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.
15 EXT. FOREST. DAY.
Maximus, bound and mounted on a horse, is being led by a small company of soldiers.
They dismount and a soldier moves into position beside Maximus. He holds a sword, ready to behead Maximus.
MAXIMUS
(praying)
Blessed father, watch over my wife and son. Know that I only live to hold them again.
SOLDIER
Kneel!
MAXIMUS
(to Centurion)
At least give me a clean death, a soldier’s death.
The Centurion nods to the soldier.
The soldier moves behind Maximus, and holds his sword up, preparing to drive it vertically down into Maximus’ body, an honorable death. He suddenly thrusts back with his head, a forceful blow into the soldier’s lower chest. Maximus stands, seizes the sword by the blade and drives it into the soldier’s chest like a knife, retracts it, then whirls round and tosses it in the air, catching it by the hilt. The Centurion is trying to draw his sword.
MAXIMUS
(crouching)
The frost. Sometimes it makes the blade stick.
He lunges and kills the Centurion.
Another Centurion, mounted and posted as guard 20 paces away, turns at the sound.
MAXIMUS
(calling out)
Praetorian!
The sound of a sword CUTTING through the air end over end. The sword impales the mounted guard.
A third Centurion, also mounted, positioned 20 paces on the other side, draws his sword.
Maximus picks up a sword, preparing to strike the Centurion as he charges.
The Centurion rides past Maximus, who, at the last instant, crosses to the other side of the running horse, and strikes.
The Centurion finishes his pass. He turns round, as if preparing to charge again, but falls slowly to the ground.
Maximus leans forward, blood flowing from a wound in his shoulder.
16 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE. DAY.
Maximus is riding across a far vista, leading a second horse tethered to his own.
17 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE. NIGHT.
Maximus is sitting next to a fire. His armor is on the ground. He is gazing into the flames.
The remembers fragments of his conversation with Aurelius, and his nightly prayers.
AURELIUS (V/O)
When was the last time you were home?
MAXIMUS (V/O)
(overlapping)
2 years 264 days from this morning. Blessed father watch over my wife and son … protect my wife and son with a ready sword … for all else is dust and air and know that I only live to hold them again. For all else is dust and air …
He’s exhausted, and deeply frightened for his family’s safety.
18 EXT. MAXIMUS’ VILLA. DAY.
Peaceful-looking sentries are standing at attention in a field outside the perimeter wall of Maximus’ villa in Spain.
Maximus’ son, who is standing at the center of a circle, is holding a rein and leading a white pony in exercises around him.
A regiment of mounted Roman troops approach down a road leading to the villa.
The wife and son look up, and the son smiles. He starts running to meet the troops.
Maximus is riding along a road.
SON
(running)
Papa! Papa!
Maximus hears his son’s voice, not physically, intuitively. He wakes from his exhausted sleep, and spurs his horse afresh.
The son waves and grins. He hesitates on the broad avenue between two rows of trees, for a moment uncertain about the troops galloping towards him. He starts running forward again, deciding that his father is teasing him.
His mother follows a short distance behind. She looks up, uncertain.
The boy pauses. The troops are approaching even faster, and ride over the boy..
His mother raises her hand to her mouth in shock.
Maximus’ horse takes a fall, throwing him to the ground.
The troops ride on in the direction of the mother.
Maximus walks across his fields, now a smoking ruin of bare, blackened ground, littered with the charred bodies of the sentries.
The shoulder wound and an injury from his fall slow him down. He is inside the villa grounds, walking towards the buildings of his home.
MEDIUM ON Maximus as he staggers up the walkway, passes the poplar, and hesitates at what lies before him.
PULL BACK to the lower half of two bodies hanging from the porch of the main building. In the frame Maximus stands between them, at a distance, looking on.
He lurches forward, falling to his knees. He covers the last few steps on his knees, reaching up up to them. He holds and kisses the blackened, smoking feet of his wife and son.
He collapses in grief.
He is asleep.
CLOSE ON his head, cradled between the mounds of two graves.
A foot steps into frame beside his head. The sound of VOICES, speaking in Arabic. Hands roughly pick him up.
19 EXT. DESERT, NORTH AFRICA. DAY.
Maximus’ hand is passing over a field of ripe grass, ready for harvest. Dream-image of his villa in Spain.
A landscape shuttles across the frame. The dream being displaced as he wakes. The sky darkens and moves by. His body is moving horizontally, as if floating a meter above the ground.
The sound of children LAUGHING, monkeys SCREECHING, swords CLASHING, wheels slowly TURNING, and metal implements suspended from the cart swinging back and forth, CLANGING.
He wakes slowly, to discover he is lying on his back, shackled, riding on a cart. A black man, JUBA, is walking behind the cart. He looks down at Maximus, and in voiceover speaks of Maximus’ family.
JUBA (V/O)
You will see them again. But not yet.
Maximus looks down at his wound, at slugs crawling in it. He tries to reach up to brush them away.
JUBA
Don’t. They will clean it.
Maximus looks up at the desert sun, and is dizzy for a moment.
JUBA
Don’t die. They’ll feed you to the lions.
He looks over at the next cart, an elaborate wagon with a cage. A lion is inside.
JUBA (cont’d)
They’re worth more than we are.
Camels and horses and other shackled men walk in front of and behind the two carts, a slave train crossing a desert.
What Juba is chewing on -- an herbal medicament -- he takes from his mouth and spreads on the open wound in Maximus’ shoulder.
JUBA
It feels better. See?
LONG SHOT from a cliff, showing the procession of slaves and animals moving across the desert.
20 EXT. ARAB MARKETPLACE. DAY.
Title on-screen: ZUCCHABAR, Roman Province
Sounds of people CALLING OUT in the market, dogs BARKING, and the SCREECHES of monkeys.
MEDIUM ON an old man, PROXIMO, sitting in an open-air drinking bazaar. He is hunched over, drinking from a small mug.
A slave and livestock dealer calls out.
SLAVEDEALER
Proximo, my old friend!
(approaching)
The days greet day when you are here.
(standing by Proximo)
Today is your most fortunate day.
Proximo reaches under the slavedealer’s robe and seizes him. The man cries out.
PROXIMO
Those giraffes you sold me. They won’t mate. They just walk around, eating, and not mating. You sold me queer giraffes. I want my money back.
SLAVEDEALER
Not a chance.
Proximo tightens his grip, and the slavedealer cries out again.
SLAVEDEALER
(gasping)
A special price for you!
PROXIMO
On what?
SLAVEDEALER
Have you seen my new stock? Come and see them.
21 EXT. SLAVEDEALERS’ MARKET AREA. DAY.
Proximo is being carried through a market street in an ornate litter.
The slavedealer and Proximo enter the grounds of the slave and livestock market. Maximus and Juba are manacled to posts.
PROXIMO
Do you have any that fight? I have a match coming up.
SLAVEDEALER
Some are good for fighting, others for dying. You need both, I think.
Proximo turns to Juba.
PROXIMO
Get up!
Juba stands.
Proximo takes hold of Juba’s shoulder, then slaps his buttock in an appraising manner. He takes hold of Juba’s hand, and turns it over to look at the palm.
PROXIMO
Your trade?
JUBA
I was a hunter.
SLAVEDEALER
No, no. I bought him from a saltmine in Carthage.
Proximo walks across to Maximus, and prods with a stick at the wound in his shoulder. He sees the Roman military ‘SPQR’ tattoo on Maximus’ upper arm.
PROXIMO
Mark of the legion. Deserter.
SLAVEDEALER
Maybe so. But who cares. He’s a Spaniard.
PROXIMO
I’ll take six, for one thousand.
SLAVEDEALER
A thousand?! The Numibian alone is worth two thousand!
PROXIMO
These slaves are rotten.
SLAVEDEALER
It all adds to the flavor.
Proximo turns to leave.
SLAVEDEALER
(rushing after him)
No, no. Wait. Wait! I’m trying to negotiate.
PROXIMO
(his last offer)
I’ll give you 2000, and 4000 for the beasts. That’s 5000 for an old friend.
22 EXT. STREET. DAY.
Proximo’s litter is approaching his compound.
PROXIMO
(shouting)
Hurry up! How long will it take me to get home.
23 EXT. WITHIN WALLS OF PROXIMO’S COMPOUND. DAY.
Proximo is walking along, inspecting the newly acquired slaves/gladiators as they fall into formation along the wall.
PROXIMO
I am Proximo! I shall be closer to you for the next few days, which will be the last of your miserable lives, than that bitch of a mother who brought you screaming into this world.
(pauses)
I did not pay good money for you for your company. I paid it so I could profit from your death. And as your mother was there at your beginning, so I shall be there at your end. And when you die, and die you shall, your transition shall be to the sound of --
He slowly claps his hands together several times.
PROXIMO (cont’d)
Gladiators, I salute you!
24 EXT. COMPOUND TRAINING AREA. DAY.
Proximo is watching as the new slaves are being drilled. After watching one gladiator’s response, he turns to a clerk.
PROXIMO
Yellow.
The clerk writes in a large ledger.
DISSOLVE TO the inner training area, where Proximo’s chief gladiator, HAGEN, used also as a trainer, is fencing with Juba. Hagen is using a wooden sword, attempting to bait Juba..
Juba lunges suddenly, tries to return Hagen’s blows.
Hagen pulls back, pushing aside Juba’s sword. He laughs appreciatively.
HAGEN
Good!
Proximo, sitting nearby under an awning, nods.
PROXIMO
Red.
HAGEN
Red.
Hagen picks up a brush and splashes red paint on Juba’s tunic.
PROXIMO
The Spaniard.
Maximus is pushed forward. He stands motionless, then raises in one hand the sword given to him, and tosses it to the ground. Hagen glances at Proximo, who nods. The trainer slaps the flat side of his sword against Maximus’ stomach. Maximus makes no reaction. Hagen glances again at Proximo, who nods again. The trainer slaps the sword agasinst Maximus upper arm. Again no reaction. Hagen pulls back his arm, readying to strike Maximus in earnest.
PROXIMO
Enough! His time will come.
HAGEN
Next!
25 INT. COMPOUND, SLAVES’ HOLDING CELL. NIGHT.
Juba turns from the doorway. He looks over at Maximus, who is sitting on a low platform with his back to the wall.
JUBA
Spaniard. Why don’t you fight? We all have to fight.
Maximus is using a knife to cut into the SPQR tattoo on his arm, removing it.
JUBA
(looking at the tattoo)
Is that a sign of your gods?
Maximus smiles at the irony, and nods.
JUBA
Will that not anger them?
Maximus smiles again as blood flows down his arm.
26 EXT. MARKET. DAY.
Bright red blood is poured on the backs of goats, as the gladiators are led through the streets. Hagen runs alongside Maximus.
HAGEN
(to Maximus)
The gods favor you. Red is the gods’ color. You will need their help today.
27 INT. ZUCCHABAR ARENA, CELLAR. DAY.
Proximo is walking in front of the seated gladiators in a low-ceilinged room. He is between them and a table.
PROXIMO
Some of you are thinking you won’t fight. And some that you can’t fight. They all say that …
He looks up at the ceiling, in the direction of the sounds of the arena above.
CROWD (O/S)
Kill! Kill! Kill!
PROXIMO (cont’d)
Until they’re up there.
He pulls a sword from a scabbard hanging on the wall
PROXIMO (cont’d)
Thrust this into another man’s flesh. They will applaud and love you for that. And you --
(thrusts the sword)
-- you may begin to love them --
(thrusts the sword again)
-- for that.
He drives the sword into the surface of the table, and steps away. He turns back.
PROXIMO (cont’d)
Ultimately we’re all dead men. Sadly we cannot choose how, but we can choose how we meet that end … in order that we are remembered … as men.
Maximus leans down and takes up a handful of sand. He rubs it between his hands.
28 EXT. FLOOR OF THE ARENA. DAY.
Four large gladiators who will be fighting the new slaves are slowly moving about in the arena. They wear leather tunics and large metallic bull-heads with horns, making them seem less-than-human.
29 INT. ARENA CELLAR. DAY.
The bolts holding the manacles in place round the ankles of the new gladiators are being struck off with a large mallet. They are being chained together in pairs, with one long chain to one wrist of each gladiator.
They walk up a set of stairs leading to a small holding area. A gate across one side leads out into the arena.
30 EXT. ARENA. DAY.
The four bull-head gladiators are ranged in front of the gate, swaying back and forth, readying their swords. The largest among them is swinging a studded iron ball at the end of a chain. The sound of the CHAIN, and the CROWD.
31 INT. ARENA HOLDING CELL. DAY.
Maximus, Juba, and Hagen are standing with several other gladiators in a small group, waiting for the gate to be opened.
Uncertainty is on the faces of Maximus and Juba.. And standing in front of Maximus, terror on the face of one of the other men. Urine runs down his leg. Maximus steps back.
32 EXT. ARENA. DAY.
The gate is pulled open. The men spill out in a disorganized mass. The studded iron ball swings and crashes against the skull of the man standing in front.
Maximus is chained to Juba, Hagen to another, and the one who was killed to another, and a last pair.
Maximus uses his shield to bludgeon one of the bull-men.
Hagen kills one of them.
The man chained to Hagen is killed, and Hagen severs the man’s hand at the wrist, freeing himself. He kills another.
Maximus and Juba working together kill another.
Two of the other new gladiators are killed.
Hagen kills another by lifting him and impaling him on a decorative horn fitted into the wall.
Cheers from the crowd after each death.
A net is thrown over the partner of the new gladiator just killed, and he is impaled on a trident.
Maximus and Juba face down another with a net and trident, getting the trident from him, and impaling him with it.
Bodies lie around the surviving gladiators: Hagen, Maximus, and Juba.
CIRCULAR PANNING SHOT moves round Maximus and Juba several times after the last death, showing the crowd behind them cheering and waving. They look back at the crowd, perplexed, horrified.
LONG SHOT, SPIRALLING UP above the arena, clouds swirling.
33 EXT. ROMAN FORUM. DAY.
LONG SHOT descending through clouds.
Far below, the environs of Rome, come into view. Color scheme is dark metallic blue, black & off-white, evoking a neo-fascist political landscape.
PANORAMIC SHOT above the buildings of the city.
LONG SHOT of an Imperial Procession entering Rome, moving up towards the forum.
GROUND-LEVEL SHOT of infantry walking in formation. A chariot rides within their ranks, carrying Commodus and Lucilla.
On the steps of the forum stand a reception party, among them several senators and a young boy, LUCIUS, Lucilla’s son.
GRACCHUS
He’s entering Rome like a conquering hero. What has he conquered?
FALCO
Give him time, Gracchus. He’s young. I think he could do very well.
GRACCHUS
For you, or for Rome?
The chariot pulls up at the foot of the forum steps.
FALCO
(to Lucius)
Go to your mother, Lucius. That’s what she’d like.
Lucius runs down the steps.
LUCIUS
(calling out)
Mother!
The music builds, forming a contrast to Maximus’ own ‘homecoming’.
Commodus and Lucilla walk up the steps. Lucillas embraces her son with pleasure.
COMMODUS
(to the senators)
Senators.
FALCO
(to Commodus)
Rome greets her new emperor. All your loyal subjects bid you welcome.
COMMODUS
Thank you, Falco. And for the subjects. I trust they weren’t too expensive.
34 INT. EMPEROR’S RECEPTION HALL. DAY.
A celebration is in progress at the return of Emperor Commodus. Gracchus is addressing the guests.
Commodus sits in a chair in the hall, holding a sword vertically, with its point against the floor, spinning it absently.
GRACCHUS
For your guidance, Caesar, the Senate has prepared a series of protocols to begin addressing the many problems in the city, beginning with basic sanitation for the Greek quarter, to combat the plague which is already springing up there. Caesar --
COMMODUS
(hushing him as one would a child)
Sh-sh.
Commodus stands and walks across the room.
COMMODUS (cont’d)
Don’t you see, Gracchus? That’s the very problem, isn’t it. My father spent all his time at study, at books and learning and philosophy. He spent his twilight hours reading scrolls from the Senate. And all the while, the people were forgotten.
GRACCHUS
But the Senate is the people, sire. Chosen from among the people to speak for the people.
Commodus holds the sword like a staff behind his head, resting his arms on it.
COMMODUS
(turning back)
I doubt if many of the people eat so well as you do, Gracchus. Or have such splendid mistresses, Gaius. I think I understand my own people.
GRACCHUS
Then perhaps Caesar will be so good as to teach us, out of his own extensive experience.
(laughter)
COMMODUS
(he believes this)
I call it love. I am their father, the people are my children. And I shall open to my bosom and embrace them --
GRACCHUS
(scornful)
Have you ever embraced someone dying of plague, sire?
Commodus brings the sword down slowly, and walks towards Gracchus.
COMMODUS
No. But if you ever interrupt me again, I assure you that you shall.
Lucilla smoothly walks forward between the two men.
LUCILLA
Senator, my brother is very tired.
Commodus turns away. She accepts the scrolls from Gracchus.
LUCILLA
All that Rome requires will be done.
GRACCHUS
(to Lucilla, bowing)
As always, your lightest touch commands obedience.
35 INT. IMPERIAL CHAMBERS. DAY.
Commodus storms in, followed by Lucilla.
COMMODUS
Who are they to lecture me?
LUCILLA
Commodus, the Senate has its uses.
COMMODUS
What uses? All they do is talk. It should be just … you and me … and Rome.
He sits. Lucilla paces in front of him.
LUCILLA
Don’t even think it. Rome has always had a Senate.
COMMODUS
Rome has changed. It takes an Emperor to rule an Empire.
LUCILLA
Of course, but leave the people their --
COMMODUS
Illusions?
LUCILLA
Traditions.
COMMODUS
In father’s war with the barbarians he said himself it was an empty victory. Yet the people loved him.
LUCILLA
People always love victories.
COMMODUS
Why? They didn’t see the battles. What do they care about Germania?
LUCILLA
They care about the greatness of Rome.
COMMODUS
The greatness of Rome.
(leaning forward)
And what is that?
LUCILLA
It’s an idea.
(pauses)
Greatness … greatness is a vision.
COMMODUS
Exactly, a vision. Do you not see, Lucilla? I will give the people a vision of Rome, and they’ll love me for it. And they’ll soon forget the sermonizing of a few dry old men.
(with conviction)
I will give them a great vision of their past.
36 INT. EMPEROR’S BEDCHAMBER. DAY.
Commodus is standing over a model of his ‘vision’: the Colisseum. He places a small figurine of a gladiator on the floor of the model arena.
37 EXT. FORUM OF ROME. DAY.
AERIAL LONG SHOT of the buildings of Rome, the forum and Colosseum.
MEDIUM ON Falco, who stoops and picks up a flyer off the ground” it advertises the gladiatorial games in the Colosseum.
He sees Gracchus sitting in a drinking house and joins him. Falco slaps the advertisement down on the table as he sits.
FALCO
Games! 150 days of games!
GRACCHUS
He’s cleverer than I thought.
FALCO
All of Rome would be laughing at him, but everyone’s afraid of his Praetorians.
GRACCHUS
Fear and wonder. A powerful combination.
FALCO
Do you really think the people are going to be seduced by that?
GRACCHUS
I think he knows what Rome is. Rome is the mob. Conjuring and magic, and they’ll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they’ll roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the Senate, it’s the sand of the arena. He’ll bring them death. And they will love him for it.
38 EXT. ARENA IN ZUCCHABAR. DAY.
AERIAL LONG SHOT of the desert, and then the town, and then the arena.
MEDIUM ON the arena, the crowds looking on expectantly.
MEDIUM ON the holding cage, Maximus at the far end. His name is called. He stands and walks between the seated gladiators. The others greet him as he calmly makes his way to the door.
OTHERS
Spaniard! Spaniard!
Five large masked gladiators stand looking uncertainly at the gate where Maximus stands waiting. They are ranged in front of it. But now they are the prey, and Maximus the predator.
The gate opens and he comes out, unhurried. He bows to his opponents. His attitude is different from when he was a soldier, he’s more casual now. It’s as though he has nothing to lose, except his life, which he values at nought.
The sound of the crowd CHEERING on its new hero.
The masked gladiators hesitate, then one attacks. Maximus kills him swiftly, easily.
He kills a second, third, fourth.
The last he kills by grabbing up a second sword and driving both into the man’s chest. He pulls out both swords and brings them together and across in a scissoring motion, beheading the other..
The sound of CHEERING rises.
Maximus walks further into the center of the arena. He throws one of the swords into the audience, overturning a table, scattering a few spectators.
He roars back at the crowd.
MAXIMUS
Are you not entertained!
Are you not entertained!
(pauses)
Is this not why you are here!?
CROWD
(chanting)
Spaniard!
Spaniard!
Spaniard!
He tosses the other sword to the ground in disgust, spits, and walks away towards the exit.
The sound of the crowd’s CHEERING continues.
39 INT. PROXIMO’S OFFICE. DAY.
PROXIMO
What do you want? Girl? Boy?
MAXIMUS
You sent for me?
PROXIMO
Yes, I sent for you.
You’re good, Spaniard, but you’re not that good. You could be magnificent.
MAXIMUS
I’m required to kill, so I kill. That is enough.
PROXIMO
That’s enough for the provinces, but not for Rome.
(walking away)
The young emperor has arranged a series of spectacles to commemorate his father, Marcus Aurelius. I find that amusing, as it was Marcus Aurelius the wise, the all-knowing, that closed us down. So finally after 5 years of scratching a living in flea-infested villages, we’re finally going back to where we belong – the Colosseum. Oh, you should see the Colosseum, Spaniard.
(relishing the memory)
Fifty thousand Romans following every movement of your sword, willing you to make that killer blow. The silence before you strike, it rises, rises up like a storm, as if you were the thunder god himself.
MAXIMUS
You were a gladiator?
PROXIMO
Yes. Yes, I was.
MAXIMUS
You won your freedom?
PROXIMO
A long time ago the emperor presented me with a rudius. It’s just a wooden sword, a symbol of your freedom. He touched me on the shoulder and I was free.
MAXIMUS
(laughing)
You knew Marcus Aurelius?
PROXIMO
(angrily)
I did not say I knew him. I said he touched me on the shoulder once.
MAXIMUS
(serious)
You asked me what I wanted. I too want to stand in front of the emperor, as you did.
PROXIMO
Then listen to me. Learn from me. I wasn’t the best because I killed quickly. I was the best because the crowd loved me. Win the crowd, and you’ll win your freedom.
MAXIMUS
I’ll win the crowd. I’ll give them something they’ve never seen before.
Proximo laughs, excited.
PROXIMO
So. Spaniard!
He turns and walks to the window. He looks out onto the desert.
PROXIMO (cont’d)
We shall go to Rome together and have bloody adventures. And the great whore will suckle us until we’re fat and happy and can suckle no more.
(turning round to face Maximus)
And then … when enough men have died … perhaps you will have your freedom.
Proximo picks up a Roman soldier’s leather breastplate, and tosses it to Maximus.
PROXIMO
Here, use this.
Maximus turns to leave.
40 EXT. ROOF OF PROXIMO’S COMPOUND. EVENING.
Several guards are posted.
Maximus is seated on a low stool.
Juba turns from the parapet and gestures to the horizon.
JUBA
It’s somewhere out there. My country, my home. My wife is preparing food. My daughters carry water from the river. Will I ever see them again? I think not.
MAXIMUS
(quietly)
Do you believe you will see them again when you die?
JUBA
Yes. But then I will die soon. They will not die for many years.
MAXIMUS
But you would -- wait?
JUBA
Of course.
MAXIMUS
You see … my wife, and my son … are already waiting for me.
JUBA
(uwavering certainty)
You’ll meet them again.
(pauses)
But not yet. Not yet.
Maximus is comforted by this new knowledge.
MAXIMUS
(under his breath)
I’ll see them.
(quietly)
But not yet.
Transition shots:
(Sudden SUNLIGHT fills the frame).
(LONG SHOT of horizon).
41 EXT. STREET IN ROME. DAY.
LONG ON the environs of Rome, ground level. A road leading into the city.
A cage-like gladiatorial coach is moving down a street, towards Proximo’s Roman compound. The gladiators sit inside, leaning against the bars. The coach enters the compound, the gates are locked.
Proximo gets down and walks up to a tall statue of a Roman god. He kisses his hand and then touches the foot of the statue.
PROXIMO
(to the statue)
Good to see you again, old friend.
(whispers)
Bring me good fortune.
The three gladiators, Maximus, Juba, and Hagen, stand and look up at the Colisseum, an awe-inspiring structure that towers above them.
JUBA
Have you ever seen anything like that before? I didn’t know men could build such things.
Proximo walks over and faces Maximus.
PROXIMO
(to Maximus)
Win the crowd.
42 INT. IMPERIAL BEDCHAMBER. DAY.
CLOSE ON Commodus, looking down, his attention focussed.
CLOSE ON Lucius, sleeping peacefully in bed.
Lucilla enters, sees her brother, a look of concern crosses her face. She comes up and stands by Commodus.
COMMODUS
He sleeps so well because he’s loved.
LUCILLA
Come, brother. It’s late.
They walk into an adjacent room. Lucilla prepares a sedative in a drink for her brother.
COMMODUS
I would make Rome the wonder of the ages. That’s what Gracchus and his friends don’t understand. All my desires are splitting my head to pieces.
She walks over carrying the drink.
LUCILLA
Commodus, drink this tonic.
COMMODUS
I think the time is almost right. I’m going to announce the dissolution of the Senate and a celebration to honor my father. Do you think I should? Are the people ready?
LUCILLA
(as if to a child)
I think you need your rest now.
COMMODUS
Stay with me.
LUCILLA
Still afraid of the dark?
COMMODUS
(looking away)
Still? Always …
(turning back)
Will you stay with me tonight?
LUCILLA
You know I won’t.
COMMODUS
Then kiss me.
She leans towards forward and kisses him on the forehead, then turns and walks to the door.
LUCILLA
Sleep, brother.
43 EXT. STREETS OF ROME. DAY.
The gladiators are being led through the street from Proximo’s compound to the Colosseum. People are gathering round them, women are coming up to Maximus and several of the others.
44 INT. COLOSSEUM FORECOURT. DAY.
Proximo is walking along with the Games Manager.
PROXIMO
The Emperor wants battles and I don’t want to sacrifice my best fighters.
MANAGER
The crowd wants battles and so the Emperor gives them battles. You get the battle of Carthage.
PROXIMO
The massacre of Carthage. Look, why don’t you go down to the prison, round up all the beggars and thieves.
MANAGER
We’ve done that.
PROXIMO
If you want to give away the best gladiators in the whole of the Empire then I want double the rates.
MANAGER
You’ll get the contract rates or you’ll get your contract cancelled. If you don’t like it you can crawl back down that shithole that you came from.
He puts on the gaudy Announcer’s wig and smiles scornfully. He turns and walks away.
45 EXT. LARGE COLOSSEUM CELL. DAY.
The gladiators’ cell has bars on one side, open to privileged visitors, for viewing. A young patrician boy walks up to the bars, accompanied by a man-servant.
LUCIUS
Gladiator! Are you the one they call ‘the Spaniard’?
MAXIMUS
Yes.
The boy gestures for him to come to the bars. Maximus stands and walks over.
LUCIUS
They said you were a giant, and they said you could crush a man’s skull with one hand.
MAXIMUS
A man’s? No.
A boy’s?
Lucius smiles at Maximus’ joke. Maximus smiles with him.
LUCIUS
Do they have horses in Spain?
MAXIMUS
Yes. Some of the best.
Maximus points to 2 small carvings of horses on the front of his breastplate.
MAXIMUS (cont’d)
This is Argento, and this is Lauto. They were my horses. They were taken from me.
LUCIUS
I like you, Spaniard. I shall cheer for you.
MAXIMUS
They let you go to the games?
LUCIUS
My uncle says it makes me strong.
MAXIMUS
And what does your father say?
LUCIUS
My father’s dead.
The man-servant steps forward.
MAN-SERVANT
Master Lucius, it is time.
LUCIUS
I have to go.
MAXIMUS
Your name is Lucius?
LUCIUS
My name is Lucius Varrus, after my father.
Lucius leaves.
Maximus leans back into the dark of the cell, concerned.
46 INT. COLOSSEUM, ARENA BASEMENT. DAY.
The gladiators are preparing for their first time in the arena.
Maximus kneels and picks up dirt, rubbing it between his hands.
He comes out into the armoury section and chooses a mask from a rack.
The gladiators assemble at the base of the long sloping ramp that emerges through one of the arena walls into the arena.
47 EXT. COLOSSEUM, EMPEROR’S SEATING AREA. DAY.
Commodus and Lucius come out into the imperial viewing area, his hand on the boy’s shoulder.
The Manager speaks to the audience.
MANAGER
On this day we reach back to hallowed antiquity to bring you a re-creation of the second fall of mighty Carthage.
(crowd CHEERS)
On the barren plains of Zarma there stood the invincible armies of the barbarian, Hannibal. Ferocious mercenaries and warriors from all brute nations bent on merciless destruction.
Commodus, your Emperor, is pleased to give you … the barbarian horde.
On the ramp, a games official speaks loudly to the assembled gladiators, standing in formation.
OFFICIAL
When the Emperor enters, raise your weapons, salute him, and then speak together. Face the Emperor, and don’t turn your back on him! Go, and die with honor!
The gladiators climb the ramp in 2 columns, emerging into the sound of the ROAR of the crowd in the colosseum.
In the imperial stands, Lucius, sitting now next to his mother, points out ‘the Spaniard’ to her.
Commodus comes to the railing of his viewing area, and nods down at the gladiators, now in formation on the arena floor.
They hail the Emperor, saluting. Maximus neither speaks nor salutes.
GLADIATORS
We who are about to die, salute you.
Maximus speaks quickly, while still standing in formation, to several of the gladiators around him.
MAXIMUS
Anyone here been in the army?
1st GLADIATOR
Yes.
2nd GLADIATOR
I served with you at Vindeburnum.
Maximus glances quickly at him, and nods.
MAXIMUS
(to 2nd Gladiator)
You can help me.
(to everyone)
Whatever comes out of those gates, we’ve got a better chance of survival if we work together. Do you understand? If we stay together, we survive --
The Manager’s voice rings out.
MANAGER
-- pleased to bring you the legionnaires of Scipio Africanus.
Gates swing open at both ends of the arena and five chariots come rushing out.
A driver, an Amazon archer, and a javelin thrower ride in each of the chariots. They ride around the loose cluster of gladiators, shooting arrows and throwing javelins.
Two of the gladiators are killed immediately.
The gladiators come closer together. The chariots come in nearer. The gladiators bring their shields together in a loose, square-shaped testudo, its members ranged only on the perimeter (not a solid square). Javelins and arrows now land repeatedly, but harmlessly, against the overlapping shields.
LONG SHOT from a viewing box of the 3 chariots driving around the now disciplined knot of gladiators. Proximo rushes to the parapet, grinning at the gladiators’ surprising defensive manoeuver.
MEDIUM ON a chariot turning round, and charging directly for the testudo, to break into it.
MAXIMUS
(calling out)
Fall!
The gladiators drop to the ground, bracing the bottom of their shields together, against the ground, interlocked. The first chariot approaches. A long blade extending out from the axle of this chariot, as with the other chariots intended to maim and cleave in mid-calf, is driven to the side by the wall of shields.
A second chariot turns and charges towards them. Archers from the other chariots continue firing arrows.
The gladiators rise, reposition themselves, and kneel again into the testudo.
MAXIMUS
Hold! Together! Together!
The second chariot nears them.
MAXIMUS
Fall!
This time the side of the chariot comes closer.
MAXIMUS
As one!
They lift their shields together, like a flat iron plate, overturning the chariot. A third chariot piles up behind the overturned one, colliding and itself overturning against the wall.
Maximus releases and mounts one of the horses from the first chariot. The two chariots remaining are at the far end of the arena. Reaching down he picks up a jvelin and gives chase to the first chariot. He throws the javelin and kills one of its riders. He rides out in front of this one, and as they turn the bend, his horse conceals the earlier, overturned chariot. At the last moment he veers to the side and the chariot behind him collides into the first one. He slows down, and as he rides by, another gladiator tosses him a sword. He reaches the end of the arena.
MAXIMUS
(calling out)
Form two columns here!
The gladiators form into a long column, one beside the other, as the chariots, a few paces apart, charge towards them. The gladiators shoot arrows and fling javelins at the passing charioteers.
Maximus rides down the center between the two approaching chariots. As he passes he thrusts up, cutting the throat of the driver on one side. Bringing his sword-arm round he thrusts down, cutting the throat of the driver on the other side.
The gladiators break formation and overwhelm the other riders on the chariots.
The sound of the crowd in an UPROAR, CHEERING wildly, gesturing and waving.
Maximus drops the sword and picks up another javelin. He rides to the far end of the arena, opposite the imperial stands.
In the Emperor’s box, Commodus nods to the Manager, who comes over.
COMMODUS
My history is a little hazy, Cassius, but shouldn’t the barbarians lose the battle of Carthage?
MANAGER
Uh, yes, Sire. Uh, forgive me, Sire.
COMMODUS
No, I rather enjoy surprises.
COMMODUS
(pointing at Maximus)
Who is he?
Maximus is pacing his horse back and forth before the Emperor’s box.
MANAGER
They call him the Spaniard, Sire.
COMMODUS
I think I’ll meet him.
MANAGER
Yes, Sire.
Maximus tosses down the javelin and dismounts.
A door opens onto the arena floor and two long columns of Roman soldiers file out quickly.
Maximus returns to stand with the others.
The soldiers form into a square, surrounding the gladiators.
The company sargeant strides forward.
SARGEANT
(to the gladiators)
Drop your weapons!
(to Maximus)
Gladiator, the Emperor has asked for you.
MAXIMUS
I am at the Emperor’s service.
Commodus comes out through the same door. The crowd CHEERS.
Maximus believes he has arrived at the moment of his vengeance. He sees a broken-off arrowhead on the ground, and kneels, as if in obeisance, as the Emperor crosses the arena. He picks up the arrowpoint, hiding it under his hand and sleeve.
In the stands, Lucilla leans forward, half-suspecting who ‘the Spaniard’ is.
As Commodus nears Maximus, Lucius suddenly runs out and joins his uncle, who rests his hands lightly on the boy’s shoulders.
COMMODUS
(to Maximus)
Rise, rise.
Maximus stands.
COMMODUS (cont’d)
Your fame is well-deserved, Spaniard. I don’t think there’s ever been a gladiator to match you. As for this young man, he insists you’re Hector reborn …
(half-turning to Lucius)
Or was it Hercules?
(to Maximus)
Why doesn’t the hero reveal himself and tell us all your real name. You do have a name.
MAXIMUS
My name is gladiator.
Maximus turns and walks away.
COMMODUS
How dare you show your back to me!
(grumbling of surprise from crowd)
You will remove your helmet and tell me your name!
Maximus slowly takes off his helmet and turns around.
MAXIMUS
My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. Commander of the armies of the north. General of the Felix Legions. A loyal servant to the true Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife, and I will have my vengeance, in this life or in the next.
Commodus looks at Maximus in shock. He looks down, and nods at Quintus, who gives a command.
The soldiers draw their swords, and take two steps towards Maximus. The other gladiators come round and close ranks near Maximus.
It is a momentary stand-off between the two groups.
The crowd begins chanting.
CROWD
Live!
Live!
Live!
Live!
Commodus’ expression of shocked fear is replaced by one of indulgence … of ‘his’ people.
He ceremoniously holds out his hand, and slowly turns his thumb up.
The sound of the crowd CHEERING.
Maximus raises a clenched fist to the crowd, as the CHEERING continues.
The gladiators run in disciplined formation back towards the center of the arena.
The elevator platform used to raise and lower gladiators into the arena, descends into the complex of basement chambers, where the sound of the gladiaors chanting takes over, leaving behind the sounds of the CHEERING of the ‘people’.
Maximus walks between rows of CHANTING gladiators.
GLADIATORS
Maximus!
Maximus!
Maximus!
Maximus!
