Opening Scene of the Film Gladiator

Opening Scene of the Film Gladiator The opening scene in any film is important as it introduces the hero

and other main characters. The idea is to catch the imagination of the

audience and draw them into the film so they wish to watch all of it.

There are lots of factors the director has to take into account when

making the opening the scene these range from camera shots all the way

through to sound.

The opening scene of "Gladiator" is remarkable as it lasts twelve

minutes most opening scenes only last from 4-8 minutes. By doing this

Ridley Scott as set the task of keeping the audience interested and

drawn in the movie, for an event that last twelve minutes long. He was

able to do this by making us feel as if we the audience were part of

the film and played on the emotions of an audience. He does this by

using variety of methods which spark our interest.

The scene begins with the opening credits and has a background of

orange and red, this is to set the idea that it's based long ago or

you could say its shows blood is going to be spilt. Then text comes up

and begins to set the scene with some background information about

what's happening and tells you a little about the opening the scene.

This is done so there is no question of time period and the realism of

the movie. Music is playing through out this chain of events the music

is very calm and peaceful but gives a sense that something is going to

happen as if the music is trying to cover up an inevitable event. A

picture then is produced of a hand going through a corn field, we

later find out this is the hero's i...

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...this is also to play on emotions that he is a caring

person. When the Germans return the roman's peace message he has been

beheaded and he rides back on a white horse, the white horse symbols

peace and its rider is dead shows this battle is going to commence.

The general then addresses his men and tell them "3 weeks from now I

will harvesting my crops" the speech he does is to give them the urge

to fight. Then drums roll starts this is non-digetic and the battle

commences the roll speeds up and when the Calvary break into the rear

of the Germans the music changes to even faster pace. Half way

throughout the battle the camera filter is changed to red to indicate

victory is coming blood is spilt, red was the roman colour of royalty.

The music also slows down as does the speed of the battle and it is

shown in slow motion.