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Alix Cross
9/22/13
Script Analysis-1918-NSRW 2800- B
Gladiator

Gladiator
Premise:

Due to the spiteful rage of the Roman Emperors son, Commodus, when a general, Maximus, is
named the next Caesar instead of himself, Maximus loses his honor as well as his family and
finds himself enslaved to the very people he had pledged to serve. Through this enslavement,
Maximus becomes a gladiator and goes to Rome to seek revenge on Commodus, who is now the
Emperor of Rome, for the death of his family.

Themes: Honor, Valor, Power, Anger, Revenge, Family, Pride, Redemption, Strength, Greatness
Outer/Inner Goals:
Maximus:
Outer: In the beginning Maximus goal is to return home to his family. Later it becomes to seek revenge
for his familys death. By the end of the film his inner goal is now his outer goal, which is to make sure
Marcus Aurelius dying wish is fulfilled
Inner: In the beginning his inner goal is to complete his duty to Rome. Later it becomes to make sure
that Marcus Aurelius dying wish is fulfilled. (This eventually becomes his outer goal)
Commodus:
Outer: To have sole power over Rome.
Inner: To prove his father wrong and show that he is a fit ruler.

Emotional Engine:

Maximus strength is the emotional engine throughout the story

because despite everything he goes through he continues to keep
fighting and we want to see him succeed in everything he attempts
because of it.

Cause and Effect:

Father chooses heir that isnt his son Son kills father and sentences his heir and his heirs
family to death Heir seeks revenge on sonSon tries to kill heirHeir kills son Heir dies
from stab woundRome is free
Emotional Cause and Effect:
Commodus jealousyKills fatherBecomes rulerSentences Maximus to death and kills Maximus
familyMaximus anger Seeks revenge Kills Commodus
State The Characters Motivation:

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Maximus motivation is to die with honor as well as the anger he feels for the loss of his family causing him to
seek revenge

Outline:
Act I
1.

(:47-1:40)
Title shown. Sets up time period. Words appear on the screen. Talks about the expansion of the Roman
Empire. Marcus Aurelius is Emperor and he has been on a twelve-year campaign against the Germanic
tribes. Says only one strong hold is left until there can be peace throughout the Empire.

2.

(1:41- 4:36) (Ordinary World: Maximus)

The Roman Empire is in Germania. The General walks through his men. A horse runs back with a
headless man.

3.

(4:37-7:40) (Ordinary World: Maximus)

The Germanic Tribes appear from the woods opposite the Roman Army. The Roman Army prepares to
fight. The General gives his men a speech for battle.

4. (7:41- 12:50) (Ordinary World: Maximus)

The General gives the signal to one of his men to send up a flaming arrow. Army advance. They fire
upon the Germanic Tribes. Hand to hand combat between to Romans and Germans. The Romans cheer
for victory.
5.

(12:51- 14:45) (Inciting Incident) This is the inciting incident because up to now Maximus is doing
what he would do on a daily basis. Commodus coming to see his father because he thinks that he
will be named as the next Emperor changes that ordinary world.
Commodus and Lucilla ride in a carriage. Commodus says he will be crowned Marcus heir and that
Marcus is dying. They step out of the carriage. Commodus rides off to speak to the Emperor
(Commodus Goal is to be ruler) (Theme of Power).

6.

(14:46-17:29)
Marcus tells Maximus he has earned his valor, yet again. He asks how he can reward him. Maximus says
he wishes to go home (Theme of Family) (Maximus Goal is to be reunited with his family).
Commodus rides up to the army. He comes to talk to his father Marcus. Commodus greets and honors
Maximus. Marcus gets on his horse and leaves.

7. (17:30- 21:25)
They are at the Army camp. Maximus says his next stop is back to his wife and son and his farm (This
furthers his Goal of wanting to be reunited with his family by not getting involved in the politics of
Rome). Lucilla watches Maximus. Commodus wants him to stay in service of Rome. He says he may
call him back. Marcus talks to Lucilla. He says he needs help with Commodus (Dramatic Situation:
We get the sense that Lucilla will play an important part in the future of Rome).
8. (21:26-30:29)

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Maximus walks through the barracks. Commodus practices sword skills. Maximus talks to Marcus.
Marcus says hes dying and he wants his rule to mean something. Marcus says that he wants him to
precede him after his death and give Rome back to the people. He says that Commodus could not rule
the people (Dramatic Situation: because it is said that he shouldnt rule it is inevitable that he will
rule). Maximus is given until sunset to accept or decline his offer (Maximus says he must think about
it because it goes against his Goal of being reunited with his family). Maximus talks to Lucilla. He
lies to her about what Marcus wanted. Maximus says his regrets for her husbands death.
9. (30:30- 36:04) (Turning point) This is the turning point because it is what turns the story. We do
not know whether Maximus was going to accept Marcus offer. We assume that he will. However,
with Marcus killing his father before he can publically announce his predecessor, Commodus is
the rightful heir.
Maximus prays and visualizes his family (Theme of Family). He tells Cicero they may not go home.
Marcus tells Commodus that he will not become Emperor. Commodus says he never wanted him to be
his son. Marcus says he failed at being a father. Commodus suffocates Marcus (By killing Marcus,
Commodus is one step closer to his Goal of being the sole ruler of Rome.) (Theme of Power)
10. (36:05-38:32)
Maximus gets brought to see The Emperor. He finds out that Marcus is dead. He refuses Commodus
hand (If Maximus accepts Commodus hand he agrees to serve him and cannot return to his
family: Goal) (Dramatic Situation: Foreshadowing that Maximus will never stand with
Commodus). Lucilla slaps Commodus. Commodus is now Caesar.
11. (38:32-39:20)
Maximus tells Cicero that he must speak to the senators and that Marcus was murdered. The guards
seize Maximus and say it is the Caesars orders. Maximus is sentenced to death (This is so Commodus
can be certain that he isnt removed from power: Goal) Maximus asks that his family be taken care
of (Theme of Family) and he is told they will join him in the after life (Dramatic Situation:
Foreshadowing that Maximus will die).
Act II A break: This marks the beginning of Act II because:
1) Meet the Major characters- Maximus and Commodus
2) Tone and style is established- It is dark and violent
3) Dramatic situations- (Bolded in outline)
4) Inciting incident has occurred- (Bolded in out line)
5) Turning Point has occurred- (Bolded in outline)
6) Goal of main character (to this point has been established) to return to his family
7) Situation by the end of Act I- Commodus has been crowned Emperor. Maximus has been
sentenced to death and he is attempting to get back to his family before Commodus has them
killed as well
8) This break is also 25% of the film
12. (39:21-42:44)
Maximus prayer is heard again. The soldiers attempt to execute him. Maximus asks for a soldiers
death. He breaks free and attacks the men holding him. Maximus runs on horseback (He breaks free in

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order to return to his family: Goal). Maximus sews up his wounds. His prayer is heard again (Theme
of Family).
13. (42:45-46:01)
Maximus wife and son are lunging a pony. The guards ride up and ride straight over his son. Maximus
arrives to find his home burned and his wife and son hanging there dead and burned. Maximus
collapses. Men find Maximus.
14. (46:02-48:01)
Maximus is being carried by slaves. Words appear on the screen Zucchabar Roman Province.
15. (48:02-51:44)
Proximo and a man argue over sale. The man tells Proximo to come see his new stock. He wants
fighters. Proximo takes the men and beasts for a total of 5,000 dollars. He brings the men home cleans
them up and prepares for their battles as gladiators.
16. (51:45-53:15)
Maximus gets called to fight. He throws his sword down. The man hits Maximus trying to get him the
fight. A slave asks him why he wont fight. Maximus cuts into his branding from the Roman Army.
17. (53:16-56:11)
The men are led to the arena where they are meant to fight for their lives. The men wait to enter the
arena.
18. (56:12-58:30)
The men enter the arena and the fighting begins. Maximus and the Juba he is handcuffed to remain
standing at the end of the games (Theme of Strength).
19. (58:31-62:34)
Commodus parades through Rome as Emperor. Lucilla is unites with her son. Commodus talks to the
senate. They argue over how to rule the Roman Empire (Shows that Commodus wants to take power
from the senate: Goal) (Theme of Power). Lucilla tells the senate she will handle her brother.
20. (62:35-66:06)
Lucilla tells Commodus that Rome needs a senate. He says that he will do better for Rome then the
senate and his father (Theme of Power). Commodus calls for a hundred and fifty days of games. The
senate members discus his actions. They say he will win the peoples love for bringing them death (If he
can win the favor of the people he is one step closer to his Goal).
21. (66:08-73:04) (Call to Duty)(Midpoint) this is the mid point first because it falls in the middle of
the film. It is also where Maximus switches from being reactive to proactive and seeks his revenge
on Commodus.
Maximus battles in the arena. Proximo tells him that he is not enough for the city of Rome hes only
enough to fight here. Maximus says he wants to stand in front of the Emperor. (Goal shift: Maximus
realizes he wants to get revenge for his familys death) (Theme of Family & Revenge) They agree to
go to Rome together. Maximus and Juba talk about death and their families

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Act II B
22. (73:05- 75:04)
They travel to Rome. The men arrive in Rome. They see the Coliseum.
23. (75:05- 77:43)
Commodus watches Lucillas son. Commodus says he will make Rome great. He wants to announce the
dissolution of the senate (Theme of Power)(If he dissolves the senate he will have sole power over
Rome: Goal). He asks Lucilla to stay the night with him and she refuses.
24. (77:44-80:40)
Maximus gets led through the streets. Proximo argues to save his men for later games, he gets told no.
Lucillas son beckons Maximus forward. He says that he likes him and he will cheer for him. Maximus
realizes that he is Lucillas son.
25. (80:41- 89:13)
Maximus gears up with the other men. They enter the arena. Maximus tells the men they have a better
shot at surviving if they all stand together. The games begin. Men ride in on carriages. The men huddle
together as a giant shield. Maximus leads the men to winning the battle (Theme of Strength).
Commodus is surprised. He wants to meet Maximus.
26. (89:14-94:03) (Second Turning Point) This is the turning point because it sets up the rest of the film
by revealing to Commodus that Maximus is not dead.
The Emperors guards enter the arena and tell them men to drop their weapons. Commodus
congratulates Maximus. Lucius stands with his uncle. Maximus holds a spear in his hand. Maximus
reveals himself to Commodus. He says he will have his revenge. The crowd screams for the gladiators to
live. Commodus allows them to live.
27. (94:04-95:47)
Commodus wonders why Maximus is still alive. Commodus said he did what he had to do by killing his
father.
28. (95:48-99:33) (Call to duty & refusal to call)
Lucilla comes to visit Maximus. She says shes been living in fear. She asks for his help to save Rome.
Maximus says he is no longer the man he was. He refuses to help
29. (99:34-107:48) (Meeting with Mentor & Crossing the threshold)
The men and Maximus talk as they eat. The men tell him he needs to honor his name. (Maximus
realizes that the men are right with their statements Meeting with Mentor).
The gladiator games resume. The senate member who disapproves of the games is among the senate in
the audience. Maximus says he is fighting for Marcus Aurelius
(Goal shift: Maximus now wants to have Marcus dying wish realized)
(This comment shows that Maximus has now accepted it is his job to bring Rome to where Marcus
wanted it Crossing the Threshold).

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Commodus brings an undefeated gladiator into the ring against Maximus. They fight and tigers are let
into the ring as well. Commodus wants Maximus dead. Maximus defeats the gladiator and the crowd
wanted him to kill the man, however he did not. (Theme of Strength) (This battle is part of Maximus
Approach because he is now fighting for Rome as well as his own revenge)
30. (107:49-112:16) (Approach)
The crowd cheers for Maximus and Commodus comes down into the ring. Commodus asks Maximus
what he should do with him. Maximus says he has left to kill him (Theme of Revenge) and Commodus
says then do it now. He tries to get under Maximuss skin by insulting his son and wife. Maximus just
walks out of the ring. He sees Cicero outside the arena. Cicero hands him a bag and Maximus tells
Cicero to tell the men that their general lives.
31. (112:17-115:26)
Commodus cries because the people like Maximus more. Commodus refuses to kill him because he will
not make a martyr of him. The men spar in the yard. Cicero and Maximus speak. Cicero says he could
have his men ready to fight for him by tomorrow. Maximus asks Cicero to do something for him. Cicero
tells Lucilla that Cicero will meet the Politician (This helps Maximus pursue his Goal because he can
get the senate on his side to get rid of Commodus).
Act III Break- This is the Act break because Maximus has decided to help Lucilla and over throw
Commodus.
32. (115:27-119:54) (Test Allies Enemies)
Maximus and Lucilla meet with Senator Gracchus. He wants to leave the Capitol to get his men and lead
them on Rome. He wants to get Rome back so he can give Rome to the people. Senator Gracchus says
he will trust him and to give him two days. Proximo says this plan wont work because the Emperor
knows too much. Proximo says he will not help Maximus. The Guards take Gracchus.
33. (119:55-125:45)
Commodus talks to Lucilla about killing Gracchus. Lucilla leaves Commodus and goes to see Maximus.
She tells him Gracchus was arrested and that he must leave tonight and Cicero will be waiting outside
the gate with horses. She says she loved him and they kiss.
34. (125:46-129:19)
Lucius tells Commodus that he wishes to be like Maximus. Commodus tells Lucilla he knows shes been
conspiring against him through a story (Theme of Power).
35. (129:20-133:33)
A poisonous snake is put in a mans bed. The guards come and order Proximo to open the gates.
Proximo gives Maximus the keys and tell him everything is prepared. The guards enter. Maximus leaves
and the Gladiators attack the guards. Proximo is killed by the guards. Cicero was hung and then shot
when Maximus got to him and the Guards swarm in on Maximus.
36. (133:34-135:53)

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Commodus wonders if he should kill his nephew and sister. He tells Lucilla that if she kills herself her
son will die (Theme of Power) (By threatening his sister and her son he makes certain that no one
will take his power: Goal). He tells her she must provide him with an heir.
37. (135:54-143:00)
The crowd cheers for Maximus. Commodus challenges Maximus. Commodus stabs Maximus and then
suits him up for battle. Maximus and Commodus battle. The Men refuse to give Commodus a sword
when he asks for one. Maximus kills Commodus (Theme of Revenge and Strength)
(Maximus has realized his Goal of seeking revenge for his family.)
(Final Climatic Event: This is the Final Climatic Event because it is where Maximus completes his
goal of revenging his family as well as winning Rome back for the people for Marcus).
38. (143:01-145:24)
The Crowd is silent. Maximus imagines his house. Maximus says to free his men and that senator
Gracchus is to be re-instated. He says the dream for Rome will be realized (Maximus has
accomplished his Goal of making sure Marcus gets his dying wish) . Maximus collapse. Lucilla runs
to him. Maximus dies.
39. (145:25-147:13)(Reward: Maximus is reunited with his family in death)
Maximus walks to his wife and son (Theme of Family) (Maximus original Goal: to be reunited with
his family is realized in the after life). Lucilla closes Maximus eyes. She tells them he was a soldier of
Rome and to honor him.
40. (147:14-148:21)
Juba buries the figures that Maximus prayed to. He says they are now free and that they will see each
other again. He walks out of the Coliseum. The movie fades out on Rome.