GLADIATOR
by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson
01 EXT. BATTLEFIELD IN GERMANIA. DAY.
A hand is passing over a field of ripe, waist-high grass, ready for harvest. (Red-gold, bright earth tone). Very peaceful.
MEDIUM on MAXIMUS, a grim expression, looking into the frame. (Blue, dark tone.)
He sees a bird, small and indifferent to what is occurring around it, and smiles.
PULL BACK to Maximus walking alone through an empty battlefield, smoke rising from charred tree stumps. The campaign has been going on for some time.
LONG SHOT on mounted troops riding by.
MEDIUM on MARCUS AURELIUS, standing on a hillside, among a company of Praetorian guards, surveying the preparations on the battlefield.
MEDIUM on Maximus walking among the infantry, greeting soldiers
MAXIMUS
(smiling)
Lean and hungry.
(nodding to the enemy side)
Nothing yet?
QUINTUS
Not a sign.
MAXIMUS
How long has he been gone?
QUINTUS
Nearly 2 hours.
2nd OFFICER
Will they fight, sir?
MAXIMUS
We shall know soon enough.
QUINTUS
(calling out to nearby soldiers)
Soldier! I ordered you to move those catapults forward, they’re out of range.
MAXIMUS
The range is good.
QUINTUS
A danger to the cavalry --
MAXIMUS
-- is acceptable. Agreed?
Sudden unearthly shouts of one of the barbarian leaders come from the forest.
A horse with a rider emerges from the trees, and walks towards the Roman forces.
MAXIMUS
(as if to himself)
What do they say now.
The horse is carrying a Roman soldier's headless body, the scout who was sent out 2 hours ago to reconnoiter. More shouts of other chieftains emerge from across the battlefield as the horse gallops between the Roman squadrons.
QUINTUS
(to Maximus)
People should know when they’re conquered.
The shouts rise to a scream. One long sentence in the ancient German language.
One of the barbarian chieftains walks out onto the field.
Maximus, kneeling, takes up a handful of earth and rubs it between his hands. The action has a ritual air. He glances at a dog, sitting on its haunches, which returns his look.
MAXIMUS
(looking up)
Would you, Quintus? Would I?
He brushes off his hands, stands, and shakes hands with Quintus and other officers standing nearby.
MAXIMUS
(to Quintus)
Strength and honor.
QUINTUS
(to nearby officer)
Strength and honor.
OTHERS
Strength and honor.
Maximus mounts his horse. The dog looks up, aware his master is preparing to leave.
Maximus looks down at Quintus and the other officers.
MAXIMUS
At my signal, unleash Hell.
He rides off, the dog running at his side.
MEDIUM on Marcus Aurelius, observing closely as the troops are mustered.
QUINTUS (O/S)
Load the catapults!
Large arrows are lowered into the war machines.
QUINTUS (O/S)
Infantry, form up for advance.
Groups of soldiers run forward.
LIEUTENANT (O/S)
Archers ready!
SARGEANT (O/S)
Archers! Nock!
They place arrows against the bowstrings of their bows.
ARCHERY LEADER
Nock!
Maximus rides into the forest on the Roman side. He rides up to the center of the cavalry and looks around at his men.
MAXIMUS
(shouting)
Comrades!
(soldiers cheer)
Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops.
Imagine where you will be, and it will be so!
(pauses)
Hold the line! Stay with me!
If you find yourself alone, riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled --
(joking)
-- for you are in Elysium --
(laughter)
-- and you are already dead!
(laughter rises)
(pauses)
Alas! What we do in life … echoes in eternity!
Out on the field, catapult winches are turned.
On the enemy side, an archer dips a nocked arrow into a fire, and shoots it. The flaming arrow crosses over and lands on the Roman side.
Rows of Roman archers shoot their first wave of arrows.
LONG on the phalanxes of Roman troops moving forward toward the forest.
LIEUTENANT (O/S)
Archers ignite!
A long line of Roman archers lower their nocked arrows into a shallow firetrench at their feet.
Catapults are fired.
Flaming arrows are shot, and land in the foliage of trees, starting fires.
Large catapult arrows land in the forest, impaling warriors, smashing into the trunks of trees.
MEDIUM on Marcus Aurelius up on the hillside, his gaze following the incendiary missiles.
LONG on the forest, where pockets of fire have sprung up.
Maximus and the cavalry ride into battle.
MAXIMUS
Roma victor!
Maximus, mounted on his horse, kills two of the enemy.
He cleaves an enemy soldier’s head, the blade of his sword lodging itself in a tree-trunk.
MAXIMUS (cont’d)
(shouting above the din of battle)
Hold the line!
Maximus is knocked off his horse. In close combat, he falls, and fights his way back up.
MAXIMUS (cont’d)
(shouting)
Hold … the … line!
The battle rages on.
Maximus is again knocked down, and again fights his way back.
MAXIMUS (O/S)
Stay with me!
(louder)
Stay with me!
One of the barbarian leaders is killed.
The dog attacks one of the enemy chieftains.
Maximus raises his arms.
MAXIMUS (O/S)
Roma victor!
02 EXT. FOREST. DAY.
A heavily fortified war-coach, drawn by 4 horses, is moving through the forest.
03 INT. IMPERIAL WAR-COACH. DAY.
An aristocratic pair, a young man and woman, are reclining on cushions, on opposite sides of the coach.
COMMODUS
Do you think he’s really dying?
LUCILLA
He’s been dying for 10 years.
COMMODUS
If he hadn’t really dying, he wouldn’t have sent for us.
LUCILLA
Maybe he just misses us.
COMMODUS
And the senators. He wouldn’t have sent for --
LUCILLA
-- Please! Two weeks on the road and your incessant scheming are hurting my head.
Commodus gets up and sits on her side of the coach.
COMMODUS
He’s made his decision. He’s going to announce it. He will make me … The first thing I shall do when … Is honor him with games worthy of his majesty.
He smiles. She smiles back.
LUCILLA
And now the first thing I shall do is have our bath.
A sudden knocking on the coach door.
DRIVER
We’re almost there, sir.
The door is opened. Commodus emerges into the daylight, squinting.
OFFICER
Sire.
COMMODUS
Where’s the Emperor?
OFFICER
He’s at the front, sire. He’s been gone for 19 days. The wounded are still coming in.
COMMODUS
(to his adjutant)
My horse.
The horse is quickly brought up.
OFFICER
My lord.
04 EXT. BATTLEFIELD. DAY.
CLOSE on Maximus’ sword, still stuck in the tree.
Maximus pulls it out.
The Emperor Marcus Aurelius approaches.
AURELIUS
You have proved your valor yet again, Maximus. Let us hope for the last time.
MAXIMUS
There’s no one left to fight, sire.
AURELIUS
There’s always someone left to fight.
How can I reward Rome’s greatest general?
MAXIMUS
(hesitates)
Let me go home.
AURELIUS
Ah, home!
Commodus rides at the head of a mounted imperial guard, coming down onto the battlefield.
TROOPS
(cheering)
Roma victor!
Maximus and Aurelius look round at the army.
MAXIMUS
They honor you, Caesar.
AURELIUS
No, Maximus, it’s for you. They honor you.
Commodus arrives, dismounts and walks quickly towards them.
COMMODUS
Have I missed it? Have I missed the battle?
AURELIUS
You have missed the war.
COMMODUS
Father, congratulations. I shall sacrifice a hundred bulls to honor your triumph.
AURELIUS
(drily)
Save the bulls.
Honor Maximus. He won the battle.
COMMODUS
(turns to Maximus)
General. Rome salutes you. And I embrace you as a brother. It has been too long, my old friend.
MAXIMUS
(bows his head)
Your Highness.
Commodus turns back to Aurelius, taking hold of his father’s elbow.
COMMODUS
Here, father, take my arm.
Aurelius gently removes his arm.
AURELIUS
I think it is time for me to leave.
Aurelius mounts his horse. Maximus comes over and helps Aurelius with his stirrup. Aurelius leans down.
AURELIUS
(to Maximus)
So much for the glory of Rome.
Commodus watches with a cold expression.
05 INT. OFFICERS’ TENT. NIGHT.
Maximus walks up to the exterior forecourt of the main tent. Inside a celebration of the victory is in progress.
OFFICER (O/S, bgd dialogue)
It was 3 of our legions against 4000 of their …
He greets several soldiers, and enters the tent.
MAXIMUS
(calling out)
Faro, you’re still alive! Your luck is still with you.
FARO
And you, General! The gods still have a sense of humor!
Maximus laughs.
He turns to a washstand and washes his hands.
He glances up and sees Aurelius, seated on a throne, speaking with Commodus and several officers.
He walks on among the soldiers and political guests.
In an adjacent reception area of the tent, Lucilla and another woman of the imperial court are looking through a flap in the tent. Lucilla nods, pointing out Maximus.
Maximus walks up to the two officers from the battle, Quintus and a second officer.
2ND OFFICER
(to Maximus)
General.
Back to barracks, general?
MAXIMUS
Back to my wife, my son, my harvest.
QUINTUS
Maximus, the farmer. I still have difficulty imagining that.
MAXIMUS
You know, dirt cleans off much easier than blood, Quintus.
Commodus approaches. Two senators, standing nearby, turn as the Emperor’s son joins the soldiers.
COMMODUS
(to Maximus)
There he is.
MAXIMUS
Your Highness.
COMMODUS
(greeting)
Senator Gaius, Senator Falco.
(to Maximus)
Beware of Gaius. He’ll pour honeyed potion in your ear, and you’ll wake up one day and all you’ll say is: “Republic. Republic. Republic.”
GAIUS
Well, why not? Rome was founded as a republic.
COMMODUS
Yes, and in a republic the senate has the power. But of course, Senator Gaius is not influenced by that.
FALCO
Where do you stand, general? Emperor or Senate?
MAXIMUS
A soldier has the advantage of being able to look his enemy in the eye, Senator.
GAIUS
Well, with an army behind you, you could be extremely political.
COMMODUS
(to Maximus)
I warned you. I shall save you.
(nods to the others)
Senators.
Commodus walks alongside Maximus.
COMMODUS
Rome may soon need good men like you.
MAXIMUS
(cautiously)
How may I be of service, Highness?
COMMODUS
You’re a man who knows what it is to command. You give your orders, the orders are obeyed and the battle is won. But these senators, they scheme and squabble and flatter and deceive.
(moves closer to Maximus)
Maximus, we must save Rome from the politicians. Can I count on you when the time comes?
MAXIMUS
(resolutely)
Highness, when your father releases me I intend to return home.
COMMODUS
Well, no one’s earned it more. But don’t get too comfortable. I may call on you before long.
Lucilla’s here, did you know? She’s not forgotten you.
(pauses)
And now you’re the great man.
06 INT. ADJACENT RECEPTION AREA OF TENT. NIGHT.
Aurelius walks in, turns and sees Lucilla and the other woman, still looking through into the reception area. The other woman steps back, bowing. Lucilla turns and faces her father.
AURELIUS
If only you had been born a man. What a Caesar you would have made.
LUCILLA
(bows her head)
Father.
AURELIUS
(pensive)
You would have been strong. I wonder, would you have been just?
LUCILLA
(matter of fact)
I would have been what you taught me to be.
AURELIUS
Ah.
They start walking along together.
AURELIUS
How was your journey?
LUCILLA
Long. Very comfortable. Why have I come?
AURELIUS
I need your help, with your brother.
LUCILLA
(smiling)
Of course!
AURELIUS (cont’d)
He loves you. He always has. And he will need you now, more than ever.
(brusquely)
Enough of politics. Let us pretend that you’re a loving daughter, and I am a good father.
LUCILLA
This is a pleasant fiction, isn’t it?
07 EXT. FIELD FORTIFICATIONS. DAY.
Maximus is out walking among the troops, greeting soldiers.
He comes to the stables, and strokes the mane of one of his horses. He smiles.
At the sound of swords CLASHING, he turns and looks on as Commodus, with a group of several soldiers, all stripped to the waist, practices the sequence of slashing movements in a swordfight. Maximus pauses, watching.
08 INT. EMPEROR MARCUS AURELIUS’ QUARTERS. DAY.
Marcus Aurelius is writing at his desk, a scholar at work, completely absorbed.
Maximus, in formal general’s attire, enters and stands at attention.
MAXIMUS
You sent for me, Caesar?
Aurelius continues writing. His infirmity is apparent.
MAXIMUS
Caesar?
Aurelius speaks familiarly, picking up the thread of a debate they have enjoyed together before.
AURELIUS
Tell me again, Maximus. Why are we here?
MAXIMUS
For the glory of the empire, sire.
AURELIUS
Ah. Hm, I remember.
Do you see that map, Maximus? That is the world which I have created. For twenty-five years I have conquered, spilt blood, expanded the empire. Since I became Caesar I have known four years without war. Four years of peace in twenty! And for what?
He stands and walks round his desk.
AURELIUS (cont’d)
I have brought the sword, nothing more.
MAXIMUS
(protesting)
Caesar, your life is --
AURELIUS
Don’t call me that.
He walks from this study over towards the reception area.
AURELIUS (cont’d)
Come, please. Come, sit.
Maximus sits on a bench.
AURELIUS (cont’d)
Let us talk now, very simply, as men.
Aurelius sits on a sofa.
AURELIUS (cont’d)
Well, Maximus, talk.
MAXIMUS
(respectful, but angry)
Five thousand of my men are out there in the freezing mud. Three thousand of them are bloodied and cleaved, two thousand will never leave this place. I will not believe that they fought and died for nothing.
AURELIUS
And what would you believe?
MAXIMUS
They fought for you. And for Rome.
AURELIUS
And what is Rome, Maximus?
MAXIMUS
I’ve seen much of the rest of the world. It is brutal and cruel and dark. Rome is the light.
AURELIUS
Yet you have never been there. You have not seen what it has become.
(firmly)
I am dying, Maximus.
Aurelius speaks of things he has clearly reflected on for many years.
AURELIUS (cont’d)
(gently)
When a man sees his end, he wants to know there was some purpose to his life. How will the world speak my name in years to come? Will I be known as the philosopher, the warrior, the tyrant, or --
(hesitates)
-- will I be the emperor who gave Rome back her true self?
(wistfully)
There was once a dream that was Rome. You could only whisper it! Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish, it was so fragile. And I fear that it will not survive the winter.
(moves over beside Maximus)
Maximus, let us whisper now, together, you and I.
(settling back)
You have a son. Tell me about your home.
Maximus relaxes, warmed by the memory.
MAXIMUS
My house is in the hills above Tejilla, a very simple place. Pink stones warm in the sun, a kitchen garden that smells of herbs in the day, jasmine in the evening. Through the gate is a giant poplar. Figs, apples, pears, and soil, Marcus! Black. Black like my wife’s hair! Grapes on the south slope, olives on the north, wild ponies play near the house, I tease my son he wants to be one!
AURELIUS
When was the last time you were home?
MAXIMUS
2 years, 264 days from this morning.
AURELIUS
I envy you, Maximus. It’s a good home. Worth fighting for.
Aurelius stands slowly.
AURELIUS
There is one more duty I would ask of you before you go home.
Maximus stands and faces Aurelius, at attention.
MAXIMUS
(formally)
What would you have me do, Caesar?
AURELIUS
(issuing command)
I want you to become the protector of Rome after I die.
I will empower you to one end alone: to give power back to the people of Rome and end the corruption that has crippled it.
(pauses)
Would you accept this great honor that I have offered?
MAXIMUS
With all my heart, no.
Aurelius reaches out and places his hand on Maximus’ shoulder.
AURELIUS
Maximus, that is why it must be you.
Aurelius drops his hand.
MAXIMUS
Surely a prefect, a senator, somebody who knows the city, who understands her politics?
AURELIUS
But you have not been corrupted by her politics.
Aurelius turns and walks away a few steps.
MAXIMUS
And Commodus?
AURELIUS
(turning back)
Commodus is not a moral man. You have known that since you were young. Commodus cannot rule. He must not rule.
(wistful)
You are the son I should have had.
(firmly)
Commodus will accept my decision. He knows that you command the loyalty of the army.
Aurelius sits.
MAXIMUS
I need some time, sire.
AURELIUS
Yes, by sunset I hope you will have agreed. Now, embrace me as my son.
(smiling)
And bring an old man another blanket.
09 EXT. OUTSIDE AURELIUS’ TENT, ADJACENT TO LUCILLA’S. DAY.
Maximus emerges from the imperial tent. He paces, his mind in turmoil over Aurelius’ request.
Lucilla walks out from under the awning of her tent. He turns and sees her.
LUCILLA
My father favors you now.
MAXIMUS
My lady.
LUCILLA
It was not always so.
MAXIMUS
Many things change.
LUCILLA
Many things. But not everything.
He turns away.
LUCILLA
Maximus, stop. Let me see your face.
(looking more closely at him)
You seem upset.
MAXIMUS
I lost many men.
LUCILLA
What did my father want with you?
MAXIMUS
To wish me well before I leave for home.
He again turns away.
LUCILLA
You’re lying.
He pauses, turning back.
LUCILLA (cont’d)
I could always tell when you were lying because you were never any good at it.
MAXIMUS
I never acquired your comfort with it.
LUCILLA
True. But then you never had to. Life is much simpler for a soldier.
(pauses)
Do you think me heartless?
MAXIMUS
I think you have a talent for survival.
He turns away yet again.
LUCILLA
(impatient)
Maximus, stop!
(laughing gently)
Is it really so terrible seeing me again?
MAXIMUS
No, I’m tired from battle.
LUCILLA
It hurts you to see my father so fragile.
(he nods)
Commodus expects my father will announce the succession within days. Will you serve my brother as you’ve served his father?
MAXIMUS
I will always serve Rome.
LUCILLA
You know, I still remember you in my prayers. Oh yes, I pray.
MAXIMUS
I was sad to hear of your husband’s death. I mourned him.
LUCILLA
(quietly)
Thank you.
MAXIMUS
And I hear that you have a son.
LUCILLA
(brightening)
Yes. Lucius. He’ll be nearly 8 years old.
MAXIMUS
My son is also nearly eight.
(bowing his head)
I thank you for your prayers.
He turns and leaves.
10 INT. MAXIMUS’ TENT. EVENING.
CICERO, Maximus’ soldier manservant, is washing drinking mugs in the corner of the tent.
Maximus is kneeling before a small shrine.
MAXIMUS
(praying)
Blessed mother, come to me with what the gods desire for my future.
Blessed father, watch over my wife and son with a ready sword.
Know that I only live to hold them again.
Ancestors, I honor you, and I will try to live with the dignity you have taught me.
He picks up two small figurines from the low table before the shrine. One is a carving of a woman, the other a young boy. He kisses the one of the woman, and then places them into a small satchel. It has a ritual air, the conclusion to his prayers.
He stands and sits down in his field chair.
MAXIMUS
Cicero!
Cicero brings Maximus a drink.
CICERO
Sir.
Cicero blows out the candles on the altar to Maximus' ancestors.
MAXIMUS
Do you ever find it hard to do your duty?
CICERO
(reflecting)
Sometimes I do what I want to do, the rest of the time I do what I have to.
MAXIMUS
We may not be able to go home after all.
11 INT. IMPERIAL TENT, ANTECHAMBER TO AURELIUS’ QUARTERS. EVENING.
Commodus walks out from behind a shroud, and approaches one of the Roman busts displayed in this small reception area. He comes up very close to it and touches its face.
Aurelius walks into this formal reception area.
AURELIUS
Are you ready to do your duty for Rome?
Commodus turns to face the emperor.
COMMODUS
Yes, father.
AURELIUS
You will not be emperor.
COMMODUS
(choking)
Which of the nobles will take my place?
AURELIUS
My powers will pass to Maximus to hold in trust until the Senate is ready to rule once more. Rome is to be a republic again.
COMMODUS
(shocked)
Maximus.
Auelius reaches to stroke the side of Commodus’ face, who leans his head away. Aurelius drops his hand.
AURELIUS
My decision disappoints you?
COMMODUS
(dignified, harsh)
You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues: wisdom, justice, fortitude, and temperance. As I read the list I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues. Ambition, that can be a virtue when it drives us to excel. Resourcefulness.
(voice breaking)
Courage, perhaps not on the battlefield, but there are many forms of courage. Devotion -- to my family. But none of my virtues were on your list.
(near tears)
Even then it was as if you didn’t want me for your son.
Aurelius kneels before his son. A terrible guilt moves across his face.
AURELIUS
Commodus, you go too far.
COMMODUS
(weeping)
I searched the faces of the gods for ways to please you. To make you proud. One kind word. One full heart as you pressed me to your chest would be like the sun on my heart for 4000 years.
(a confused child)
What is it in me you hate so much?
AURELIUS
Commodus.
COMMODUS
All I’ve ever wanted was to live up to you, Caesar … father.
AURELIUS
(reaching up towards his son)
Commodus, your faults as a son is my failure as a father.
Commodus embraces his father’s head, his hands gently holding the older man’s head. Emotion drains from Commodus’ face, as he woodenly pulls Aurelius tightly against his chest.
COMMODUS
And I will go to the whole world until you have heard me.
Commodus’ grip on his father tightens; the son is strangling the father.
Aurelius, flailing, tries to push himself away from Commodus.
Commodus groans deep as his father’s struggling arms slowly go limp. Aurelius dies.
12 INT. MAXIMUS’ TENT. NIGHT.
Maximus wakes suddenly, drawing a dagger by his pillow. Quintus faces him.
QUINTUS
Maximus, the emperor needs you. It’s urgent.
13 INT. AURELIUS’ TENT. NIGHT.
Maximus walks quickly into Aurelius’ bedchamber.
COMMODUS
Amend with me, brother. Our great father is dead.
Maximus walks to the side of Aurelius’ bed, and holds his hand against the Emperor’s forehead, and neck, feeling for a pulse. Commodus stands at the threshold, watching.
Lucilla is standing off to one side, looking on, tears on her cheeks.
MAXIMUS
(evenly)
How did he die?
COMMODUS
The surgeons say there was no pain. His heart gave out as he slept.
Maximus leans down and kisses the corpse on the forehead.
MAXIMUS
(to Aurelius, softly)
Father.
Maximus still does not turn round.
COMMODUS
Your emperor asks for your loyalty, Maximus. Take my hand. I’ll only offer it once.
Maximus turns and looks hard at Commodus, and aside at Lucilla. He does not take Commodus’ hand. He strides out of the room.
MAXIMUS
Quintus!
Quintus hesitates, then follows.
Lucilla steps towards Commodus and forcefully slaps him twice. He does not respond.
She takes his hand, raises it and kisses the imperial ring.
LUCILLA
(grieving, angry, ironic)
Hail Caesar.
14 INT. MAXIMUS’ TENT. NIGHT.
Maximus walks in quickly from the forecourt of his tent. He is putting on his leather field armor.
MAXIMUS
(to Cicero)
I must talk to the senators. Wake them, I need their counsel. Quick, Gaius and Falco.
CICERO
Gaius and Falco.
MAXIMUS
(nodding to the corner)
Sword.
CICERO
Sword.
Quintus strides into Maximus’ tent.
QUINTUS
Maximus, please be careful, that was not prudent.
MAXIMUS
Prudent? The emperor has been slain.
QUINTUS
The emperor died of natural causes.
Maximus looks up at Quintus.
MAXIMUS
Why are you armed, Quintus?
QUINTUS
(calling out)
Guards!
(to Maximus)
Please don’t fight, Maximus.
Behind the curtain Cicero has started to draw Maximus’ sword.
MAXIMUS
(to Cicero, under his breath)
Don’t.
The guards enter.
QUINTUS
I’m sorry.
(issuing orders)
Caesar has spoken. Ride until dawn and then execute him.
MAXIMUS
Quintus, look at me.
(shouting)
Look at me!
(one soldier to another)
Promise me that you will look after my family.
QUINTUS
Your family will meet you in the afterlife.
MAXIMUS
NO!
Sudden sound of THUNDER as dark clouds move (FAST MOTION) over Maximus’ villa.
