Gladiator
Jimmy Salow and Arthur Carswell
Summary
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Gladiator follows the life of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman
General.
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Maximus finds favor in the eyes of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius,
much to the dismay of Commodus, Marcus’s son.

Commodus kills his father and claims the throne for himself when he learns
that his father wished to give temporary power to Maximus in order for him
to turn power back over to the Senate.

Commodus then decrees Maximus and his entire family be executed,
although Maximus escapes death. His family is not as fortunate.

In his pain, Maximus is taken captive by slave traders who sell him to
Proximo, a former gladiator
Summary Cont.

Maximus becomes a gladiator, and because of his military background is
highly successful.
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His success eventually leads him to Rome’s Coliseum, where he dazzles the
crowd, so much so that Commodus, unaware of Maximus’s identity, desires
to meet the, “Mystery Gladiator”
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http://youtu.be/X1UmHfWCw-4?hd=1
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Commodus is horrified to learn that the Gladiator is Maximus, knowing
that he cannot simply have him killed as the crowds love Maximus and
Commodus loves to be loved by his people.

Commodus tries to arrange or Maximus to die in the arena, but it cannot be
done, Maximus is just too good.
Summary Cont.

Maximus learns that his armies are still loyal to him, and Roman Senator
Gracchus helps to free him so that he can rejoin his armies and free Rome
from Commodus.

The plot is foiled by Commodus, and he devises a plan to win over the
Roman people while still killing Maximus: A duel.

Upon entering the arena with Commodus, Maximus is stabbed so that
Commodus can have the upper hand.

After a bloody fight, Maximus emerges as the victor having slayed
Commodus.

Maximus promptly falls to the ground near death, having time only to tell
the Gracchus Marcus Aurelius’s dying wish; That Rome’s power return to
the senate and the slaves be freed.
Accuracies of Gladiator

“Gladiator” has been the best and worst of movies in context of historical
accuracy.

“Gladiator has been called one of the best movies in its portrayal of Roman
culture and society, particularly the violence associated with it.
Inaccuracies of Gladiator

“Gladiator” certainly takes liberties with the history of this time period.

For example, the characters of Maximus and Gracchus did not actually
exist in real life. Rather, they were a conglomeration of several people or
ideals that were common during this time period.

Also, Commodus was actually much more insane in real life than he was
portrayed in the film. Commodus claimed that he was descended of
Hercules, and dressed and acted as much. Commodus was also a known
philanderer of women. And men.

Gladiator plays with historically some accurate people, places, and events
and shuffles and changes them around to suit the directors style and the
audiences palate.