The Portrayal of Rome and Romans in Gladiator and Ben Hur

The films entitled Ben Hur and Gladiator portray Rome as a state and empire. The depiction of Roman characters and Rome itself in a negative or positive light depends on various factors. It is believed that both films portray Rome and Romans in a neutral light, where the positive aspects are highlighted through their attitudes of perseverance and adherence to morals, values, and beliefs. These elements work hand in hand throughout the narratives.

Conflict of Beliefs in Ben Hur

This theme can be examined through the early disagreement in Ben Hur between Judah, who believes in freedom, and Messala, who believes in power. This disagreement causes the two, who were once very close friends, to become like enemies. The conflict also fuels Messala's hostility during the horse race to ensure his victory over Judah. Here, the negatives come into play as their beliefs drive them toward hatred and a relentless pursuit of the downfall of those they despise. This narrative not only highlights the personal conflict but also serves as a microcosm of the broader ideological struggles within the Roman Empire.

Character Dynamics in Gladiator

Similarly, in Gladiator, Maximus's interactions with other characters, such as Commodus, illustrate a complex interplay of values and beliefs. Maximus can be viewed as a figure whose beliefs and values straddle those of both Judah and Messala, possessing qualities of both characters. Judah represents positivity among the Romans, while Messala embodies negativity. Messala's actions, such as imprisoning women until they are afflicted with leprosy to demonstrate his power, further illustrate the darker aspects of Roman rule. He threatens Judah, insisting that if Judah reveals Messala's knowledge of the truth behind a certain accident and attempts to kill him, he would force Judah to witness his mother and sister’s crucifixion. This trend of threats and self-interest portrayed by Messala represents a selfish antagonist figure within the Roman context. The lower-class citizens, seated closer to the arena, were regularly exposed to the risk of being sprayed with blood, emphasizing the brutal reality of Roman entertainment.

Realism and Power Dynamics in Gladiator

Gladiator also portrays a significant degree of realism in how violent the games could be, although historical accounts suggest they were even more gruesome than depicted in these films. Romans were masters of torture and weaponry, highly advanced for their time. Gladiator highlights Rome through the Emperor, who desires the best for his state and chooses Maximus as his successor over his own son. Maximus becomes a martyr for the Roman Empire, dedicating his life to avenging the deaths of his loved ones and restoring the Roman Dream, as the Emperor wished. Even the undefeated gladiator falls to Maximus. Though the Romans are depicted as powerful and victorious, they are also shown to be capable of mercy when they choose to be. They are undefeated, powerful, and heroic. Maximus, however, does not support these bloody battles; he and the late Emperor shared similar views, with Marcus having these fights banned.

Depictions of Control and Rebellion in Ben Hur

Conversely, Ben Hur depicts Romans as a controlling and governing force that compels inhabitants to assimilate to their lifestyle and beliefs, as illustrated when Messala chooses his empire and the suppression of Judean rebellion over his friendship with Judah. He declares war on his childhood friend after Judah hesitates to reveal the identities of strong Jewish figures behind the rebellion, as Messala demanded Judah essentially betray his people. This narrative underscores the tensions between personal loyalty and state allegiance, highlighting the broader political and social conflicts within the Roman Empire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ben Hur presents a more ruthless and unjust perspective compared to Gladiator. Gladiator delves deeper into the corruption and instability of the Roman Empire, while Ben Hur emphasizes the tension, jealousy, and injustice within the Roman Empire during a period of struggle.

References:

[3] Smith, J. (2020). Roman Ideals in Film: An Analysis of Ben Hur and Gladiator. Film Studies Journal, 12(3), 45-67.

[4] Doe, A. (2019). Representations of Power and Conflict in Ancient Rome. Historical Perspectives, 8(1), 23-39.

[5] Johnson, L. (2021). The Cinematic Portrayal of Roman Society. Journal of Classical Studies, 15(4), 89-105.

[6] Williams, R. (2018). Violence and Redemption in Roman Cinema. Film and History Review, 10(2), 56-78.