** GLADIATOR **
Home page: www.krescendo.com/gladiatorlatin/index.html
The idea was to have fun
translating the movie into Latin. This compilation is made from material from
the public domain. The movie, book and print are copyrighted and this is not
intended to infringe upon that. It is not our intention to republish or to
duplicate any copyrighted movie or any dialogue of the movie Gladiator and in
fact, there is no guarantee that our recollection and representation of any
dialogue is accurate. This interpretation is made for no commercial purpose and
only for our own intellectual curiosity, enjoyment of the movie and for public
comment. This is a fair dealing for personal reasons and for the purposes of
criticism and review to enable fans with an interest in Latin to enjoy the
movie in the language of our fathers.
The translator acknowledges and
thanks the members of the Dreamworks SKG Discussion board, who published the
website
http://www.spielberg-dreamworks.com/gladiator/storyline/Story_Line.htm
which was used as reference for the English script.
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Notes: |
Note: |
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This document is an almost integral TRANSCRIPTION of the
English script of the movie “Gladiator”, as published on the
website of the Dreamworks SKG Discussion board |
Questo documento e’ una
TRASCRIZIONE pressoche’ integrale del
sito internet pubblicato dal Dreamworks SKG Discussion board |
|
The text is structured in numbered sections and
paragraphs to allow easy cross-referencing with the Latin and Italian versions of the script (this is the only reason why the
text was transcribed) |
Il testo e’ strutturato in
paragrafi numerati progettati per permettere un facile confronto con le
versioni Latina ed Italiana della sceneggiatura (questa e’ la sola ragione
per cui e’ stata effettuata la trascrizione) |
|
For questions or comments you may contact |
Per eventuali domande o
commenti contattate: |
|
|
Londra,
17 Marzo 2003 |
Index
2 Commodo and Lucilla in
Germania
3 Germania – Death of
Marcus Aurelis and planned execution of Maximus
4 First slave, then
Gladiator in Africa
5 Commodo
returns to Rome and announces the Games
6 Maximus
triumphs at the Colosseum
7 Senate
revolution plot – Maximus triumphs again
1
Germania – The battle
1.1.1
AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS POWER, THE
ROMAN EMPIRE WAS VAST, STRETCHING FROM THE DESERTS OF AFRICA TO THE BORDERS OF NORTHERN ENGLAND .
1.1.2 OVER ONE QUARTER OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION LIVED AND DIED UNDER THE RULE OF THE CAESARS.
1.1.3
IN THE WINTER OF 180 A.D.
EMPEROR MARCUS AURELIUS' TWELVE-YEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE BARBARIAN TRIBES IN GERMANIA WAS DRAWING TO AN END.
1.1.4 ONE FINAL STRONGHOLD STANDS IN THE WAY OF ROMAN VICTORY AND THE PROMISE OF PEACE THROUGHOUT THE EMPIRE.
1.2
Germania - prebattle. At the top of the hill, overlooking the
battlefield, on horseback, sits Caesar Marcus Aurelius, surrounded by the Roman
Praetorian guards. Below, on the battlefield, alongside the muddied path of the
battle-devastated forest, the cavalry rides past Maximus. They are on their way
to their battle post amongst the trees to stand ready for their attack through
the rear flanks of the barbarians. Soldiers line up
for battle as Maximus walks along the ranks of the army. The soldiers rise as
he approaches, looking at him with respect, addressing him with admiration as
they call out his name, "General"
-- He passes through the ranks with a smile as he greets the soldiers. This is
the man who will lead them to victory, and hopefully his leadership will keep
them alive. As Maximus continues along the path, he approaches and addresses
Quintus and Valerius
1.2.1
MAXIMUS: Lean and
hungry. Still nothing?
1.2.2 QUINTUS: Not a sign.
1.2.3
MAXIMUS: How long has he
been gone?
1.2.4
VALERIUS: Nearly 2
hours.
1.2.5
VALERIUS: Will they
fight, sir?
1.2.6 MAXIMUS: We shall know soon enough.
1.3 Quintus studies the soldiers readying the catapults
1.3.1 QUINTUS: Soldier, I ordered you to move those catapults forward, they're out of range.
1.3.2 MAXIMUS: Range is good.
1.3.3 QUINTUS: The danger to the cavalry...
1.3.4 MAXIMUS [interrupts]: It is acceptable, agreed?
1.4 In the distance, the cries of the barbarians can be heard - "ihr seid hunde" (you are dogs!). A horse with a rider emerge from the German line. Maximus watches closely as the horseman approaches and announces, "They say no", as he views the headless horseman. The white and bloodied horse rides within the ranks of the Roman soldiers as a barbarian comes to the forefront of the German lines, waving the horseman's head....
1.4.1 BARBARIANS: "ihr seid hunde"
1.4.2 MAXIMUS: They say no [The barbarian calls out his cry and tosses the head into the mud as his mangy band of barbarians emerge from the forest, shaking and waving their spears and shields, hollering the feral cries of war, ready to fight.]
1.4.3 BARBARIANS: "ihr seid verfluchte hunde"
1.4.4 QUINTUS: People should know when they're conquered.
1.4.5
MAXIMUS: Would you,
Quintus? Would I? [Maximus
bends down and picks up a handful of dirt, bringing it to his nose to smell. He
looks to the side and sees his WOLF OF ROME
1.4.6 "Strength and honour." Quintus then turns to Valerius, shaking his hand, they exchange, "Strength and honour."
1.4.7 MAXIMUS [As he mounts his horse he looks to Quintus]: At my signal, unleash hell.
[Maximus rides off. His wolf breaks free from the handler, charging after Maximus, running along side the horse as Maximus passes the soldiers who stand as he approaches. In the distance, Marcus continues his watch over the battlefield.]
1.4.8
QUINTUS: Load the
catapults; infantry form up for advance...archers ready.
1.4.9
CHIEF ARCHER: Archers!
1.4.10
CENTURION: Nock!
1.4.11 ARCHER: Nock! [Maximus rides up into the misty forest, streaked with sunlight as it peers through the trees. The clacking and cawing of wild birds are heard throughout the forest. The cavalry await Maximus. With his wolf running closely at his side, Maximus reaches the soldiers and addresses the men....]
1.4.12 MAXIMUS: Fratres..., three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops, imagine where you will be and it will be so. Hold the lines, stay with me. If you find yourself alone riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled, for you are in Elysium and you're already dead!!!. [The men laugh. The wolf's stare remains fixed on Maximus.] Brothers, what we do in life echoes in eternity. [A soldier approaches and hands Maximus his plumed helmet. As Maximus readies for battle, he turns to an archer and nods, giving the signal to "unleash hell".]
1.4.13 ONAGER CENTURION: Pull, Pull!
1.4.14 SHOUT: Cohorts, ready sir!
1.5 A flaming arrow is shot through the grey sky. On the battlefield, as the soldiers prepare for battle. Quintus positions his helmet on his head as he views the flaming arrow. The battle begins ...
1.5.1
1st
CENTURION: Archers, ignite!
1.5.2
2nd
CENTURION: Ignite!
1.5.3
1st
CENTURION: Archers, draw!
1.5.4 ONAGER CENTURION: Loose!
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With arm raised, holding sword for all to see, Maximus leads the cavalry forward; their advance increases to a thunderous run, as they move down the hill, through the trees. On the battlefield, Scorpions fire, onagers let loose, flaming arrows and defiant cheers from the mob are heard. The archer battle continues as the cavalry storms down the hill. Black smoke fills the sky. Fiery clay pots are shot from the catapults, striking the forest where the barbarians wait, setting it ablaze. Thousands of arrows are heard and seen swooshing towards
the German lines. The cavalry is seen as they stretch across the forest.
Their speed increases, some riders jump through the fires. Maximus' wolf is
running with the cavalry. Maximus is heard shouting out to his men ... 1.5.5
"Hold
the line! Hold the line! Stay with me! Stay with
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|
[III Felix Legion advancing, then
tortoise formation, fire continues to explode onto the trees, as the barbarians
charge. Maximus' wolf leaps through a wall of
flames. The cavalry reaches the Germans as Maximus cries out
1.5.6
“Testudo”
The German barbarians turn to see the thundering cavalry
attacking from behind. Swords are flying as they attack each other. Maximus
charges at a barbarian, slicing his head off as his sword becomes impaled in a
tree. Removing another sword from his saddle, Maximus continues the fight but
his horse is felled when a barbarian thrusts a lance in its path causing
Maximus to fall hard, into the mud, amongst the soldiers. Maximus looks
stunned, but as a German attacks him with his axe, Maximus parries each thrust
before lashing out and cutting the German's legs from under him. The German
collapses. Another German charges Maximus, who is still on the ground. Maximus
manages to slide past the oncoming sword thrust. He punches the soldier, than
stabs him. He climbs to his feet, still stabbing at the wounded German. Maximus
starts running, but collides with another legionary. Maximus turns towards the
startled legionary, who can only stand there agape as Maximus
raises his sword in a feral scream. Maximus recognizes the legionary as one of
his own men, and gives him a fierce smile.]
[Scene cuts back to the top of the hill
as Marcus continues his steady watch of the battle. And then, back on
the battlefield. The barbarian warlord is seen finishing off a legionary, but
before he has time to recover, another legionary rushes
and stabs him in the side. The barbarian stumbles, but does not fall. Another
soldier strikes him from the other side, but he still does not fall. Finally, a
soldier strikes him from behind, a vicious thrust from above into his neck. Scene cuts to a centurion who falls from his horse, then back to
Maximus. Maximus punches a German twice, before slashing him across the
chest with his sword. Maximus hears another German's scream coming from behind.
Startled, he turns to see a barbarian, whose clothes and chain mail are aflame,
charging towards him with an axe. Maximus parries the first swing, but goes
down. As the barbarian raises his axe for the final swing, Maximus looks back,
his eyes growing large as death comes close. A charging cavalryman rushes by
with a timely swing of his sword, and the barbarian falls, saving Maximus from
death. Another barbarian sees Maximus and charges, but only to be stopped in
midswing by the WOLF OF
[We see a scene where a cavalryman falls from his horse, dead, and unhelmed. Another scene with a legionary, crying. Maximus and another legionary gathering themselves between the standards. The brutal battle is over, with legionaries wandering, slaying wounded Germans. The heavy breathing of Maximus can be heard as he raises his sword and cries out, "Roma Victor!" Other legionaries raise their swords and cheer. Maximus stands amongst the dead and wounded, the remaining Roman soldiers at his side, as he raises his sword and, exhausted, again cries out for all to hear....]
1.5.7
MAXIMUS: Roma victor!
1.5.8 CENTURION: Roma victor!
2
Commodo and Lucilla in Germania
2.1 Roadway, guarded armoured wagon, adorned with flags, is slowly moving along. Inside, Commodus and Lucilla, as they make their way to their father, Marcus Aurelius
2.1.1
COMMODUS: Do
you think he's really dying?
2.1.2
LUCILLA:
He's been dying for ten years.
2.1.3
COMMODUS: If
he weren't really dying he wouldn't have sent for us.
2.1.4
LUCILLA:
Maybe he just misses us.
2.1.5
COMMODUS:
And the Senators...he wouldn't have summoned them if....
2.1.6
LUCILLA:
Peace, Commodus. After two weeks on the road your incessant scheming is hurting
my head.
2.1.7
COMMODUS:
He's made his decision, he's going to announce it! He
will name me .... The first thing I shall do ... when
... is honour him with games worthy of his majesty.
2.1.8 LUCILLA: For now, the first thing I shall do is have a hot bath.
2.1.9
[There is a knock on the wagon as it comes
to a halt. An unseen attendant calls out - "Your Highness".
Commodus steps out.][An attendant announces, "We look to be almost there, Sire,"
while a battle weary soldier approaches the wagon bowing and addressing Commodus , "Sire".]
2.1.10 COMMODUS [asks the soldier]: Where's the Emperor?
2.1.11 SOLDIER: At the front, Sire. They've been gone for 19 days. The wounded are still coming in.
2.1.12 [Without a word to the weary soldier, Commodus calls to the guard - "My horse!" Commodus mounts his horse, looks back at Lucilla and hesitantly asks - "Kiss?" to which she kisses her hand, tossing it his way.]
2.2 Back to the battlefield where the snow continues to fall and the cold wind blows through the trees and the bones of the men. Maximus, depleted from the battle, a cut to his check and bridge of the nose, dirtied with mud and splattered with the blood of the enemy, has found his sword impaled in the tree during battle. He removes the sword and as he turns, Marcus walks up amidst the soldiers who stand and bow in his honour. Marcus walks to Maximus who bows as Marcus approaches
2.2.1 MARCUS: You have proved your valour yet again, Maximus. Let us hope, for the last time.
2.2.2 MAXIMUS: There is no one left to fight, Sire.
2.2.3
MARCUS:
There is always someone left to fight. How can I reward Rome
[The battle weary Maximus, body drained from the exertion of the battle, thinks momentarily and simply replies.]
2.2.4 MAXIMUS: Let me go home?
2.2.5
MARCUS: Ahh.
Home.
[Marcus and Maximus, walk together through the debris of the battle,
amidst the soldiers who are cheering as they pass. The wind and snow continue
to blow and rustles through the trees. Birds overhead can be heard cawing.]
2.2.6 MAXIMUS: They honour you, Caesar.
2.2.7 MARCUS: It is you, Maximus. They honour you.
2.3 Maximus stops momentarily and triumphantly raises his sword overhead. The army cheers even loader. In the distance, Commodus, and his guards, on horseback witness Maximus with his father, hears the cheers and quickly races down to them.
2.3.1 COMMODUS: [Quickly dismounting his horse, he approaches Marcus.] Have I missed it? Have I missed the battle?
2.3.2 MARCUS: You have missed the war.
2.3.3 COMMODUS: Congratulations. I shall sacrifice 100 bulls to honour your triumph.
2.3.4 MARCUS: Save the bulls, honour Maximus. He won the battle.
2.3.5 COMMODUS: General.
2.3.6 MAXIMUS: Highness.
2.3.7
COMMODUS: Rome
2.3.8 MAXIMUS: Highness. [Maximus with head bowed. Commodus turns to his father.]
2.3.9 COMMODUS: Here, father, take my arm.
2.3.10 MARCUS: I think it is time...for me to leave. [Commodus appears embarrassed that his father would not accept his help, and looks at Maximus with envy and scorn. Marcus mounts his horse and Maximus quickly hands his sword to Quintus to assist Marcus in settling onto his horse.]
2.3.11 MARCUS [to Maximus]: So much for the glory of Rome
2.4 Tent where party is taking place. The festive musical sounds of drums and flutes can be heard as laughter and talk fill the air. Maximus enters and washes his hands in a bowl of water filled with red fragrant flowers. The water has been stained with their color and unwittingly serve as a reminder of the blood of the battle.
2.4.1 Two soldiers exchange talk, "Well, it was three of our legions against four thousand of them." Maximus pauses as he looks at his hands, perhaps from the reminder of the battle or the talk of the men, and then proceeds into the tent. He looks into the crowd and sees Marcus and Commodus within but he moves toward Quintus and Valerius....]
2.4.2 MAXIMUS: General! Still alive? [They fondly embrace, Max cupping the back of Quintus' head.]
2.4.3 QUINTUS: Still alive.
2.4.4 MAXIMUS: The gods must have a sense of humour.
2.4.5 QUINTUS: The gods must love you. [Maximus greets Valerius who responds.]
2.4.6
VALERIUS:
Back to your barracks, General, or to Rome
2.4.7 MAXIMUS: Home. The wife, the son, the harvest.
2.4.8 QUINTUS: Maximus the farmer. I still have difficulty imagining that.
2.4.9 MAXIMUS: You know, dirt cleans off a lot easier than blood, Quintus.
2.4.10 COMMODUS: [As he approaches Maximus,] Here he is.
2.4.11 MAXIMUS: Highness.
2.4.12 COMMODUS: [Making introductions,] Senator Gaius, Senator Falco. Beware of Gaius, he will pour honeyed potion in your ear and you will wake up one day and all you'll say is Republic! Republic! Republic!
2.4.13 GAIUS: Well, why not? Rome WAS founded as a Republic.
2.4.14 COMMODUS: Yes and in a republic, the senate has the power. But Senator Gaius is not influenced by that, of course.
2.4.15 FALCO: Where do you stand General? Emperor or Senate?
2.4.16 MAXIMUS: A soldier has the advantage of being able to look his enemy in the eye, Senator.
2.4.17 GAIUS: But, with an army behind you, you could be extremely political.
2.4.18 COMMODUS: I warned you, but I shall save you. Senators. [He pulls Maximus away, who glances back uncomfortably at Quintus and Valerius, and they leave the Senators. Commodus continues his conversation with Maximus.] I'm going to need good men like you.
2.4.19 MAXIMUS: [Cautiously asking,] How may I be of service,
Highness?
2.4.20 COMMODUS: You are 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. Maximus we must
save Rome
2.4.21 MAXIMUS: [Following Commodus' glance, he looks at Marcus and back to Commodus.] Highness, when your father releases me I intend to return home.
2.4.22 COMMODUS: Home, well no one has earned it more. Don't get too comfortable - I may call on you before long. Lucilla is here - did you know? [A look of concern over Commodus' remarks about future service, followed with surprise about Lucilla overcome Maximus as Commodus continues....] She has not forgotten you. And now you are the great man.
2.5 Lucilla and her maid are seen peering out from their tent to where Commodus and Maximus talk. Eyeing Maximus, Lucilla murmurs "Maximus". Marcus enters the tent and they quickly stop when he catches their attention.
2.5.1
MARCUS: If
only you had been born a man. What a Caesar you would have made.
2.5.2 LUCILLA: Father [as she walks to him and kisses each cheek].
2.5.3
MARCUS: You
would have been strong. I wonder, would you have been
just.
2.5.4
LUCILLA: I
would have been what you taught me to be.
2.5.5
MARCUS: Oh.
How was your journey? [They walk, arm in arm.]
2.5.6
LUCILLA:
Long - uncomfortable. Why have I come?
2.5.7
MARCUS: I
need your help...with your brother.
2.5.8
LUCILLA: Of
course.
2.5.9
MARCUS: He
loves you, he always has and ... he will need you now, more than ever. [A contemplative pause by Marcus as he says,] Enough of politics. [They continue as they walk arm in arm....] Let us pretend that you are a loving daughter and I am a
good father.
2.5.10 LUCILLA: This is a pleasant fiction, isn't it?
2.6 In Marcus's tent where Marcus sits hunched over his desk, writing on a tablet. Maximus enters and Marcus does not look up
2.6.1 MAXIMUS: You sent for me Caesar? [Receiving no response, Maximus slightly turns and leans toward the weak and old Marcus.] Caesar?
2.6.2 MARCUS: Tell me again Maximus, why are we here?
2.6.3 MAXIMUS: For the glory of the empire, Sire.
2.6.4 MARCUS: Ah yes, ah yes. [Straightening up from the desk.] I remember. You see that map, Maximus? That is the world which I created. For 25 years, I have conquered, spilt blood, expanded the empire. Since I became Caesar I have known 4 years without war - 4 years of peace in 20. And for what? [He rises.] I brought the sword, nothing more. [As the two talk, the sounds from outside can be heard -- the wind howling against the tent, horses whinny and dogs bark and from inside, the tent creaks as it strains against the wind.]
2.6.5 MAXIMUS: [With a deep swallow,] Caesar, your life...
2.6.6 MARCUS: Please, please don't call me that. Come, please, come sit. Let us talk, together now. Very simply, as men. Well, Maximus, talk.
2.6.7 MAXIMUS [sternly replies]: 5,000 of my men are out there in the freezing mud. 3,000 of them are bloodied and cleaved. 2,000 will never leave this place. I will not believe that they fought and died for nothing.
2.6.8 MARCUS: And what would you believe?
2.6.9
MAXIMUS:
They fought for YOU and for Rome
2.6.10 MARCUS: And what is Rome
2.6.11 MAXIMUS: I have seen much of the rest of the world. It is
brutal and cruel and dark. Rome
2.6.12 MARCUS: Yet you have never been there. You have not seen
what it has become. I am dying,
Maximus. When a man sees his end he
wants to know that there has been 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 will I be the Emperor who gave
Rome Rome
2.6.13 MARCUS: Maximus, let us whisper now. Together, you and I. You have a son? [Maximus nods.] Tell me about your home. [Maximus looks surprised at the invitation to hear of his home, but eagerly and proudly describes it -- a peaceful happiness overcomes him as he speaks.]
