This is a fascinating look at manhood as portrayed in the Ridley Scott film Gladiator.
The award-winning film’s popularity was due to many reasons but among them was its portrayal of manliness. In his three-part video essay Gary Nuila explores why Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, is the kind of guy that other men want to be like while also being the type of man that women want to be with.
As explored in his first video above, Nuila explains that Maximus is a combination of all positive archetypes, making him the example of a man who truly lives a proper life.
So, press the top left play button on the above feature image to watch the first video.
Maximus is a man of high personal ideals, a respected military man capable of competently leading from the front.
While he’s authoritative and brave he’s likewise an awesome example of a gentleman. He is powerful when need be but he’s the type of man who respects his elders, women and children and his society.
As Nuila points out, Maximus is a great man because the way he lives is great. Even when he loses everything at the hands of Commodus, the emperor’s amoral son. But as per true test of a competent man Maximus manages to rise above his situation of a slave fighting in the arena.
Commodus is the polar opposite of Maximus, yet he wants to be Maximus but cannot due to his character failings. As explored in the second video above, much of Commodus wants eludes him. He’s an odious and jealous individual who earnestly tries to succeed but fails.
In the third part of the video below, Nuila explores how Maximus’ achievements place him in the position where he is able exact his revenge while still sticking to his ideals. In this process the deadened parts of his character are brought back to life, allowing him to finally die as a whole man.