Gladiatoris one of the most unusual success stories of the 2000s. While any new project fromRidley Scottwas bound to be heavily anticipated, as he already had a series of classics on his resume, the “sword and sandals” style epic hadn’t been in fashion since the “Golden Age of Hollywood.” However,Gladiatorproved to be a rich and absorbing character drama that succeeded in transformingRussell Croweintoan instantly iconic film hero.Although the film’s style and action sequences have been homaged and ripped off countless times since,Gladiatoris best remembered for its beautifully tragic ending.
Set in 180 A.D.,Gladiatoris the story of the proud Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe), who becomes renowned for his heroism in defeating Germanic tribes that attempted to rebel against the Empire. Maximus’ strong leadership qualities gain the favor of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), who believes that he is perfectly suited to take control of the Empire upon his passing. This sparks outrage from the Emperor’s actual heir, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who murders Maximus’ family and sends him to a prison sentence, where he fights in gladiatorial arenas.The narrative of revenge and redemptionis as old as storytelling itself, butGladiatorgains an ethereal quality that was the result of an on-set decision.
In ancient Rome, after the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, loyal general Maximus is betrayed and sentenced to death by the new emperor, Commodus. Escaping execution, Maximus is enslaved and forced to fight as a gladiator, where his skills and honor lead him toward a path of vengeance and redemption.
This Iconic Final ‘Gladiator’ Shot Was Improvised
The perfect ending ofGladiatoris one of the primary reasons that the film continues to resonate with viewers as a landmark moment in popular culture.The entire film has been building up to the battle between Maximus and Commodus, who must finally prove who is the better ruler while the rest of the Roman Empire watches in the stands of the Colosseum. While Maximus is clearly the better fighter of the two, Commodus can’t help but cheat by stabbing his opponent before the duel officially begins. Although Maximus is successful in defeating Commodus, thus restoring himself as the rightful heir to the throne, he succumbs to his injuries as the crowd looks on. Rather than focusing on the tragedy of the moment,Gladiatorincludes astrange and ambiguous sceneof Maximus running his hands through fields of wheat.
Although it’s now become one of the film’s most recognizable qualities,the wheat scene was added due to an improvisation by Crowe’s stunt double.According to Scott, the production team behindGladiatorhad been filming in Italy, where Crowe’s stunt double had been instinctively touching wheat on set. Scott grew interested in how the scene would look visually, and began following the double’s hand with a steadicam approach. Scott instantly recognized that the shot would fit within the film’s metaphorical undertones, stating that it “became the catalyst for immortality, or heaven.” A film likeGladiatorrequired months of extended planning and preparation, but some of the most important moments could only happen through happy accidents. Scott revealed that he considers “spontaneity to be essential to what I do.”
The ‘Gladiator’ Wheat Scene Makes the Film More Powerful
Gladiatorisa very grounded historical epic, butthe insertion of the wheat scene implies that Maximus is going to the afterlife, and that he is experiencing visions of himself at his happiest. This implies something profound about Maximus—he never really desired to rule the Empire. Although he is honored to be considered worthy of carrying out the Emperor’s legacy, Maximus is at his heart a warrior who didn’t necessarily want the burden of establishing democracy in a chaotic period in history. Showing the wheat fields implies that Maximus has found peace in the knowledge that the Emperor’s grandson, Lucius (Spencer Treat Clark), will take control of Rome and begin implementing democracy.
The religiously coded imagery also shows the extent to which Maximus has been in grief.Crowe may be an intimidating physical presence on screen, but one of the reasons that Maximus isso compelling as an action herois that he feels like he has nothing to lose. Defeating Commodus isn’t something he just needs to do for the sanctity of the Empire, but to avenge those that he cared about most. It’s evident that Maximus feels like he is carrying the burden of doing his late family justice. Only by defeating their killer is he able to find contentment, and it’s implied that he gets to join them in the afterlife.
The inclusion of the surprising wheat shot is another example of Scott’s brilliance.Scott has a fairly lengthy filmographyand has since directed similar historical epics likeKingdom of Heaven, American Gangster, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Robin Hood, All The Money In The World, The Last Duel,House of Gucci, and last year’sNapoleon. All of these films required a level of spectacle and practical filmmaking that is unrivaled by any other studio filmmaker. While some may balk at recreating historical locations in the same way that Scott has, shots likeGladiator’s wheat scene wouldn’t happen without that level of investment in worldbuilding.
The Legacy of ‘Gladiator’ Continues in Surprising Ways
Gladiatorbecame one of the rare cultural events that earned both critical and commercial praise.A prime release date at the beginning of May 2000 positionedGladiatorto become a major blockbuster event of the summer,in an era before superhero films had become dominant. Scott may have lost the Best Director category at the Academy Awards, butGladiatorwalked away as the night’s big winner, with trophies for both Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.
Although it spent years in development hell,the sequel toGladiatoris finally moving forward with a release date this fall.Given the way that the first film ended, it’s not all that surprising that Crowe is not set to reprise his role inGladiator II.However, the heavily anticipated sequel’sall cast includesPaul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal,andDjimon Honsuamong others.
