Gladiator film analysis

Gladiator is a action/drama, we know this because there is lots of fighting and dramatic scenes in the opening scene.

Camera
During the opening scene the first shot is a close up of a mans hand. This creates mystery as we do not know who's hand it is and what it has to do with the film. Moving further into the opening scene there are many more close ups. It starts of with the hand and then there is a close up of the main characters face. This is effective because it shows us the characters facial expression, we are able to see that he looks worried. The camera then starts to pan around the setting. This is effective because we are able to see where the film is going to be held and get a feel for what type of film it is going to be.

Editing 
At the start of the opening the editing is very slow paced. They may have made it slow to set the scene and to get you thinking what could be going on in the rest of the film. The editing then starts to pick up, this is when they have a little conversation and when we are introduced to all the other 'gladiators'.

Sound
The music at the start of the scene is very tense. This creates a sense of worry as you are not to sure for what might happen next or what may be coming up during the film. But once we cut from the hand brushing the grass onto seeing all the gladiators it turns into heroic music. This may gives us a clue that they are going to win the battle. We are also able to hear the horse communicating with each other. This is effective as it really sets the scene as it makes you feel as you are there with them, it represents realism. Another sound that really sticks out is all the cheering before they start the battle, this may tell us that they are excited to get going. We hear the main character say 'unleash hell'. This shows us that he may have the stronger side in the battle and have a better chance of winning it.

Representation
Men are represented as violent and strong in this film. They are represented as violent because they are all carrying swords and are all very enthusiastic to start this battle. This is a typical stereotype as when we think of crime and violence many people would blame a man instead of a female. They are represented as strong as they are very muscly. This is also a typical stereotype as men always want to be the alpha male to show people that they are in charge.