Theology at the Movies:

Looking at Film Through the Lens of the Christian Worldview

#4: Adventure/Epic: Gladiator

I. Overview of Adventure/Epic Genre

  1. Definition of the Adventure/Epic genre

“Epic Films often take an historical or imagined event, mythic, legendary, or heroic figure, and add an extravagant setting and lavish costumes, accompanied by grandeur and spectacle and a sweeping musical score. Epics, costume dramas, historical dramas, war film epics, medieval romps, or 'period pictures' are tales that often cover a large expanse of time set against a vast, panoramic backdrop. In an episodic manner, they follow the continuing adventures of the hero(s), who are presented in the context of great historical events of the past. Epics often share elements of the more elaborate adventure films genre and swashbuckler subgenre.”

Examples

Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Braveheart, Last of the Mohicans, Lord of the Rings

  1. What elements does this film genre share with the Christian worldview?
  1. Why do we like Adventure/Epics? What does it say about us and our world?

II.Summary of Gladiator

  1. Facts and Stats

- Very loosely based on real characters in the Roman empire, in the second century.

- Top 100 IMDB

- 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, Best Costume Design

  1. Overview of Story/Plot

Maximus is a powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves Maximus and his family condemned to death. The powerful general is unable to save his family, and his loss of will allows him to get captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so that he will be able to look into the eyes of the man who will feel his revenge.

III.Analysis of Gladiator

  1. Aesthetic Analysis: Was it a well-made Film?

Acting

Genre

Screenplay

Cinematography

Sounds

Music

Special effects

  1. Worldview Analysis: What is its Message?

1. Message/elements that reflect the Christian worldview

a. What are the elements of this film that reflect Christian truth?

  1. How are the true parts of the film dependent on a Christian view of reality?
  1. Are there images of Christ/salvation/redemption in this film?

2. Message/elements that reflect a fallen worldview

  1. Key Question: How does the movie reflect moral relativism and/or secular dogmatism
  1. Is the movie historically/factually accurate?
  1. In what ways does the film challenge/contradict the Christian worldview?
  1. In what ways is the movie inconsistent with itself and its own claims?
  1. Personal Analysis: What impact has it made on me? What response should I have?

1. How do I feel after seeing this movie? What does it make me want to do?

2. In what ways is the personal impact of this film good? In what ways is it bad?