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GLADIATOR - Fact or Fiction
New TV History?
By Maddie Smith, Maggie Crowe, Isabella Pongrass and Catherine Ly
ENTERTAINMENT
Primary and Secondary sources
Secondary
The movie – scene when Commodus kills his father
‘The ‘new TV history’ focuses on more individualistic, subjective and celebrity-associated accounts of history. The space for challenging, critical and unconventional interpretations of the past is shrinking. There is less time and resources to research historical topics and consult historians. Money more than ever speaks. What is produced is not ‘bad’ history but a different kind of history which has implications for how we understand the past.’ Kevin Williams
ENTERTAINMENT
Herodian wrote:
Primary
‘Narcissus (a powerful young nobleman according to Herodian) rushed in where the emperor (Commodus) lay overcome by poisoned wine, seized him by the throat, and finished him off.’
REASONS
Why is the film exaggerated?
Money- “There is less time and resources to research historical topics and consult historians. Money more than ever speaks.”
Subjective view of the director- “New TV history focuses on more individualistic and subjective accounts of history.”
REASONS
Russell Crow- celebrity
HISTORICAL ACCURACIES
PRIMARY SOURCE:
“There is less time and resources to research historical topics and consult historians. Money more than ever speaks.”
The film has many historical accuracies that challenge this statement.
HISTORY
The Colosseum
- Depicted accurately in the film.
- Elaborate statues, stepped tiers, special boxes.
“My word! You have purchased a fine troop! Your gladiators, I am told, fight superbly.”
PRIMARY SOURCE:
- Atticus, April 56 BC
“He would throw down into the theatre from aloft little wooden balls variously inscribed, one designating some article of food, another clothing, another a silver vessel or perhaps a gold one, or again horses, pack-animals, cattle or slaves. Those who seized them were to carry them to the dispensers of the bounty, from whom they would receive the article named.”
PRIMARY SOURCE:
- Cassius Dio, Roman statesman and historian
FILM FEATURES
WHAT FEATURES OF THE FILM MAKE 'GLADIATOR' A HISTORY?
- There is no anachronistic emphasis on modern Christianity
Anachronistic: Belonging to a period other than which it exists
- No narration
FEATURES
PRIMARY SOURCE:
PRIMARY SOURCE:
Constantine the Great and his Mother
SECONDARY SOURCE:
SECONDARY SOURCE
Elesha Coffman Article
SHE STATES:
"There aren't any Christians in 'Gladiator', but I don't think this is an oversight."
CONCLUSION
Gladiator is both a historical and fictional film.
Entertainment: Its primary purpose of creation, money the main goal
History: Although it was not produced as a historical film, it cannot be denied that elements of it are realistic and historically accurate
CONCLUSION
FINALLY
What is your opinion?
Is Gladiator a film that represents historically accurate events and people?
Or has it been tainted by the Hollywood nessecity for a profitable and successful film?