Liberal Humanistic Critique of Gladiator

Ridley Scott’s epic film, Gladiator, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture in 2000. Scott’s film, details the fall and rise of the great Roman General, Maximus Decimus Meridius. The Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, tells Maximus that he wishes that he become his successor, instead of his son, Commodus. Angry, Commodus, murders his own father, thus becoming the emperor, and sentences Maximus and his family to death. He escapes, but the Emperor’s men murder his family and burn his home. Slave traders, then capture him, and sell him into slavery. Maximus swears revenge, and must fight for his murdered family, and destroyed life. A liberal humanistic critique reveals that the film has a self contained meaning, shows the enhancement of life, and reveals that human nature never changes.

Scott’s film, Gladiator, has a self contained meaning and theme, not connected to any other films or literature. The movie explains everything that the viewer needs, within the movie itself, making background information unnecessary. Background information can help the viewer comprehend more, but is not needed to understand the basic meaning or theme. Scott’s film, portrays two main themes: the greatness of man, and freedom. Forced into the gladiator arena, maximus fights heroically, wanting only revenge and his freedom. , Maximus, once a great hero, must again fight, not only for his life but his beliefs. Maximus’ character reveals this heroic nature, through his actions, and thoughts. The viewer understands this, without any background information. Scott creates this theme or idea, through Maximus’ character himself. This shows the viewer that a man’s greatness comes from ones own consciousness, and beliefs. Maximus has no...

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...ies. Modern censorship, has limited this somewhat morbid fascination, but many new movies, videogames, or television shows, supply the population with this desired entertainment. Scott’s film, Gladiator, reveals that human nature has changed very little, by recreating the bloody and violent Gladiator games, and the Roman Colloseum.

Ridley Scott’s film, “Gladiator,” portrays the sudden fall and heroic rise again, of a great Roman General named Maximus Decimus Meridius. Maximus’ monumental rise, and eventual vengeance, show the viewer, the greatness of this heroic character. A liberal humanistic critique, reveals that the film, has a self contained purpose or meaning, promotes the enhancement of life, and shows that human nature is basically unchanging.

Works Cited

Gladiator. Dir. Ridley Scott. Perf. Crow, Russell; Phoenix, Joaquin. Dreamworks Pictures: 2000