Gladiator I and Gladiator II

As a complement to the exhibition The Torlonia Collection: Masterpieces of Roman Sculpture, Cinéma du Musée, in collaboration with the MMFA, presents “Ancient Rome: The Great Classics,” a series of sword-and-sandal films set in Roman antiquity, a world of power games, intrigue and excesses.

Double bill: Gladiator I and Gladiator II 

Historical context and presentation: Pascal Bastien, professor of history, Université du Québec à Montréal

Gladiator I (OEV)
Ridley Scott, 2000
154 min
The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius wishes to appoint General Maximus as his successor, passing over his son Commodus. Enraged, the young man assassinates his father, proclaims himself emperor and orders the murder of his rival and his family. The general kills his would-be executioners, but is unable to save his family. Seriously wounded, he is captured by a slave trader and becomes a formidable gladiator, admired by all. Forced to fight in the Colosseum, Maximus finally sees his chance to seek revenge and deliver Rome from its tyrant. (Mediafilm)

Gladiator II (OEV)
Ridley Scott, 2024
148 min
More than twenty years after the events that led to Maximus’ death, his son Lucius is living peacefully with his wife in Numidia. When the Roman army, led by General Marcus Acadius, invades his homeland, Lucius is captured and enslaved. Inspired by the heroic memory of his father, he decides to fight as a gladiator. He is quickly recruited by Macrinus, a former slave who has become an ambitious arms dealer. Obsessed with the quest for absolute power, Macrinus plots to overthrow Caracalla and Geta, two half-mad emperors. He is convinced that he has found in Lucius the ideal pawn to carry out his plans. (Mediafilm)