at possibly the biggest audience they will ever see. As Maximus looks at the people, do Proximo's words echo to him? Fifty thousand Romans, watching every movement of your sword...
Eventually, the gladiators form up facing the Imperial box, with Maximus at the front centre. Already he stands out as the only one with armour. As the emperor arrives, the other gladiators life their weapons in tribute and shout the salute:We who are about to die salute you!
For many of them, they are probably just words, a ritual. For others they will be prophetic. For Maximus they are a lie. In his world of honour, a false tribute is unthinkable. Even though he could be noticed, he refuses to lift his spear or say the words. His refusal might be clear to some of his fellow fighters, even if it remains unnoticed by the emperor.
As Cassius sets the scene for the battle, some of his words seem apt to the group of fighters: Warriors from all brute nations
Before the crowd are warriors from Germania, Numidia and Spain, among many others.
As Cassius proceeds with his speech, Maximus puts his plan into action, addressing the gladiators. Already, by speaking to them in the arena, he is uniting them - letting them into a secret that none of the spectators know, even though they are all around. Using careful phrasing from the beginning works to bring the men onto his side as he offers hope, support, and something to fight for: survival.
Has anyone here been in the army?
He doesn't insult them by asking if they were in the Roman army, or if they were warriors, merely asking if any of them have been soldiers. When someone replies in the affirmative, again he includes them.
You can help me.
It is clear that some of the other gladiators recognise him and know who he is from their replies to his earlier question: I served with you at Vindabona.
This also suggests that little has been spoken of their pasts, that Maximus does not realise some of his men are with him. Or just that he is carefully not setting up a hierarchy. He is giving all the men chance to fight with him if they so choose, rather than trying to force anything onto them. If he had said instead "I'm in charge, this is my second-in-command, and this is what we're going to do..." I suspect few of them would have listened to him or joined him. Instead he wins them over in his usual way - by placing himself equal with them and leading from within.
Maximus asks for their support, while establishing himself as the leader - without obviously setting himself above them.
Whatever comes out of these gates, we stand a better chance of survival if we work together. Do you understand? If we stay together we survive.
Again, he speaks to them as he would to his men. We - not you or I. This time he really is one of them. The only thing that sets him apart from most of them is his authority, his taking control - and his fighting skills, which they know from Zucchabar.
As soon as the gates open, he and the other ex-soldiers begin to lead the men, who in turn respond to the guidance.
Stay close!
Come together!
Stay close!
Stay close!
As the men form a turtillo he tells sees a way to defeat the chariots.
Lock your shields, stay as one! Hold!
Hold!
As one!
Well done!
He reassures them, telling them to wait and see off the chariots, then quickly praising them as it passes without causing any damage. His words As one work to further unite the group - We are a team. Your lives and mine are linked. We all live or we all die. We are one!.
Suddenly as another chariot approaches he changes the formation.
Diamond!
Diamond!
The gladiators' movement destroys the chariot, giving them hope that if they can wreck one, they can ruin others. Haken rushes out to collect the weapons and fight on. By straying outside the protection of the group, he makes himself a target for the archers, and is quickly hit. While he is distracted by the pain in his leg, he fails to see the chariot which is racing towards him. Maximus has seen it, and makes a split-second decision, rushing from the safety of the shields to push Haken to the floor a fraction of a second before the chariot blade reaches him. Such a show of courage and self-sacrifice pleases the crowd, who cheer loudly. Once Haken is safely rescued, Maximus continues with his campaign, splitting the gladiators into two teams, one to deal with the overturned chariot and one to help him. When they reach the horses, he immediately frees one from its harness and mounts it - this time he needs to be above his men; he is still one of them, but he needs the advantage - and it is unlikely that many of the other gladiators have challenged their opponents on horseback before. Once on his horse, Maximus is once again the general, the undisputed leader. He uses the horse to lead the chariots on a chase, before leaping over a broken chariot, leaving the one following him to crash into it. While he is doing this, Haken organises the other gladiators. He has discovered that Maximus does indeed have a plan and is sincere in wanting to protect all the other gladiators. Haken assumes the role of Maximus's second-in-command, leading the other group.
Eventually they are ready to finish the battle. On his horse Maximus has no weapon until Juba throws him a sword. At this point Juba calls out his name Maximus!, making it clear that Juba at least knows who he is. The revelation made at the beginning of the fight that other gladiators have fought with him in the past suggests that there are many scenes at the gladiator school which we have not seen. Though it is likely that some of the gladiators would not be keen on raising their pasts, there would be little privacy in the cells and anyone as famous as Maximus must be would have a hard time completely hiding their identity. The implication is that some of the fighters recognise him, and Juba knows his identity, but the subject is little discussed.
There is a risk that the crowd and emperor may have heard Juba's shout, but there must be other people called Maximus and few, if any people in the crowd would imagine that the once great general could be one of the gladiators before them.
Finally Maximus directs the men to form two columns, funnelling the chariots between them, rather than just allowing them free access to the arena. Maximus rides down the aisle, preparing to face the chariots single-handed, using his sword to take out the archers rather than the drivers, protecting his men again.
As the battle draws to a close, Maximus reins in his horse, looking round the arena before allowing his relief to take over. He rides around, discarding his sword and collecting a spear, so he is now armed as he was at the beginning of the fight, once again placing himself equal with his men by dismounting.
Just as it looks to be all over, the jubilant gladiators heading out of the arena, the praetorians enter.
To begin with, the gladiators warily face then, preparing to fight again. When the guard captain orders them to drop their weapons, it is to Maximus that the men looked for guidance, suggesting that they would even be prepared to fight the praetorians if he directed them to. Instead, he indicates that they should lower their spears and swords. Finally when he is satisfied, the guard captain addresses Maximus.
Guard Captain: Gladiator, the Emperor has asked for you.
The words that Maximus has dreamt of hearing since he spoke to Proximo is Zucchabar. Finally, he will meet Commodus., the man who was responsible for killing his family. Finally revenge is nigh.
As he prepares to meet the emperor. Maximus searches the ground with his eyes, finding what he wants in a broken arrow. He collects it in the only way he can, by kneeling to Commodus.
This is the only time we see Maximus kneel to anyone. As a slave in the arena it is probably expected, though he doesn't kneel to Commodus after the later fight with Tigris. In order to protect his one chance of killing Commodus, Maximus must fit in with what is expected. Defiance at this point could have him killed before he can near the Emperor. Again, the other gladiators take their lead from him, though leaving him alone at the front of the group, clearly the leader and the one the emperor has asked to see.
As Commodus walks out, surrounded by his imperial guard, and flanked by Quintus, he tells the gladiators to stand, which they do slowly. Already Maximus is fighting to control his emotions - any lunge for Commodus now would fail as any of the guards could intervene. He must wait until he is sure of the kill, however hard that may be.
Again, this scene emphasizes the contrast between Commodus and Maximus. Commodus, clean, fresh, enjoying the adulation of the crowd; Maximus, dirty, tired, but this time with his own share of the crowd. Slowly he is fighting his way back to the position he held at the beginning of the story.
Finally, as he readies himself to make the strike, Lucius appears and blocks him. Possibly the greatest irony in the story. For much of the rest of the film Maximus is fighting to protect Lucius from Commodus, yet it is Lucius himself who prevents Commodus's assassination.
As Commodus addresses him, Maximus palms the arrow, perhaps hoping that he will still be able to use it, but quickly having to realise that his hopes are dashed.
Commodus: But why doesn't the hero reveal himself and tell us all your real name?
Faced with such an order from the emperor, there is little Maximus can do. He can't attack Commodus with Lucius in the way. Maximus knows Commodus is not moral, he would likely use Lucius as a shield, and Maximus could never allow that to happen. He has lost his own son, and could not take anyone else's, least of all Lucilla's. Still, he tries to find a way to preserve his anonymity, knowing that his identity alone is enough to sign his death warrant. Commodus, probably suspecting that the gladiator is nervous in his presence prompts further.
Commodus: You do have a name?
Finally, Maximus has no option but to say something. Fighting to keep his hatred and loathing for this man under control, Maximus tried one final evasion.
My name is Gladiator.
When he speaks, his voice is cold, devoid of emotion, as he battles to stay controlled. He is saying "I have no identity other than this. I am required to kill for you so I kill. everything else is irrelevant. You wanted to meet a gladiator. Now you have. Don't expect more." His manner is similar to that displayed when he first spoke to Proximo, except that this time he feels not dislike or boredom, but absolute hatred and disgust at everything Commodus is and has done. Unable to vocalise this, Maximus expresses it in the only way open to him. He does the unthinkable - turning his back on Commodus and walking away, the greatest insult he has available.
It works. Commodus is on the verge of losing his temper. He thrusts Lucius aside and demands:
Commodus: How dare you turn your back on me? Slave!
He uses the last work to remind Maximus what he is, to put him in his place.
Commodus: You will remove your helmet and tell me your name!
This time there is no suggestion about it. It is a direct order which Maximus cannot disobey. Left with not choice but to reveal his identity, Maximus has to face the fact that he is likely to die in the next few moments. That the fight in the arena and all that have gone before are for nothing. He is now too far from Commodus to be able to hurt him without being intercepted. He makes the only choice left to him: to face his fate with dignity, courage and honour. He sighs, releasing his tension and anger, takes a deep breath to steel himself, then slowly turns, removing his helmet. As he faces Commodus he speaks loudly and clearly so that the crowd can hear him. His face reveals the depth of his emotions.
My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. General of the Armies of the North. Commander of the Felix Legions. Loyal servant to the true emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Even if he was going to survive revealing his identity, Maximus seems determined to seal his death warrant by asserting that Marcus is the true emperor - and Commodus is not. He is calling Commodus a fraud in front of fifty-thousand Roman citizens. Is he taking the gamble of his life? Or is he merely making sure he gets his say before he is executed? Either way, he is showing enormous courage to say such things when surrounded by so many praetorians. Perhaps unable to physically harm Commodus, Maximus is trying to do as much damage as he can verbally. Finally he moves to his personal credentials, showing more strain as he continues.
Father to a murdered son. Husband to a murdered wife.
His voice cracks with emotion as he says it, but when he finishes, his last line is delivered with chilling detachment.
And I will have my vengeance in this life or the next.
Commodus is left not knowing what to do or day. He certainly didn't expect what just happened. Eventually he turns to Quintus, commander of his guard, for help. Sworn to protect the emperor, Quintus has no choice but to order his men to draw and present their swords. As they do, the other gladiators step forward to join Maximus, making clear that he is one of them - one with them - and they are prepared to die with him, or for him, if they must.
Just as it looks like their deaths are certain, the crowd begin to respond. First a few, then more and more of them join the call to let these brave men live
.
Commodus appears shocked, but when practically everyone in the Colosseum is calling for their lives, Commodus has to make a formal decision on their fate. Slowly he raises his hand, trying to quiet the audience, but sensing he is fighting a losing battle, his struggle for control now showing in his expression. Finally he fights to turn his hand, giving the thumbs up, even though it conflicts with what he wants. Commodus cannot oppose the crowd. As the praetorians sheathe their swords and disperse, Commodus turns and storms from the arena. Maximus has not broken eye contact with his the whole time, merely standing passively as if waiting for Commodus to just get out of his way.
Finally, he turns to Quintus who is still facing him and raises his left hand to his heart, in silent salute, begging him to remember the code Roman soldiers live by; the code they shared: Strength and Honour. Maximus appeals to Quintus to realise that he is no traitor. That things are not what they seem. Quintus must be as surprised as anyone else to see that his former commander and friend is now nothing more than a gladiator. A slave. Even if Quintus knew of, or suspected that Maximus had escaped with his life, this must surely be the last place he would ever expect to see him. By giving the salute, Maximus is trying to form a bond, to show that he does not blame Quintus for what has happened. Even so, Quintus still seems nervous of him when they meet up later.
Once Quintus too has left the ring, Maximus acknowledges the people tho whom he owes his survival - the mob. He raises his helmet in triumph and tribute.
As he leaves the arena, it is to the sound of thousands of people shouting his name, first the audience, then the other gladiators waiting below the stadium. Maximus does not even seem to notice. The other gladiators from his fight stand around him protectively. All look stone faced. There is no jubilation in their expressions. They know how close they all came to death, even after the fight. They also know what has happened to Maximus, and they disapprove.
On his part, Maximus is close to distraught. All his hopes and plans have come to nothing. He did everything right: he won the crowd, giving them a show the likes of which had never been seen, but instead of killing Commodus he was forced to reveal his identity. Instead of joining his wife and child in Elysium he must endure more of the torment that is his life, all the while knowing that he could be killed at any time. But while Commodus lives, even the thought of joining them gives little comfort.
Scene: In the Imperial Palace Lucilla walks in to where Commodus is signing papers
One thought is obviously pressing on his mind.
Commodus: Why is he still alive?... He shouldn't be alive.
Clearly, he was not told that Maximus had escaped. Next, Commodus refers to the past which Lucilla and Maximus shared.
Commodus: He wounded you deeply, didn't he?
Lucilla is not prepared to commit either way.
Lucilla: No more than I wounded him.
Her words suggest that whatever happened in the past was painful for both her and Maximus. The rest of the story seems to indicate that it was she who wounded Maximus ,pre deeply. She makes apologies for the past where he makes none. Maximus does not seem to be someone who could willingly hurt anyone any more that he really had to, while Lucilla is prepared to do whatever it takes to survive or succeed. It seems likely that any relationship between Lucilla and Maximus was ended by her, at great cost to him.
Commodus then refers to Maximus's escape:
They lied to me in Germania. They told me he was dead.
Somehow, word of Maximus's escape was suppressed, and never made it to Commodus, though it is not clear at what point in the chain the information was changed or withheld. The praetorians who were supposed to kill Maximus cannot have gone unmissed for long. Quintus should have been aware that they had not returned - presumably they should have reported to him on their return. He must also have known that Maximus was likely to have put up a fight, and could therefore still be alive. After all, it was they who had the discussion:
Quintus: People should know when they're conquered
Maximus: Would you, Quintus? Would I?
Scene: Maximus is taken from the cell he shares with Juba to another, apparently empty, cell where the guards chain him to the wall, then leave.
By now, Maximus is likely in fear for his life. Though Commodus spared him in the arena, he has only (to our knowledge) fought once in Rome, and could possibly be assassinated at this point, before his following grows too large. He seems, when we first see him in his cell, to be completely accepting of whatever is about to happen. So far he has only been seen to threaten (and insult) the emperor. He does not have an obvious cause, and has not been blatantly defiant. he refused to salute Commodus, though that seemed to go unnoticed, and his words in the arena were carefully neutral. Commodus, the guards and gladiators may have understood the implications, but so far Maximus has not accused Commodus of anything, not sworn vengeance on him directly. It would not obviously be an assassination if he were killed at this point. Maximus would merely seem to have disappeared; just one more gladiator lost to the arena.
When Lucilla steps out of the shadows at the edge of the cell, she tried to begin on a light note, explaining her presence.
Lucilla: Rich matrons pay well to be pleasured by the bravest champions.
Maximus words, however, make it clear that he is expecting to die where he stands.
I knew your brother would send assassins. I didn't realise he would send his best.
Do Maximus's words suggest that Lucilla is the last person he expected to see? Is he just surprised that she should be there, or is he hurt that she should agree to kill him? His face certainly suggests surprise. as he speaks, Maximus advances on her, stopping only when restrained by the chains. His posture suggests that he is angry and on edge, not unexpectedly.
Lucilla, standing back from him denies it, though in a tone which does not sound shocked at what was suggested.
Lucilla: Maximus, he doesn't know...
Finally Maximus lets the tension go. He is angry, upset again, showing emotions similar to those seen at his solo fight in Zucchabar. The situation is much the same: He is a slave. He has lost his family and can see no way to avenge them before he dies. In many ways, to him at least, the situation is the same: He will die soon, leaving his wife and son unavenged. They are once again foremost in his thoughts.
My family was burned and crucified while they were sill alive!
His words are an accusation. "Why didn't you stop it? Why didn't you help them. Why couldn't I help them?". As he speaks, his voice cracks, breaking under the strain.
Lucilla again denies there was anything she could do.
Lucilla: I knew nothing...
Maximus lets her go no further.
DON'T LIE TO ME!
He knows her of old. Knows that she is comfortable with lying when the occasion calls for it. Knows to some extent when she is lying. And now he cannot tolerate the lie. He is not prepared to accept ignorance as an excuse.
Sensing this, Lucilla backs down, revealing that she had at least heard what had happened.
Lucilla: I wept for them.
This time Maximus is unsure if it is a lie. He doesn't accuse her, just lays a challenge. His emotions get the better of him. He can't believe that she had nothing to do with it, that she didn't know, and he wants to hurt her to. He grabs her by the throat as he speaks.
As you wept for your father? AS YOU WEPT FOR YOUR FATHER?
His words suggest that Lucilla also has something to do with Marcus's death, that she did not weep for him either. Or is he just trying to hurt her still further?
Lucilla's answer tries to explain the things that Maximus does not understand. That life is not always as simple for her as it may seem.
Lucilla: I have been living in a prison of fear since that day.
She is comparing her situation to his. Maximus has been living in a prison of walls, bars and guards. Hers has been built of terror.
To be unable to mourn your father for fear of your brother? To live in terror every moment of every day because your son in heir to the throne? Oh, I've wept.
Lucilla is saying "You aren't the only one who has had a hard time. You lost your son. I lost my father. And I spend every day that my son will join yours. You at least can mourn. How can I, knowing that my brother killed my father and will kill my son if it suits him?". Is she also trying to explain why she could not protect Maximus's son? That if she had done anything Lucius' life would have been forfeit?
Maximus is blinded by pain, and refuses to listen.
My son was innocent.
Does this allege that by virtue of his parentage Lucius is not? Or is it simply a plea? "Why did he have to die? He had done nothing to deserve it!"
Either way, Lucilla leaps to Lucius' defence.
Lucilla: So is mine. Must my son die too before you'll trust me?
Again, Lucilla appeals to Maximus (who is still holding her by the throat) "My son has done nothing to deserve death. Will you only believe me when I have lost my child too? My father is dead. What more do you want? Do you truly believe that I will hurt you and lie to you until Lucius is dead, killed by the same people who took your son? One innocent death is enough - surely?"
In answer, Maximus cuts straight to the heart of the matter.
What does it matter if I trust you or not?
Finally he lets her go, pushing her away. His actions, voice, expression, all show what he is feeling. Pain. Uselessness. He is totally demoralised and close to breaking point. "If your son lives, or dies, what difference does it make? I could trust you, love you, despise you or kill you. What does it matter? My son is dead and nothing can change that. Nothing I do, your precious son could so, or you could do will make any difference. So what does it matter?"
Lucilla tries to answer his questions, asked and silent.
Lucilla: The gods have spared you. Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the emperor of Rome.
Maximus has been chosen by the gods, by the people, by Lucilla. But Maximus can't, or won't, see it.
The gods have spared me? I am at their mercy! With the power only to amuse a mob.
Maximus is still in the Zucchabar frame of mind. You can almost imagine him screaming and throwing a sword across the cell at Lucilla. The gods may have let him live, but that is torture in itself. As far as Maximus can see, he has no control over his fate. He is at the mercy of the gods. He lives or dies at the behest of the crowd, or the emperor. All he can do is fight and hope that the mob is amused. He sees no way of using the crowd to his advantage. Clearly he would never have made a politician. Lucilla tries to explain it to him.
Lucilla: That is power. The mob is Rome. While Commodus controls them, he controls everything.
She tries again to get through to Maximus.
Lucilla: Listen to me! My brother has enemies, most of all in the Senate. But while the people follow him, no one would dare stand up to him. Until you.
She is trying to make Maximus see that people have picked up on the tension between him and Commodus. That he can make a difference. But Maximus is blind to anything that does not concern him or his family. Rome is a dream, a curse. Rome is unimportant. He cannot even look after his son. How could he do anything for a city? And why would he want to when no one else is prepared to do anything?
They oppose him, yet they do nothing!
Openly, that may be true, but behind the scenes things are changing.
Lucilla: There are some politicians who have dedicated their lives to Rome. One man above all. If I can arrange it, will you meet him?
Maximus cares little for politics, less for a city that cannot take care of itself. He also believes that he can do little of importance to anyone, given his current situation.
Do you not understand? I may die in this cell tonight or in the arena tomorrow. I am a slave.
"Your brother could have me killed here, or I could be slain in any of a hundred fights. I don't know how long I will live. I have no choice in what I do. My life is not my own." His last line here sounds like a plea.
What possible difference can I make?
Lucilla sticks with her suggestion.
Lucilla: This man wants what you want.
Lucilla's politician may want what Maximus the General wanted, but the man standing before her in chains wants only one thing: Revenge.
All his anger is released in the next line. Lucilla has been having one conversation throughout this scene, Maximus another. She has tried to get through to him, now he is trying to get through to her.
Then HAVE HIM KILL COMMODUS!
Maximus shouts with little concern for the consequences of being overheard. As far as he is concerned, he is as good as dead already.
Finally Lucilla begins to see once again into the heart of the man she once loved. She tries to reach him using a different tactic.
Lucilla: I knew a man once, a noble man. A man of principle who loved my father. And my father loved him. This man served Rome well.
The unspoken ending to this speech is "And this man can still serve Rome and my father. This man is you."
For Maximus, this is too much. The mention of Marcus has got through to him. He drops his eyes, bowing his head at the memory of broken promises. But he bears enough pain. He can't bear the thought that he has let Marcus down. he avoids it in the only way he can. Denial.
That man is gone.
He died with his family, when his freedom and past were taken from him.
Your brother did his work well.
Lucilla truly sees for the first time how deeply hurt Maximus really is. The last time she saw hi free was outside Marcus's tent: then he had everything going for him and everything to fight for. When she saw him in the arena she saw a defiant warrior stand up to her brother. Now she sees Maximus the man for the first time. This time he had no barriers for her to get past, yet until he spelt out the position she either could not, or would not see the change that had occurred. She entered the cell expecting Maximus to be the same person she met after the Battle of Germania: a soldier, used to fighting, in control, prepared to do what was right, loved by his men. Many of the impressions were the same in the arena: he seemed in control, prepared to stand up to Commodus, was followed by the other gladiators. What she did not see was the other side of Maximus. The side with no hope; the side which was a slave longing for the life he has lost. It hurts her to see Maximus so frail
- emotionally - and she begs him:
Lucilla: Let me help you.
But Maximus wants nothing from her.
Yes. You can help me. Forget you ever knew me. Never come here again.
All Lucilla has done since she arrived is talk to Maximus as he was when she last saw him. She has reminded him how things used to be, and opened wounds he had tried to heal by forgetting they existed. He is also likely to be hurt solely by her presence: in whatever past they shared, he was a soldier. Not part of the imperial family, but of high enough status to see her, a Roman citizen. Now that too is gone, and this time he stands before her chained, wearing a slaves tunic, with no rights, subject to anything she, or anyone else, requires of him. All of which must be incredibly hard to bear. Before she has time to say anything else, he brings the meeting to a close.
Guard! The lady has finished with me.
Lucilla, herself hurt and distressed at the change in Maximus, has tears in her eyes as she turns to leave.
Scene: At the school, the gladiators are sitting outside. Some are playing games, some eating. Maximus sits with Juba and Haken as they eat.
Haken opens the scene, distracting Maximus from his thoughts with a question about the past.
Haken: Maximus - you commanded legions? Had many victories?
Maximus nods his reply,Yes.
Then the question gets more pointed:
Haken: In Germania?
Haken is probing to find out if Maximus is responsible for his enslavement. Maximus though distracted is wise enough to deflect Haken's probing.
In many countries.
To Maximus, all the battles were necessary, with prisoners taken at all of them. It was not anything personal. Suddenly the cook calls out, sparing Maximus from any further questions. General!
Now that his identity is in the open, many people address him by his title rather than his name. Many of them are likely to be soldiers from one time or another.
When Maximus returns with his food, he seems very unsure, clearly still suspecting that Commodus may try to kill him. Juba and Haken pick up on his thoughts: Juba shakes his head, though whether to suggest that the food is poisoned or that it is not is unclear. Haken shows there are no hard feelings by taking some of the food himself, testing it for Maximus. Immediately it looks like the General's fears were grounded as Haken clutches his throat, gasping.
As Maximus and Juba look on in shock, Haken laughs, revealing that it was a joke to lighten the mood. Juba joins in, and finally relaxing, so does Maximus.
Now knowing the food to be safe, Maximus again looks to Juba, sadly, doubtfully, suddenly realising that he may have to live like this, in fear of his life Every moment of every day until either he or Commodus is dead. Initially, it seems silly - as a gladiator he faces death in the arena every day. But there he has a chance, he can fight back. If someone poisons his food or stabs him as he walks around the school there is nothing he can do. By revealing his identity to Commodus he has opened himself to assassination. Juba tries to comfort his friend - to show him that things aren't so bleak.
Juba: You have a great name. He must kill your name before he kills you.
In the arena Maximus became a star. Everyone in Rome knows his name and who he is. He can't just die, he must be seen to die in a fight. If he were to just disappear people would still speak of his victory, and he would be a figurehead for any rebellion. For Commodus to kill him completely, he must die in the arena, lose a fight, so people will say that he wasn't up to the fight, that there is someone better out there. Commodus can't just poison him, so Maximus is safe, at least for now.
Scene: In the entry tunnel to the arena Maximus is waiting to go out and fight. Proximo and guards stand at the bottom of the tunnel.
Proximo calls up to him: The emperor knows too well how to manipulate the mob.
From Maximus's reply, it becomes clear that they are discussing more than just the fight.
Marcus Aurelius had a dream that was Rome Proximo! This is not it. This is not it!
Something Lucilla said in their meeting has made him think. Maximus has the power to do something about Marcus's dream, to fight Commodus. Marcus wanted Rome to be the light for the rest of the world - ironic that Maximus realises this in the darkest, most brutal place.
Proximo does not hold by dreams. He thinks Maximus is taking on far more than he can handle.
Proximo: Marcus Aurelius is dead, Maximus. We mortals are but shadows and dust. Shadows and dust, Maximus.
Proximo must be amazed at some of the changes happening in his best gladiator. One minute the man seems broken, unwilling to fight, the next he is stubborn, then playing along, and now preparing to take on the emperor!
His words try to get through to Maximus that he is fighting a lost cause. There's nothing Marcus can do now - his dream, and Maximus oath to him, are irrelevant. Marcus is dead. The people left, those not of the imperial family, the demi-gods, are insignificant and insubstantial. They could vanish like shadows or be blown away like dust.
Proximo's words Shadows and dust echo two themes of the film: shadows - a battle between the light and the darkness, good and evil; and dust -the sand of the Colosseum, the soil on Maximus's farm, the ashes of his home, the earth he uses to ground himself - his humanity.
Scene: As Maximus walks into the arena to join Tigris, Commodus and Lucilla look on from the Imperial box.
Commodus is less than impressed at the welcome Maximus receives.
Commodus: They embrace him as if he is one of their own.
What Commodus does not appear to realise is that Maximus is one of them. He is one of the ordinary people. When he was a general, he made sure he did not set himself above his men, likewise as a gladiator. He is fighting for the people, their champion against corruption, brutality. He gives the people what they want and they love him for it.
Lucilla tries to calm her brother:
The mob is fickle brother. He'll be forgotten in a month.
But a month is not soon enough for Commodus. He can't bear that the crowd prefers Maximus over him, that they love and embrace Maximus, but not him, the emperor.
Commodus: No.Much sooner than that. It's been arranged.
Scene: In the arena. Maximus meets Tigris, then plants his sword n the sand and conducts his familiar ritual, scooping up a handful of sand (dust).
As he stands, it is clear that he does not intend to pick up his sword to salute Commodus, so Tigris makes the salute alone. This refusal is another brave move on Maximus part - this time it cannot go unmissed, though there is little Commodus can do about it at this point.
The formalities out of the way, Maximus and Tigris prepare to fight. Just as they begin to circle each other, more people rush out and take up huge chains. Before Maximus has time to determine what is happening, Tigris starts the fight by kicking sand in Maximus's face. They fight on, well matched until suddenly a trap door opens and the origins of Tigris' name become clear - a tiger leaps out of a hidden cage and Jumps for Maximus, who gets out of the way.
As the fight progresses, three more tigers are released, always when Maximus is near their cages, often when he has fallen. When the tigers near Tigris, the men with the chains pull them back, but when Maximus is nearby the chains are let out, making it clear that the fight is fixed. Unfortunately for Tigris and Commodus, Maximus is a match for the gladiator and his feline accomplices - killing one tiger and fighting off others.
Finally Tigris thinks he has won. Maximus us on the floor, pinned beneath a dead tiger, with his sword lying out of his grasp. But, as usual, Maximus doesn't realise he's supposed to give up now, and uses his shield edge to strike Tigris across the face. While his opponent is stunned, Maximus reacher an axe dropped by Tigris and swings it hard, pinning Tigris' foot to the ground. Tigris leans forward and blood drips from his faceplate.
Maximus struggles free from the tiger and kicks Tigris to the ground. The other fighter, unarmed and seriously wounded is finished. Maximus stands back, looking to Commodus to see if Tigris should live or die.
The crowd leaves no doubt. Tigris fought Maximus, and couldn't win even with the help of four tigers. He deserves to die. Finally, agreeing with them, Commodus gives the thumbs down.
Maximus raises his axe, ready to behead Tigris, then after a pause throws it to the side, glaring defiance at Commodus.
Now he is taking the biggest chance yet, openly defying the emperor. He is gambling that after this victory the crowd will be totally behind him, that his name will be great enough to protect him from Commodus in anything other than a fair fight. Maximus is issuing a challenge to Commodus :"Are you prepared to take me on? Me, and Rome? I can do what I want here, and you can do nothing about it. Are you sure you want to fight me on this one?"
The crowd quickly picks up on what he has done, shouting out:
Maximus! Maximus the Merciful!
Again, siding with him. The mob may be fickle, but they know who their champion is - the man who is ready to fight for them, who challenges the emperor. Maximus the Defiant.
Part I. General | Part II. Slave | Part III. Gladiator | Part IV. Defiant |
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