A Textual Analysis of the Opening Sequence of GladiatorIn this essay, I will explain the opening sequence of Gladiator indetail. I will describe the effects it has on the audience, and lookat the way it makes them feel and the way in which events areportrayed. I will look at in depth: The themes and atmosphere, thecamera techniques and how audience emotions are manipulated. At theend, I will include a conclusion giving my opinion of how thesequences used are effective for the audience.
The opening sequence to Gladiator has numerous purposes. It has toinform the audience of many things, in such a short period of time. The place and time (Germania, 180AD) needs to be established so thatthe scene can be set quickly. The main character (Maximus,) has to beidentified, so that the audience knows which side they are on beforethe battle starts. It is important that the audience can relate to acertain character from the beginning, so that they can really begin toexperience events with the character and show emotions for them. Narrative is used at the beginning to explain important details thatcan help the audience to understand certain proceedings properly.
Forexample; ‘a battle is about to commence. ‘ It also introducesparticular themes, such as strength, freedom and loyalty. For the first few scenes, I will look at and explain how theatmosphere, themes and pieces of information are expressed. The filmstarts with the logos for DreamWorks and Universal studios. The usualvibrant colours are substituted for different shades of grey .
. ofCaesar, or an ally of Caesar. This is reflected in the film becauseMaximus is the leader of the Roman army. I think that the sequence used is effective for the audience because avariety of techniques are used. I think that setting the scene byusing blocks of writing is good, because the people who want to knowbackground information can find out.
The music is effective, becauseit can capture the audiences’ attention before the film has evenstarted. All of the vital information is explained at the beginningwhich I think is really important as well. The audience need to knowthe time, place and characters within the first 10 minutes, otherwiseeverything can become confusing.I consider the sequence used to behighly effective and a great way to put across information to theaudience and to set the scene.
