Representation in Gladiator:

The film gladiator begins with a roman soldier dragging his hand through crops, the scene is shown as very idealistic and the lighting creates a dream like effect.  We learn quickly that this scene is not real but is in fact a figment of the soldier’s imagination. The film then cuts to a dimly lit, dark scenario which shows that the atmosphere has greatly changed.

A robin is seen by the audience which suggests hope and good fortune.

When we see the roman army they are dressed in fur and gold and they are wishing each other good luck and smiling. It is clear to the audience that they are the ‘’good guys’’ because of the way they are represented. We then see a member of the roman army whose head has been cut off by the ‘’bad guys’’. The bad guys emerge and it is clear to us that they are the binary opposites of the roman soldiers. They are dressed as if they are barbarians and are shouting and screaming as if they are primitive. They are wearing a lot of muddy and tatty fur which makes them look like animals and they are not willing to negotiate peace. They just want to fight.

The general of the roman soldiers is obviously a general rather than a normal soldier because his cloak has a fur lining, and he is wearing more gold and luxurious materials. The fur he is wearing is different to the fur which the barbarians are wearing. It is a sign of wealth and high status and it is clear to the audience that he is important. People also bow to him and smile as he walks past which implies that he has the respect and love of his fellow soldiers.