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A Textual Analysis of the Opening Sequence of Gladiator Essays

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A Textual Analysis of the Opening Sequence of Gladiator In this essay, I will explain the opening sequence of Gladiator in detail. I will describe the effects it has on the audience, and look at the way it makes them feel and the way in which events are portrayed. I will look at in depth: The themes and atmosphere, the camera techniques and how audience emotions are manipulated. At the end, I will include a conclusion giving my opinion of how the sequences used are effective for the audience.

The opening sequence to Gladiator has numerous purposes. It has to inform the audience of many things, in such a …show more content…

They don't give the impression of happiness or enjoyment, which is what Ridley Scott would have intended, so that the audience is prepared for the fight and know they are back in time. The music is also different to its normal bright tune and is instead a softer and more legato composition.

Before any filming or acting is shown, there are blocks of writing. It shows historical evidence that some research has been done. It also explains important facts about the battle and puts things into context. The writing is in short blocks to make the audience read it. If it was just one continual piece of writing, then many people wouldn't bother.

One of the first shots is a close up of Maximus' hand. It has a ring on it, which means he is married. In the background there are children laughing, which could show that he is also a family man. The woodwind instruments create a calming atmosphere that match the autumn colours used in the shot. When the shot changes severely to cold and dark colours, it proves that he was only dreaming of his family before going to battle.

We then cut to a close up of the hero that shows his face and emotions. The close up is needed so that the detail can be seen clearly, especially in his eyes. His eyes show warmth, which demonstrate to the audience that he isn't just a 2-D picture on

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