IN Gladiator 2Rome becomes an arena of intrigue, violence and redemption. Moreover, it explores the bloody struggle for power, both between crowned heads and in the gladiatorial arena. The result is an interesting look at a particularly turbulent time through engaging, complex characters with gray morals. Just like its predecessor, Ridley Scott uses A historical setting that tells an epic and moving story with a shocking ending.
However, just like in the original film, Gladiator 2 has all sorts of problems with the way it uses history to advance its arguments. Specifically, to collect verifiable data about emperors, figures, and even everyday contexts and use them as needed. This is no stranger to Scott. Last year, Napoleonwas known for containing all sorts of errors about the life of the famous French figure. Much more, for the convenient use of historical information, to give the film more drama. The director defended himself and assured that feature films do not have to be accurate and precise. An opinion that caused controversy and controversy surrounding the film.
WITH Gladiator 2 Something similar and even more complex is happening. The screenplay by David Scarpa and Peter Craig tells a story in which context is important to understanding the characters’ actions. Only, a good part of them act for the convenience of the plot, which directly contradicts the real chronicle of events and situations. Even worse, the study of situations that did not directly occur and which, moreover, turned into a confusing series of events united around the figure of Imperial Rome. In the face of criticism, Ridley Scott again stated that his story was just fiction and not a historical document. Despite this, the dispute was filed.
Contradictions between the real story and the plot of Gladiator 2
One of the most controversial parts of the film is the way the script reinterprets historical figures – real ones – in its plot. This is because the events it tells take place during the reign of terror by Emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). IN Gladiator 2Both are shown as an awkward couple with a twisted sense of justice. But in fact, They were a pair of rulers known for their cruelty, violence and bloodthirsty nature.
Both were named emperors in 211 AD. Ts., father Septimius Severus, who died soon after. But double custody provoked a battle of interests between the brothers, which became increasingly bloody, brutal and brutal. More than two years is the time period during which this is believed to be occurring. Gladiator 2 — The life of the emperors was filled with confrontations over loyalty and cruelty towards the people. Finally, Caracalla ended up killing his brother, and then unleash a wave of terror against his political enemies.
Another point where historical data and Gladiator 2 they contradict each other, this is in the life and events around Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). The daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, she died six years before the birth of Emperor Caracalla. Thus, the very premise that both situations coincide is a direct break with the chronology that follows the lives of the emperors and relatives of Rome. Another glaring contradiction is the contradiction with the hero Lucius (Paul Mescal), who died before Commodus came to power. What makes a character’s existence—and his glorious deed— little less than the invention of the tape for the epic screenplay.
All kinds of impossible scenarios
But historical inaccuracy Gladiator 2It goes beyond the lives of the characters who are part of the plot. And also in situations and even current events that surround them. Something that North American historian Shadi Bartsch has commented on many times. According to an interview including Artnet Newsthe film is full of artistic decisions that contradict the real chronicle. Some can also be considered details of significant importance, despite the fact that it is not directly related to the main plot.
From flooding the Colosseum to make combat between gladiators more difficult, to ensuring the sand shows included sharks and rhinoceroses. The truth is that the view of an exotic, savage and violent Rome is wrong in many ways. Barcha clarifies that although naval battles were repeatedly represented by the method of flooding the Colosseum, the use of animals was not part of the performance. Much more, because at the moment, and always in the opinion of the expert, It is very unlikely that the Romans knew about the existence of sharks. or they had the opportunity to take them to the Colosseum, at least alive.
Missteps even apply to the production. In at least two scenes in the film, arms dealer Macrinus (Denzel Washington) can be seen sitting in a cafe reading a newspaper. It reframes, and not for the better, Roman history. Similar places appeared near the cradle of the Roman Empire around the 18th century, long after its fall. And although the Romans had relatively recent news, it was never on paper, but rather engraved on stone or clay and then hung in certain places.
Is it convenient to manipulate history in favor of spectacle?
This is a frequently asked question regarding historical films. According to Shadi Bartsch, the real-life story is interesting enough to support the action movie’s plot. On the other hand, the famous writer and historian Estelle Parank commented in an interview with the publication Northeast Global Newsthat while historical fiction can take liberties, it should not do so by perpetuating misconceptions. What does the confusing battle data imply? ways of communication and even knowledge of the fauna and flora of that time.
Ultimately, both experts agree that while a film doesn’t have to be a detailed chronicle of reality, it shouldn’t distort it beyond recognition. Something that seems to be happening inmore than once in the midst of the amazing scenarios that he presents Gladiator 2.
Source: Hiper Textual
