Gladiator Lighting Analysis

Gladiator Lighting Analysis

The scene in gladiator has low key lighting throughout, this is done to create a dull, sad and depressing atmosphere and to set the mood after Commodus’ nephew has passed away.

The scene begins with a shot of the dead nephew in a the light, this is done so that the audience automatically presume that the boy is good; also it prevents putting any signs of evil in the nephew across to the audience. The camera then makes a shot of Commodus who is in duller light and has half of his face in shadow and half in light, this could represent two sides to Commodus’ personality and it shows that although he can make himself seem nice he is actually evil showing the contrast between Commodus and his nephew.

When Commodus’ sister enters the room, a shot of the back of Commodus is shown in very low key writing so that only a silhouette of him can be seen, this gives Commodus very ghostly, evil features. This represents the theme of horror and creates tension and suspense; furthermore it grabs the attention of the audience and makes them question what evil things Commodus is going to do.

Lighting is also used to make a contrast of the bright light outside, which we can see out the window, with the dull low key lighting inside the room. This contrast shows how wherever Commodus goes, he takes darkness with him as if it is following him and there is always a dull, tense atmosphere when he is around. This is opposite to Commodus’ sister who is always in high key light when she is part of the shot.