Alia-801's Maximus Character Study: Part IV. Defiant

Maximus: Defiant

Scene: After the fight with Tigris, Maximus is left standing in the arena. Guards rush in once again, and form a box. Maximus, knowing the drill, walks in and waits, clearly on edge.
Commodus is impressed by Maximus's victory, but struggles to appear calm and in control. He open asking, as if joking,

Commodus:What am I going to do with you? You just won't die.

When Maximus ignores him, he continues:

Commodus: Are we so different, you and I? You take life when you have to, as I do.

As Commodus asks this, the contrast between them could not be greater: Once again, he is the emperor, clean, fresh, surrounded by his guards. Maximus, meanwhile, is dirty and bloodied, tired from the fight, and a slave. Commodus made this clear from his opening line, however jovial it sounded. The example Commodus has chosen is very inaccurate. While Maximus does only take life when he must, on the battlefield or in the arena when he has no choice, Commodus kills when it pleases him: Maximus's family, later Senators, and the games are his doing: death on demand.
Maximus, clearly agitates to be in Commodus's presence, gives a short, threatening answer, but the threat is only clear to Commodus and his guards. To anyone else it would sound like a simple reply to Commodus's question.

I have only one more life to take, then it is done.

Commodus, getting angry, issues a challenge:

Commodus: Then take it now!

For a moment, the temptation is almost too much. Maximus clenches his fists, looking at the guards, knowing that he would have no chance to kill Commodus now. He is unarmed, surrounded by the guards, who would certainly kill him before he could get to Commodus. Just being in the presence of the man is enough to push him to the limits of his tolerance. Fighting all the urges to leap at Commodus, Maximus turns and walks to the edge of the square of guards, standing at the points of their lances, almost challenging Commodus to order him killed, showing that he knows the power Commodus has over him. This time, Commodus is prepared for the insult and the confrontation. He is determined to try to hurt Maximus - using the one weapon he knows will hurt more than anything else.

Commodus: They tell me your son squealed like a girl when they nailed him to the cross...

As he speaks, Maximus slowly turns to face him, but keeping his eyes lowered, not trusting himself to look at Commodus face, lest he lose control and try to kill him.

Commodus: ...and your wife moaned like a whore, as they ravaged her again, and again, and again.

It is obvious that Commodus's words are designed to wound Maximus, to goad him into attacking - his initial plan, to get Maximus killed in the arena, has failed. Now Commodus is trying a different tactic. However, Commodus reckoned without Maximus's self-control. Even in the face of insults aimed at his family, Maximus stays focussed enough to know that he cannot make any move toward Commodus without risking his life. A life he has pledged to use in avenging his wife and son.
Fighting to control his emotions, among them anger, pain, sorrow, and guilt, Maximus finally replies; his voice barely holding out, his inner torment clearly showing on his face.

The time for honouring yourself will soon be at an end.

With his words, Maximus us letting Commodus know that he plans to kill him eventually, whatever else may happen.
At the battle of Germania, Commodus spoke of honouring his father's triumph with the sacrifice of a hundred bulls. As his father suggested, he saved the bulls. Instead he toasted his own triumph in becoming emperor with other sacrifices: gladiators in the arena, and Maximus's family. Finally overcome, Maximus slowly bows to Commodus, acknowledging him before taking his leave. The word Maximus chooses is the only honorific he uses to address Commodus during the whole story:

Highness.

Not `Caesar', or `Sire', but `Highness'. The word he used when addressing the heir to the throne, but not the Emperor. Most likely, in his upset state, Maximus reverts to his old habits, acknowledging that Commodus has the power to hurt him or do whatever he wants with him.

Scene: After apparently having time to compose himself, Maximus leaves the Colosseum.

We see just how popular he has become: thousands of fans line the route, many bearing banners, all cheering and screaming for him. As a popular gladiator, he is spares the chains he wore before, and is instead escorted by guards, giving him some semblance of freedom.
He seems oblivious to the crowd, until one voice cuts into his thoughts:

Cicero: General! General!

Not `Maximus's as most of the crowd shout. When he looks up he sees a face from the past: Cicero. Maximus calls back, and seems to reach out for his old servant and friend. Cicero rushes along the crowd, then, as Maximus passes, they quickly exchange words.

Maximus: Where are you camped?
Cicero: Ostia!

Again, Cicero rushes further along, this time standing next to a woman who has approached Maximus before.
As Maximus approaches, Cicero holds a small bag out, which Maximus takes when he grasps Cicero's hand. Finally, as the guards move him on, he calls out:

Tell the men their General lives. Find me! FIND ME!

His words are again telling: He is their General, He doesn't say `I am alive', putting the emphasis on himself, but their General : one of them. Maximus is once again a soldier of Rome, once again one of them. Commodus may have rid himself of one man of principle, who served Rome well, but he merely exiled him, rather than killing him completely. Now that man has returned, ready to fight again.

Scene: In the cell he shares with Juba at the gladiator school, Maximus opens the bag given to him by Cicero.

As he pulls out the contents his joy is clear. Cicero, knowing him well has returned to him the possession which he holds most dear: his family figurines. As he carefully raises the figures to his lips, kissing them, his face shows a mixture of love and elation.

Now that he has the figurines back he can talk his wife and son properly, As he begins to communicate with them, Juba, watching his friend, asks:

Juba: Can they hear you?

Maximus turns to him, feigning ignorance, or else so lost in his reunion that he doesn't realise what Juba means, asks

Maximus: Who?
Juba: Your family. In the afterlife.

Juba is referring back to the conversation they had on the roof, and perhaps wondering at the difference in his friend.
Maximus catches up with the conversation:

Oh yes.

Juba wonders just what sort of conversation he may be having.

Juba: What do you say to them?

It is clear that Maximus has actually spoken to them, or at least planned what to say.

To my boy: I tell him I will see him again soon, and to keep his heels down when he's riding his horse.

The things he would say to his son when he was going away to battle, or expecting to return in the near future.

To my wife...

Maximus begins seriously,

That is not your business!

Juba appreciates the joke, the first Maximus has made, and leaves him with his figures and his thoughts. As he turns back to his makeshift altar, Maximus raises the figurines in a gesture of joy and possession, suggesting I have them again. He won't take them away from me again.

Scene: The Imperial palace, Falco is talking to an agitated Commodus, taking the role of confidante and pacifier previously played by Lucilla.

Commodus: And now they love Maximus for his mercy. And I can't just kill him or it makes him even more merciful. The whole thing is like a great... nightmare.

Maximus's gamble in the arena has paid off: by sparing Tigris' life he has risen in the esteem of the people. They love him even more than before, and now it is harder than ever for Commodus to kill him by anything other than (apparently) fair means. From Commodus's face, it is obvious that the nightmares have been keeping him awake a lot lately. Just as Maximus is driven by his need for revenge, Commodus is consumed by his hatred for, and fear of, his rival. Falco has fewer concerns.

Falco: He is defying you. His every victory is an act of defiance. The mob sees this and so do the Senate. Kill him!

Maximus is beginning to have an effect. Now, every time he fights, he only has to win in order to remind the people that he is prepared to stand up to Commodus. The people see that they have a champion in Maximus, someone who fights for them; for Rome. Someone not prepared to bow to the emperor. The Senators have also seen Maximus defy Commodus, and it emboldens them. If Maximus can stand up to Commodus, so can they, all of which threatens Commodus. There is only one way out for the emperor, to remove the figurehead, the person headlining the rebellion. Kill Maximus.
But things are never that simple, as Commodus reveals

Commodus: No! I will not make a martyr of him!

To kill Maximus now would only stir the people more against Commodus. He had a chance to have Maximus killed in the arena, but the plan failed and now it seems that Commodus is trapped.
Falco, however, has a plan which he outlines. Commodus recognises the escape, and takes it.

Commodus: So, we will lie still and let our enemies come to us and nibble. Have every Senator followed.

He will watch and wait until the time is right.

Scene: At the gladiator school many of the fighters are training in the courtyard.
Maximus walks through the courtyard apparently having been called by one of the others. Cicero stands waiting for him outside the bars. Both men seem overjoyed to meet again, but hide their emotions well, the depth of their feelings showing only as they clasp hands.
Maximus opens the conversation

Cicero, old friend! I was afraid I'd seen you for the last time.

However long Cicero had served Maximus, it is clear that there is mutual respect between them. Maximus again includes him, making him and important part of his past. They were obviously far closer than simply master and servant. Cicero was likely his friend and confidant, in addition to being his servant. He has seen every side of Maximus, the General, the gladiator, the man. He has seen him pray, prepare for battle, prepare to die; at his strongest, and at his most vulnerable.
Cicero: We thought you were dead!

While some people may have thought Maximus may have survived, and rumours from he first fight in Rome may have travelled back to the army, the more likely explanation for Maximus's disappearance would be that he had actually been killed.

Maximus: Close.

For a while Maximus was almost dead, close to death from the infection in his shoulder wound, then when that had healed, he lost the will to live. It was only when he hit on the idea of revenge that he began to fight back and care whether he lived or died.

Maximus: How long have the men been in Ostia?
Cicero: All winter.

This suggests that the events of the story so far have taken somewhere around nine months. It appears to be summer in Rome, and the battle was fought near the beginning of winter.

Maximus: How do they look?
Cicero: Fat and bored.

In contrast to Maximus's observation at the beginning of the story, then the men were lean and hungry after the long campaign, now they have little to do, and plenty of food, it would seem.

Maximus: Who is in command?

Already Maximus is forming a plan. It seems unlikely that another General could take his place in the affections of his men, so Maximus is intrigued to know who his successor is: any plan which uses his men will require such information.

Cicero: Some fool from Rome.

Things look good. Whoever has been appointed is someone who most likely did not fight in the battles but was promoted as a political step. The men will probably have little loyalty to such a commander until he has earned it. It should be easy for Maximus to retake command, if it is ever possible for him to get to Ostia.

Maximus: How long before they can be ready to fight?

Clearly Maximus is thinking of using his men in whatever plan he is developing. Cicero confirms that their loyalties have not changed.

Cicero: For you... tomorrow.

His plan now established in his mind, Maximus needs help to action it, and he knows where such help may be found, if Cicero will lend his assistance further.

Maximus: I need you to do something for me.

Such is the relationship between the two men that Maximus can immediately ask his friend for a favour which requires secrecy urgency, resourcefulness and some degree of risk. and know that it will be done.

Scene: Cicero stands near the Colosseum, watching some actors perform.

Maximus's fame is such that he is being parodied. The announcer for the show calls out to attract attention and explain:

Announcer: If you haven't been into the arena you can see the show here. The giant Maximus is defeating our emperor Commodus. He's defying everyone! What are we to do?

Maximus's fight against Commodus has made it into the media of the day - people have picked up on the tension and are now communicating it to others. The 'giant' Maximus, fighting against the diminutive Commodus could signify the uphill battle Commodus faces. Maximus is no longer just a gladiator: he is fighting for the people and the state, and as such has a power far greater than that which Commodus wields.
Suddenly Cicero sees Lucilla's bier being carried through the crowd, and he rushes over, trying to get past the guard to speak to her.

Cicero: My lady! my lady! I served your father at Vindabona!

But there must be many soldiers who fought in the army, so Lucilla in uninterested. Cicero tried again. This time, after repeating his first call he gets more specific.

Cicero: And I served the General Maximus. I serve him still.

Now, Cicero has said the magic words. Lucilla orders the bier stopped so she can talk to this man. When he is allowed to approach, Cicero passes on Maximus's message.

Cicero: The General sends word: he will meet you politician.

Always in this scene Cicero refers to Maximus as '(the) General', using his title. Though they are clearly close friends, Cicero still respects Maximus, and refers to him in the way he knew him best.
Lucilla thanks him by giving him gold coins and telling him they are for your loyalty, soldier. To those around, such words will sound like she is merely rewarding him for fighting in the army. To those who know (Lucilla, Cicero, us) they mean much more. Lucilla knew of the risk Cicero had to take to carry the message. He will have endangered himself by mentioning that he serves Maximus. If any of Commodus's guards are around he could be in serious trouble. She is also thanking Cicero for his loyalty to Maximus, even though he is now only a slave.

Scene: Maximus is taken by Proximo to a room where Lucilla is waiting.

As he enters, dressed in a blue robe over his tunic, similar to the red one he wore when he learned that Marcus was dead, Lucilla dismissed Proximo, then calls her politician, Senator Gracchus, who has been hiding.
The Senator walks to the doorway where he can see Maximus, who sits on a bench as he enters, closely for the first time. He hesitates, perhaps expecting Maximus to rise to him. Finally he opens the conversation.

Senator Gracchus: General. I hope that my coming here today is evidence enough that you can trust me?

He seems to be asking for reassurance that he can trust Maximus. For the gladiator, such trust should be implicit. He is a man of his word, and what threat could he pose? He is, after all, only a slave. Never one for small talk, he cuts to the heart of the matter.

Maximus:The Senate is with you?

What he plans cannot occur with the support of only a few politicians. Maximus needs all their support to protect Rome. When Gracchus confirms that he can speak for them, Maximus wastes no time in outlining his scheme.

Maximus: You can buy my freedom and smuggle me out of Rome?

Gracchus, not a soldier, who is unused to trust, seems taken aback at Maximus request. Despite addressing him as `General' at the beginning of the conversation, he appears to have forgotten what kind of planning and campaigning the man has done. So far Gracchus is only aware of Maximus as someone he has met on state occasions, and who was prepared to openly defy Commodus. He has yet to see any deeper into the man and the fires that drive him as he asks

Senator Gracchus: To what end?

Maximus explains further:

Maximus: Have fresh horses waiting to take me to Ostia, my army is encamped there. by nightfall of the second day I shall return at the head of five-thousand men.

Maximus has obviously thought through the plan, working out how long it will take him to make the journey. He does not even contemplate that his men may not want to return with him, though Lucilla does:

Lucilla: But the Legions all have new commanders, loyal to Commodus.

Lucilla, like Gracchus, has lived in a world where trust, respect and loyalty change as often as the weather. Maximus, on the other hand, has spent much of his life in an environment where his life depended on trusting and being trusted, giving and earning loyalty and respect. As Cicero said, some fool from Rome is in charge, making it not inconceivable that other commanders are also new appointees rather than promotions from among the ranks. In such a situation the men are likely to rally to the colours of someone they trust and respect over those of someone who has only been in charge of them for a matter of months. Maximus seems assured of this as he says:

Maximus: Let my men see me alive and you shall see where their loyalties lie.

Gracchus, however, has other concerns.

Senator Gracchus: This is madness! No Roman army has entered the capital for a hundred years! I will not trade one dictatorship for another.

Maximus won't be moved - it is his plan or nothing.

Maximus: The time for half-measures and talk is over, Senator.

His meaning is clear. `You had your chance and you blew it. You've talked schemed, squabbled, flattered and deceived, and where has it got you? Nowhere! Rome is still crippled by corruption, and now the only chance you have left is me.'
Gracchus, coming from the power-hungry Senate still has difficulty believing that Maximus may be thinking of anything more than himself.

Senator Gracchus: So, after your glorious coup, you'll just take your five-thousand warriors and... leave?

To his surprise, that is almost exactly what Maximus had in mind.

Maximus: I will leave. The soldiers will stay for your protection, under the command of the Senate.

Gracchus has not counted on Maximus's abhorrence of politics and power. He wants nothing more that to get as far from Rome, fighting and power as possible. He is still concerned for the future of Marcus' dream, and is prepared to hand over control of the empire and his men to Gracchus and the Senate. Gracchus is still not completely convinced - he looks for another motive.

Senator Gracchus: After all of Rome is yours, you'll just... give it back to the people? Tell me why.

He will be looking for such a motive for a very long time. Maximus is fighting to keep alivethe dream that was Rome. He wants to kill Commodus to avenge the murder of his family, but he knows that leaving things at that will cause a power struggle that could make things worse still. He has thought even further ahead. Whether he likes it or not, he is still Protector of Rome, and his oath to Marcus still stands. He will fulfil hi duty at whatever cost to himself. He is not doing this for himself, but

Because that was the last wish of a dying man.

A man he loved, respected, admired. A man who was like a father to him. A man he was, and still is, prepared to die for.

Maximus: I will kill Commodus. The fate of Rome I leave to you.

Maximus will ensure that Commodus cannot rule and now he believes that the Senate is ready to take power. Maximus has never wanted to be a ruler, and will not begin now.
Finally Gracchus is convinced.

Senator Gracchus: Marcus Aurelius trusted you. His daughter trusts you. I will trust you. But we have little time. Give me two days and I will buy your freedom. And you, you stay alive, or I will be dead.

Scene: Proximo's quarters. Maximus is speaking to him.

From Proximo's comments, it is clear that Maximus is trying to convince him of his plan - Proximo doesn't appear to want any part of it.

Proximo: It won't work. The Emperor knows too much. And for me, it's becoming dangerous.

Maximus appeals to Proximo's trading instincts:

You will be paid on my return. I give you my word.

Proximo, however, is concerned at the amount of money he will lost by releasing his best gladiator. He is also out of practice at taking risks, preferring instead to play games with other people's lives.

Proximo: Your word? What if you don't return?

As he makes clear later, Proximo knows that Maximus's word is good, but he also knows that Commodus and his praetorian aren't as stupid as they appear. If Maximus is killed or captured before he can return, there is a good chance that Proximo will be left with nothing.
Beginning to tire of the game, Maximus appeals to Proximo:

Do you remember what it was to have trust, Proximo?

Maximus's life is built on trust, on honour. He lives in a world where honour is everything. To Proximo however, it counts for little.

Proximo: Trust? Who am I to trust?

Why should Proximo trust Maximus, or Gracchus or Lucilla - or anyone else? Rome is a different world from the one where Maximus lived.
Maximus spells out his idea:

I will kill Commodus.

Proximo has not yet tired of his game, playing Devil's Advocate. Maximus is speaking to him of trust an honour, but has also spoken of money. Proximo continues to pretend to be a man who is only interested in what he can get out of a situation, even though there is clearly a relationship between Proximo and Maximus, built on their shared experiences of fighting in the arena.

Proximo: Why would I want that? He makes me rich. Oh, I know that you are a man or your word, general.

Proximo finally stops playing, and reveals for the first time (to us at least) his thoughts and understanding of the man who is now pleading for his freedom. Proximo has probably seen other men beg to be released from their slavery, but none before have been the leader of the Roman army, and none would have been out to kill the Emperor. Still, this man has other attributes, not necessarily expected of gladiators.

Proximo: I know that you would die for honour. You would die for Rome. You would die for the memory of your ancestors.

In that line, Proximo has summed up Maximus's reasons for existing. His wish to kill Commodus, to avenge his family will most likely involve his own death, but he is prepared to give it, for all the reasons Proximo mentioned.
Even though he is showing sympathy, Proximo is still not prepared to take the risk.

Proximo: But I, on the other hand, I'm an entertainer.

Proximo has said everything he wants to on the subject. He doesn't want to think on it further - perhaps he is afraid of weakening and eventually agreeing to Maximus's demands. In any case, he makes it clear the conversation is over.

Proximo: Guard!

Maximus sees that there is little he can do to push Proximo any further, but as he turns to leave he fires a parting shot = perhaps just enough to make Proximo reconsider. From the way he spoke before, it is clear that Proximo respected Marcus Aurelius: he may have caused him difficulties by outlawing the gladiatorial contests, but he also gave Proximo possibly the most important gift of his life: freedom. Maximus answers the question Proximo asked earlier in the conversation: the trainer would want Commodus dead because He killed the man who set you free.

Scene: In the gladiator school, Maximus and Juba lie on their beds.

Suddenly the night is disturbed by Proximo and his guards opening the cell doors. Proximo barks at the gladiators to get out, though making it clear Maximus should stay.
Before they move, the other gladiators look to Maximus for advice, which he returns with a nod. When they are alone, Proximo explains.

Proximo: Congratulations, General. You have very influential friends.

Revealing that something has changed his mind. As he leaves the cell, Lucilla walks in, speaking urgently.

Lucilla: My brother has had Gracchus arrested. We cannot wait any longer. You must leave tonight. Everything is arranged. Proximo will come at midnight and take you to the gate. Your servant, Cicero, will be waiting there with horses.

Quickly taking in everything she has said, Maximus realised how much had to be organised and prepared, and sounds surprised and impressed as he asks:

You have done all this?

Then the realisation of what is entailed strikes home. Lucilla has endangered herself and her son in order to see that everything was sorted out.

You risk too much!

Her talent for survival has gone on hold. Now she is acting for the good of others - for Rome, for her father's dream, for Maximus. Her reply suggests that there is something more to it than that, something more personal.

Lucilla: I have much to pay for.

Lucilla cannot be responsible for anything Commodus has done, nor Maximus's slavery or the loss of his family. So she must be referring to something further back in their past. Again, it seems to suggest that it was she who hurt Maximus. He does not bear a grudge though. After everything that has happened since they met outside Marcus' tent, the past is irrelevant. What matters to Maximus is that Lucilla is here now, doing what must be done, and doing it for a cause far greater than herself.

You have nothing to pay for. You love your son, you are strong for him.

Even now, family is still the most important thing in Maximus's life. So long as Lucilla is taking care of Lucius, and being there for him, nothing else matters. Lucilla, however, has had to be strong all the time, for her father, her husband, her brother, her son.

Lucilla: I am tired of being strong. My brother hates all the world, and you most of all.

She is trying to support Commodus, to tame his madness, to control him, but she has given it everything she has, and it is no longer enough. Commodus is becoming completely psychotic, and directing all his anger at Maximus. The gladiator guesses why.

Because your father chose me.

Lucilla disagrees.

Lucilla: No. Because my father loved you. And because I loved you.

Finally things fit. Commodus wanted power, wanted to rule Rome, but more than either he wanted to be loved and respected by those close to him. Instead his father was always busy fighting wars, speaking with his generals, with little time for his son. Lucilla, while there to support her brother, never loved him in the same way that he loved her. Commodus hated Maximus mostly because he was jealous. Marcus spent time with Maximus, talked with him, confided in him, treated him like a son--all the things Commodus wanted but never had. And then Lucilla cared for Maximus rather than him. Lucilla wanted rid of Commodus, his hatred, his anger, his madness and his plotting is now doing far more than hurting her head. It's draining her of her energy, and threatening to destroy the empire. Lucilla has come to the one person who can help, the one she trusts with her life and that of her son, the person who is always there for her. Maximus.
Maximus, remembering the past, but also all that has gone since, smiles as he takes her hand and kisses it.

A long time ago.

Lucilla, suddenly afraid to lost the intimacy of the moment, asks:

Lucilla: Was I very different then?

Maximus's face reveals that he is thinking back, remembering their past. Finally he strokes her face as he tells her the only difference he sees.

You laughed more.

After all the things that have happened to them both, Maximus reveals that little has changed between them. They are both essentially the same people that they were all those years ago.
This conversation is in stark contrast to their first meeting of the film. Then both were cold, professional, keeping the distance between them, playing games, lying to each other. Now we see a spark of their old relationship - they speak carefully, quietly, tenderly, reaching out to each other.
Lucilla finally reveals the depths of her feelings.

Lucilla: I have been alone all my life, except with you.

More evidence that whatever caused Lucilla to leave Maximus in the past, it was not for love. In a world where everyone lied, schemed, deceived and plotted as a matter of course, Maximus was a man to whom she could turn for honesty, honour, calm and support. He could give her strength and companionship. He was the only person with whom she could let her guard down, relax, and truly be herself.
Finally, she thinks it's time to leave, though she doesn't sound convinced that she wants to. Maximus has the same tone when he agrees.
Neither of them move, they stand close, looking into each others eyes, neither wanting to lost the moment, both knowing it could be the last time they ever see each other, but for a moment, suspended from the present, from the danger, risk, politics and death, they just enjoy the company, the connection, the friendship, the love... Finally they move closer, into each others arms, into their past, and kiss.

Scene: In the Imperial Palace, Lucius is playing swords with some of the slaves. Commodus wakes to the noise, and asks what he's doing:

Commodus: Isn't it late to be playing Legionnaire?
Lucius: I'm not a legionnaire.
Commodus: Not a legionnaire?
Lucius: I'm a gladiator!
Commodus: A gladiator? Gladiators only fight in the games. Wouldn't you like to be a great Roman war hero like Julius Caesar?
Lucius: I'm Maximus, Saviour of Rome!

Commodus has either forgotten how excited and impressed Lucius had been by Maximus ( And as for this young man, he insists that you are Hector reborn. Or is it Hercules?) or assumed that Lucius' feelings have changed in the same way that his own have. It wouldn't have been a huge stretch of the imagination to get from Hector (or Hercules) to `Saviour of Rome', though perhaps unlikely for an eight year-old such as Lucius.
Commodus asks

And who said that?

Though we don't hear the answer, later events (and the novel) suggest Lucilla as the source. It would not be difficult for Lucius to overhear Lucilla speaking with politicians such as Gracchus or her guards (many of the rooms are separated by fabric rather than walls) and pick up on the mention of his hero's name, though it is difficult to imagine Lucilla referring to Maximus as `Saviour of Rome' IT is more like something Gracchus would say.
For whatever reason, Lucius picked up on it. It is clear he still idolises Maximus (Who he has probably seen fight several times) providing yet another reason for Commodus to hate him, In truth, and children who have seen the fights or the shows in the market places, or whose parents have, are likely to have heard Maximus referred to as the `Saviour of Rome'.
Maximus is the People's Champion, clearly so after his last fight, and by now it is likely that many people see him as the hope for the future. He is the only person who has stood up to Commodus - none of the politicians ever have - and his past and history as a General are also likely to be common knowledge.

Scene: Proximo's gladiator school. Maximus prepares to leave

As he readies himself for escape, Maximus collects together his few belonging, sliding his ring onto his finger, and putting the figurines carefully into their bag. Even now, with the future of Rome, and his life, at stake, Maximus collects those things which are important to him, as if he knows he will need the strength they give him in the future. Everything he now plans and does is for them, his wife and son. He needs them there. They give him another way to ground himself, to focus and channel his thoughts and feelings.
As he gathers them together, tramping footsteps are heard approaching, the praetorians he has feared throughout are coming form him. They call to Proximo, telling hi to open the ate. This is the most dangerous moment for Maximus. Proximo could easily change his mind and let the guards in to kill him. Commodus obviously knows what's going on, and the plan is dangerously close to failure. No one could blame Proximo if he decided it was safer to comply.. IF the guards were allowed in now, Maximum would have to face them unarmed, with no armour, no escape route, and only Juba to help. Even he could not win against such odds. Everything lies in Proximo's hands.
As the trainer walks across the courtyard he must be watching intently, wondering if Proximo will continue to walk towards him, or turn to open the gate. The praetorian captain makes the choice Proximo must make patently clear:

Praetorian Captain: Open the gates Proximo! Do you want to die old man?

Instead, proximo makes his may to Maximus's cell and hands him the keys, saying

Proximo: Here. Everything is prepared. It seems that you have won your freedom.

Proximo, having been a gladiator himself, knows the value of the gift he gives to Maximus. Freedom. The ultimate prize for a slave. Maximus did everything asked of him: he won the crowd; he fought well; he stood before the emperor. Commodus would never have released his enemy, preferring to see him have to fight in the ring, humiliating him with slavery. Maximus gets his freedom in the only way left - Proximo releases him. But, in the true nature of the games, in order for Maximus to be free, others must die - and now Proximo knows that he will pay for the gift with his life.

Maximus, noting the change in Proximo since their last conversation, and aware of the choice Proximo was forced to make, asks him

Proximo, are you in danger of becoming a good man?

Though Maximus knows now that Proximo already is.
Proximo is less keen to admit it, and just grunts before turning and walking away.

Now, Maximus knows that things won't be as simple as they sounded. In order to escape from the compound he will need help to get past the praetorians who are trying to break in. Maximus hands the cell keys to Juba so he can open the doors while Maximus sheds his robe, allowing him to blend in and escape more easily.
When he is ready, the other gladiators have filed into their cell to see what Maximus wants. Again, they look to him for guidance.

I only need moments, so do not be careless with your lives. If you do not want any part of this, go back to your cells.

Even now, with his life, plans, and the future of Rome on the line, Maximus's first concern is for his men. If he must, he is prepared to escape all alone. These men are his friends, not his subordinates. They are not in the army, so there is no way he could order them to help. He does not need to though - they are once again ready to fight, and if necessary, die for him.
Haken makes this clear, speaking for all of them.

Haken: We wait here for you, Maximus.

Then they share the lesson Maximus taught them. Maximus showed that even as slaves with nothing, subject to the will of their masters there was something they could share, something they could live for, which would place them above other people. A code which would unite them in a way nothing else could.

Strength and Honour.

As he turns to leave, Maximus pauses to share the mantra with Juba, the person who has been closest to him since his captivity began, his kindred spirit. They tough foreheads, wishing each other Strength and Honour, then Maximus begins his escape.

Scene: In the courtyard of the gladiator school, the gladiators unarmed and unarmoured fight against the praetorians. They work together, doing all they can to distract the guards as Maximus moves through the shadows to the tunnel entrance.

One gladiator who will not be there when Maximus returns is Haken. Fighting hard the Germanian attracts much attention from the praetorians, and is shot. Initially he keeps fighting, until finally his wounds are too much, and he falls to the ground, dead.
It is strange that it is Haken who pays for Maximus's escape with his life. Initially Haken seemed wary of Maximus, the General who may well have been responsible (however indirectly) for his enslavement. Eventually though, Maximus won him over by saving his life, something he was unable to repeat a second time. It is testament to Maximus's abilities as a leader that eventually it was Haken, and enemy of his army, who died for him.
While this was going on, someone else was also paying the ultimate price for Maximus's escape: Proximo.
In his quarters the trainer glances at his rudius, the symbol of his freedom, and prepares to meet his end. As the guards walk up the stairs he whispers

Proximo: Shadows and dust.

The two things he earlier said made up the mortals, those not immortal or dead. The two themes of the movie. Dark versus light; earth, sand, soil. Finally, Proximo slips from the light to be taken by the dark, as the praetorians stab him again and again.
Maximus makes it into the tunnel, finding his way with a flaming torch. As he turns a corner, he sees that everything is indeed arranged, His armour and sword sit waiting for him. Seconds later, wearing both he emerges from the tunnel.
Initially all seems quiet, so he signals to Cicero with a bird call. Cicero, hearing it, calls out to him

Cicero: Maximus!

Suddenly, Maximus sees that things aren't right. Startled by something Cicero's horse bolts, leaving him hanging from a tree. As Maximus runs to help, supporting his weight, Cicero just has time to breathe his regrets before hidden archers fire, taking his life too.
Left holding his friend's body, Maximus lets out a cry which seems to come from the depths of his soul, as he loses not only his friend, but his hopes.

No!

For the second time, all his plans are disintegrating around him, and more of his friends are dying for nothing. He is totally outnumbered, with no hope of escape. He turns, hand on his sword hilt, but he never draws it, knowing he will never have time to use it. Finally, it seems, he knows when he is conquered.

Scene: In the palace, Commodus has received the news that Maximus has been taken. He wonders what to do next.

Commodus: And what of my nephew, and what of his mother. Should they share her lover's fate? Or should I be merciful?

Again, he copies Maximus, showing that he wants to be admired in the same way. Does he believe that showing mercy to Lucilla will earn him the same adoration as Maximus got when he spared Tigris' life? By now, he is unbalanced enough that it is possible. He also tries to copy another aspect of Maximus, he wants to sleep with Lucilla.

Commodus: You will love me as I have loved you. You will provide me with an heir of pure blood so that Commodus and his progeny will rule for a thousand years.

Here is another reason for his hatred of Maximus, and his suspicion of Lucilla. She loves him, and always has. For his whole life, Commodus has loved Lucilla in a way that she has never returned. Commodus hates Maximus because the General has everything that Commodus has ever wanted. Finally, when he doesn't receive the answer he wants, he asks

Commodus: Am I not merciful?

He wants to hear it said that he too was merciful, though he has no concept or understanding of mercy. When he still gets no reply he moves to kiss Lucilla, to take whatr he wants. She turns away, an now completely enraged, Commodus screams

Commodus: AM I NOT MERCIFUL?

Oblivious of the irony: mercy cannot be forced or dictated.

Scene: At the Colosseum, the crowd wait for the fight, calling for Maximus. In the cells beneath Maximus stands chained and stripped.

Maximus waits, bruised, shackled, held apart from the other gladiators who have also been captured. He is not beaten yet, though. He stands upright, looking around.
Footsteps approach, belonging to Commodus. When he is close to Maximus, he stops, then talks to him as though addressing a subordinate.

Commodus: Maximus. Maximus. Maximus. They call for you. Their General who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor.

As he speaks, Commodus's tone first sounds disgusted, then it begins to grate with anger. He sounds calmer as he continues

Commodus: A striking story. Now the people want to know how the story ends. Only a famous death will do.

At this point, it looks like Commodus may have discovered when to stop while he's ahead, and just have Maximus killed in the arena, publicly putting an end to the rebellion which has grown with him as the figurehead, crushing it and any further thought of revolt for good.
Instead, Commodus still believes that he is all powerful and can do whatever he wants, fulfilling all his dreams in one go.

And what could possibly be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena?

Maximus is surprised, revealed by the laughter and disbelief in his voice as he asks

You would fight me?

Commodus, who has never fought anyone other than his praetorians at practice, is now challenging the most accomplished and famed gladiator of all. Commodus is not impressed by the implication in Maximus's question.

Commodus: You think I am afraid?

With nothing to lost, Maximus gives him an honest answer.

I think you have been afraid all your life.

His tone seems chosen especially to provoke Commodus, which it does.

Commodus: Unlike Maximus the Invincible - who knows no fear?

Commodus has missed the point. Maximus is not immune to fear, though that would be easier for Commodus to understand. He just knows how to face it. Unlike Maximus, Commodus lets fear dictate how he lives his life. Maximus has done everything despite his fears, not because of them. He explains further.

I knew a man who once said `Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back.'

Again, Commodus misses the point.

Commodus: I wonder, did your friend smile at his own death?

Maximus smiles. So many of his friends have died recently, but all of them in the search for good. Commodus meanwhile, has made a wrong assumption. He believes the author of the quote to be Proximo. Maximus corrects him and accuses him in the same breath.

You should know. He was your father.

Maximus knows Commodus killed Marcus, and therefore he should know if he smiled or not. The mention of Marcus, and perhaps Maximus's tone, anger Commodus again, though this time his ire is the more quiet, dangerous kind.

Commodus: You loved my father, I know. Bus so did I. That makes us brothers doesn't it?

It was obvious that Maximus and Marcus has a close relationship. Marcus had adopted Maximus as his son. Now Commodus takes him as a brother, in the same sort of relationship and Cain and Abel.

Commodus: Smile for me now, brother.

As he says it, Commodus embraces Maximus, and takes advantage of the chains holding him to stab him in the back. Maximus tried to pull away, gasping at the pain. Commodus releases him, completing the gesture with a kiss.

As Maximus struggles to stay in control, fighting against the pain and shock, Commodus gets back to business, instructing Quintus to Strap on his armour. Conceal the wound.
. Finally Commodus has revealed his plan. He wants to fight in the arena. To beat Maximus and all that he stands for. Even Commodus, crazed as he is, knows that he could never better Maximus is a fair fight, so he makes it appear fair, while ensuring his victory. He has given Maximus a wound which will eventually kill him, and which will slow him down from the beginning. Commodus can strike at him early on, or just wait until the stab wound weakens Maximus far enough that he can stand over him as the crowd screams for his death.

Scene: On the lifting platform rising to the arena Maximus and Commodus are ringed by praetorians, foremost amongst them is Quintus.

Already it looks as though Commodus has won half the battle. While he stands looking up at the sky and the arena, Maximus stands head lowered, clearly in pain, looking defeated and broken.

Scene: In the arena the guards form a ring in which the combat will take place.

Quintus hands a sword to Commodus, which Maximus, with difficulty, reaches to the ground and scoops up some dust, then in his familiar ritual rubs it into his hands.

If there is ever a time he needs to be grounded, focussed, connected with his surroundings, it is now. The culmination of everything he has endured, everything he has fought for, his hopes and his dreams depend on what happens now. He will meet his family very soon. If Commodus doesn't kill him in the fight, his wound will. The only matter left to determine is if he will meet his family having avenged their deaths, or at the hands of their murderer.

Quintus still holds Maximus's sword, but as the General stumbles toward him, Quintus throws the sword to the ground, afraid that Maximus may be angry enough to try to kill him. After all, Quintus gave the order for his execution, and was present moments before when Maximus was stabbed. His `friend' could be angry that he put duty ahead of friendship and fraternity.

Maximus finally reaches the sword, picking it up slowly. Finally, the battle is ready to begin. Light against darkness, good versus bad. Only here, the light-clad fighter is the one representing evil. Sand against marble.

As the fight progresses, it is not long before Commodus injures Maximus, cutting the back of his leg. Though weakened further from the loss of blood Maximus fights back, using much of his strength to throw Commodus back, then ignoring the sword and simply punching him, crying out with the effort and anger going into the blows. As Commodus reels away, Maximus wields his sword, slicing into his opponent's sword arm, disarming him.

As Maximus stands, trying to gather his strength, fighting the dizziness and fatigue that threaten to overwhelm him, Commodus looks surprised that he could have been hurt and that this fight which he had all planned out could have gone astray from his idea of what should happen. Realising that Maximus still poses a threat, Commodus calls out to Quintus for a weapon. Clearly, since he is the Emperor and wants a sword, he should have one.

Finally, Quintus decides that enough is enough. Commodus has gone too far. He got into this situation, he should get himself out of it. By fighting in the arena, Commodus reduced his status to that of a gladiator, a slave. Quintus passively watches. Again, Commodus shouts for a sword, this time addressing the guards. Realising that one may hand a blade over, Quintus orders the praetorians to sheathe their weapons, which they do, realising that he has now taken control of the situation.

As this happens, Maximus is weakening still further. His own sword, now too heavy for him, drops to the ground. The arena swims around him, fading into a more familiar scene, a while wall with a gate. Maximus begins to make his way toward it, hand outstretched to push it open so he can get through to the cornfields where he knows his family will be waiting for him.

Seeing his opportunity, his opponent now also disarmed, Commodus lunges forward, pulling a dagger from a hidden sheath in his sleeve. The movement, or perhaps the light glinting from the blade destroys Maximus's reverie. Seeing the danger, and realising that he still has work to do, Maximus dodges the knife thrust, using the last of his strength to take hold of Commodus, reverse the blade and slowly inch it back to him. Commodus, blind panic combining with disbelief on his face, hits out with his free hand. Maximus is now so close to his goal that he is oblivious of all but the dagger and Commodus's throat. As Maximus moves the dagger closer and closer to Commodus's neck, his face showing only determination and calm. This killing will be done with dignity, an execution carefully carried out, not in a frenzy of hate, loathing and disgust.

Finally the blade reaches its mark, and Maximus carefully and slowly pushed it deep into Commodus's throat, as the stunned Emperor gasps for breath.

Maximus releases his hold only when Commodus is dead, dropping him to the ground, followed seconds later by the dagger as he finally allows his hold on life to ease. For once the arena is silent, in a state of shock.

Knowing that Maximus is dying, and that he holds the key to the future of Rome, Quintus calls out to him, using his name as he always has, sounding almost concerned. As he calls a second time it is enough to drag Maximus back into the sun-drenched, blood-soaked arena.

Realising that there is yet one more thing he must do before he can let go, Maximus passes on his instructions to Quintus, still sounding lucid, holding onto consciousness by sheer will-power.

Maximus: Quintus. Free my men.

Talking to his friend, Maximus shows that he understands the situation, and passes on the burden of power. As he gives instructions he is charging Quintus with the job of completing them. As ever, his first though is for his men. No longer the soldiers who fought with him on the battlefield, but instead those who fought beside him in the arena: those who worked with him by choice; who shared some of the pain and humiliation he had experienced; loss of family, of home, of freedom. Men who only hours before were ready to die for him. His friends. His gladiators. His brothers. They are not just to be freed from cells but from slavery, shackles, guards, fighting. They will have the chances that were denied him. To see their homes and families again.

Maximus: Senator Gracchus is to be reinstated. There was once a dream that was Rome. It shall be realised. These are the wishes of Marcus Aurelius.

His personal wishes dealt with, Maximus must act as messenger for someone else, Marcus. He agreed to act as Protector of Rome, and now discharges that duty. Rome, and the Senate, should now be ready to rule again. There has been so much change in the opinions of the people that the city and the Empire are most likely to be ready to be a republic. Again.

Quintus passes the instructions on to the soldiers, and Maximus, hearing it, knows his work is complete. He can let go and begin the journey down the path to the house in the hills above Trujillo.

Standing for a moment, he sways, then falls to the ground as his life ebbs away. Lucilla rushes into the arena, calling out to him. Again he hangs on. As she kneels next to him he tells her that Lucius is safe. He has not only fought for his wife and son, but for the family he adopted along the way. For his brothers, the gladiators, for his father, Marcus, for his son, Lucius. He still cares for Lucilla, and the words almost speak themselves. You do not have to be strong any more. Even now, Maximus's thoughts are for others. Having called to him to hold on, Lucilla now releases Maximus to his dreams and his Elysium. Lucilla at least knows what is in his heart. She tells him it is alright to Go to them.

Knowing he can rest now, everything done, Maximus releases his hold on life, on reality, and makes his way through the door in the wall and into the fields of corn. Ahead, as he dreamed they would be, his wife and son are waiting for him. Walking through the fields with the Sun on his face Maximus is home.

As his body relaxes, Lucilla weeps: Maximus is gone. For a moment she sits grieving, then knowing what she must do she stands, turning to address the assembled guards, gladiators, people of Rome, and Senator Gracchus. She speaks from the heart the words we all feel.

Was Rome worth one good man's life? We believed it once. Make us believe it again.

Many died in the fight for Rome: the soldiers in the early battle; Marcus; praetorians; gladiators; Haken; Proximo; Cicero; Commodus; but they were only pieces of the puzzle, each with their own visions, their own agendas. One man brought everything together, united them all, faced death, turned darkness into light, felt loss and pain and in return gave hope and realised a dream. In so doing he held true to his beliefs. A man who was a brother, a husband, a father, a son, a General, a slave, a gladiator, a lover, an enemy, a friend. A man who placed duty, strength, honour and loyalty above all else. A man who smiled at death; who was afraid but never gave in to that fear; who did not know when he was conquered; who fought for what he knew was right whatever the cost to himself. He was a soldier of Rome. Honour him.

Gracchus, now leader of Rome, knows that there is one thing left to do.

Who will help me carry him?

The new head of the Senate leads the men or Rome, all from Gladiators to the head of the Praetorian Guard in carrying Maximus from the arena. Many step forward, lifting him high on his final journey from the Colosseum as the crowd look on in silence. Lucilla stands over the spot where he died, alone in life once again.

As the sun sets on the now empty Colosseum, one man walks alone across the sand, looking for a specific place. As he finds it, Juba kneels next to the petal-strewn blood-soaked sand, gently moving some aside. Carefully he takes his friend's small figurines from their bag and places them in the ground, uniting them again.

Before he stands to leave, Juba talks to his friend, remembering the conversation they had on a rooftop in Zucchabar a lifetime ago.

Now we are free. I will see you again, but not yet. Not yet.

Goodbye Maximus. Thank you from the bottom of my soul for this adventure; for the chance to get to know and understand you; for freedom from boredom on the many long train journeys over which I wrote this study; for reminding me that there are things more important than fame, or power, or money; for showing me the value of loyalty and honour; for teaching me courage, and showing me that if I want something enough I'll make sacrifices for it. But most of all thank you for the chance to give something back to the community of fans who have given me so much and for the chance to discover I can produce something which touches people in a way I never thought I could do.

Maximus, I honour you and will try to live with the dignity you have taught me.

Strength and Honour.

Last updated 20 Mar 2005 Page designed by: alia-801
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