Gladiator Comparative Essay
Both Gladiator and Spartacus were crucial films in developing the “Sword and Sandal” genre. Each film was very successful for the time period, and each dealt with similar plots. The two share a common theme of an underdog story and really helped set a standard for that theme, as we see it so frequently today. Maximus, the main character in Gladiator, and Spartacus, the main character in Spartacus have some slight differences, but overall, are very similar. Through the analysis of the two characters background, leadership styles, and motivation to continue to fight, will we see just how similar these characters are, and the impact that they had on the audience and genre.
The slight difference in the characters can be found in their background …show more content…
Often times for many sports teams, the motivational movie of choice is Gladiator. The audiences are naturally attracted to the underdog story, and gravitate to natural leaders, just like the other characters in the movie do. Both Maximus and Spartacus are natural born leaders; the only difference is how they become a public image of a leader. In the case of Spartacus, it is implied from the very beginning how much respect all of the slaves have for him based upon how he carries himself. However, after the slaves have escaped, and Spartacus addresses them all proclaiming their plan, do we really see everyone get behind him as the leader. Maximus is seen as the head honcho from the very beginning, and even though Marcus may be in charge, the audience sees that Maximus is really in control. As the head General, Maximus is already familiar with many traits that are need to lead a large for like had been doing for a majority of his career. It is evident that Maximus and Spartacus have the capacity to rally together a large following. The thing that makes them great leaders however, is what motivates them. There is a purpose to everything that both Spartacus and Maximus do, which helps the audience get behind them as characters even more. As they overcome and deal with these challenges we see continued growth and respect for each
The slight difference in the characters can be found in their background …show more content…
Often times for many sports teams, the motivational movie of choice is Gladiator. The audiences are naturally attracted to the underdog story, and gravitate to natural leaders, just like the other characters in the movie do. Both Maximus and Spartacus are natural born leaders; the only difference is how they become a public image of a leader. In the case of Spartacus, it is implied from the very beginning how much respect all of the slaves have for him based upon how he carries himself. However, after the slaves have escaped, and Spartacus addresses them all proclaiming their plan, do we really see everyone get behind him as the leader. Maximus is seen as the head honcho from the very beginning, and even though Marcus may be in charge, the audience sees that Maximus is really in control. As the head General, Maximus is already familiar with many traits that are need to lead a large for like had been doing for a majority of his career. It is evident that Maximus and Spartacus have the capacity to rally together a large following. The thing that makes them great leaders however, is what motivates them. There is a purpose to everything that both Spartacus and Maximus do, which helps the audience get behind them as characters even more. As they overcome and deal with these challenges we see continued growth and respect for each