Braveheart vs. Gladiator
Braveheart and Gladiator are both highly acclaimed movies that have not only proved themselves in the arena of critiques, but also performed admirably within the box office as well. They are both of similar genres, taking place in a medieval time setting with feudal and monarch elements. Though they are similar in subject material, there are several contrast and comparisons to be made when exploring these two excellent movies. The Gladiator takes place during the expansion of the great Roman Empire. The main character is named Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, a Roman general who loves not only his wife and son, but also the emperor, Marcus Arellius, and the notion of Rome itself. In Braveheart the setting takes place in Scotland during the expanding British or English regime. The main character is William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, who loves his wife who is later murdered, and thus enters a campaign to rid all of Scotland from English rule. Both men are willing to fight !and die for their loves and their beliefs. However, it should be pointed out that even though both characters are portrayed to act in a similar fashion, there are several underlying issues that should b
en are shown to be as strong as their men. The show just as much devotion to duty as their men do. Maximus's wife is illustrated as a hard working and loving house-wife. The color scheme used for her footage is often a pale warm yellow glow around her and her land. The land is rich with browns and shades of red mixed in. His wife as well as himself are shown to be humble and simple like. The daughter of the emperor is very strong minded and skilled in politics. Her duties are to that of Rome as well as to her son. She is a mother, but she too knows that she has royal obligation to the throne of Caesar. Her character is that of one who has to be strong and stern. To be ready to adjust to new settings and keep her wits about her so that she may protect herself and her son from harm. She is even commented on by Maximus that she possesses a talent for survival. In Braveheart the first battle with England's Northern Army and the Scottish volunteers, takes place on a wide open plain with green grass and blue skies. It is a comfortable and calm setting with both sides facing off, but slowly the contrasts darkens prior to the confrontation. Like a cloud moving to block the sunlight. Archers in the English army fire their arrows, and much similar to the method used in Gladiator, the flight of the arrows are filmed flying overhead and followed to their marks. The final battle cry is sounded for the charge to commence and both sides run to "meet and greet" their enemies. The camera creates a dramatic build up by first shooting at the oncoming the Scottish, walking casually towards the center of the field. Then to the English, spears at hand and marching neatly within their ranks. Then to the Scottish who are walking briskly almost "jogging like". Then back to the English who have picked up their marching pace. This continues until both sid! Wallace is a skilled and resourceful fighter, but lacks experience and formal training as he is shown often loosing his self-control and getting caught up in the thrill of battle. is made to be very chaotic and the fighting that occurs is undistinguished. The fighting is made to be a random chaotic battle where ally and foe alike are aimlessly slaughtered and slaughtering. The camera jumps and moves around in an unsteady manner to show confusion, constantly spanning from shot to shot, only catching glimpses of someone being impaled or maimed in a similar fashion. The killing occurs within seconds, giving the impression of quick and sudden death all around. The Roman soldiers are often shown from a low angle, where the camera is looking upward to them to signify that the Romans are winning, or at least shown to be superior to the Germanium barbarians. Then the hero arrives, on his horse and shouting commands to his cavalry. The focus of the battle now shifts onto him. The camera shots are less sporadic and focuses on the "clean-cut" nature of Maximus's fighting style. He is a seasoned and disciplined warrior who has fought many battles and has proven him! All though Braveheart illustrates the passion of which William Wallace fights with, it also expresses the passion that the main character has for his loved ones. The love in Braveheart is shown to be very romantic and casual. Very similar to teenagers experiencing what some would call "puppy-love". Wallace courts his soon to be wife by sneaking her out of her home, against her parent's approval and without their consent. He takes her out on a horseback ride with the landscape of the flush green rolling hills of Scotland. The moment when Wallace proposes to
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Approximate Word count = 2407
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)
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