Episode CCXXXVI - The Madness of Commodus (Live in Melbourne)
Jan 10, 2025
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A live recording kicks off with a deep dive into Commodus, the character from Gladiator, and how the film blends history with Hollywood flair. The hosts unpack the artistic liberties taken in the movie, revealing the challenges of capturing Roman history authentically. They also highlight the complex and often misunderstood persona of Commodus, including his tumultuous relationship with his sister Lucilla. Expectations for a sequel are discussed, alongside humorous takes on future gladiators featuring modern sponsorships and the cultural echoes of historical figures.
The podcast analyzes how Gladiator revived the ancient epic genre while prioritizing drama over historical accuracy, significantly shaping Hollywood's portrayal of Rome.
It highlights Commodus' portrayal as a classic villain, illustrating the disconnect between historical accounts and cinematic interpretations of his legacy.
Deep dives
The Impact of Gladiator on Historical Epics
The film Gladiator significantly revived the ancient epic genre, succeeding where previous films failed. Despite its historical inaccuracies, it effectively created a compelling visual representation of Rome that resonates with audiences. Both hosts discuss the film's success and its aftermath, noting that no major Roman epics have emerged in the years since, apart from less successful attempts. This level of influence showcases Hollywood’s ability to shape historical narratives, even if the details are not always accurate.
The Complex Character of Commodus
Commodus, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, embodies the traits of a classic film villain, drawing on historical sources that label him as a 'bad emperor' due to his notorious actions. The historical accounts often come from senatorial perspectives, painting a negative image due to Commodus' brutal behavior, including his participation in gladiatorial combat, which was seen as degrading for someone of his noble status. The podcast highlights the inaccuracies in the film, such as the dramatized murder of his father, Marcus Aurelius, and the portrayal of incestuous relationships. These embellishments transform Commodus for the screen, reframing his character to fit Hollywood's narrative needs, ultimately sacrificing historical fidelity.
Historical Consultations and Their Limitations
Despite having historical consultants, Gladiator takes numerous creative liberties, resulting in a film that prioritizes drama over accuracy. The hosts mention that historical consultants distanced themselves from the film due to its departures from factual accounts, emphasizing that details like Commodus’ manner of death were altered for dramatic effect. They also explore the character's penchant for brutality, including staging gladiatorial matches where he would deliberately stack the odds against his opponents. This discussion reiterates that while the film aims for a rich historical backdrop, it often sacrifices accuracy and nuance for cinematic spectacle.
To celebrate the 10th year of the Emperors of Rome podcast, Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith convened a screening of the epic movie Gladiator starring Russell Crowe, preceded by a live podcast recording the history and basis of the character Commodus performed by Joaquin Phoenix.
Recorded on the 19th October 2024 at the Thornbury Picture House, Melbourne.
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