GITS Script Reading & Analysis: “Gladiator” — Structure

We began our analysis of the script “Gladiator” yesterday here, some absolutely terrific insights and comments. If you haven’t checked it out, you really should. If this is the level of discourse we can maintain each week with this series, we are all in for a real treat and tremendous learning opportunity.

Today I thought we could dig into the story’s structure. Does it fall within the perimeters of three acts? What are its major plot points? Are there any distinctive aspects to the plot, especially within the action genre (I think there are).

Consider these iterations of three acts:

Aristotle: Beginning / Middle / End

Campbell [Hero’s Journey]: Separation / Initiation / Return

Hegel: Thesis / Antithesis / Synthesis

Jung: Invitation / Immersion / Integration

Do any of these apply more aptly to the narrative structure of the script for “Gladiator” than the others?

For starters, check out this: A scene by scene and sequence breakdown of the movie version of Gladiator, courtesy of The Story Department. Thanks to S.Kalyan Tagore for posting that link.

If everybody’s up for it, tomorrow let’s discuss the script’s characters. I’ll be happy to bust out the five primary character archetypes: Protagonist, Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, and Trickster. I think they each have their place with the story’s cast.

If you haven’t had the chance to read the 10.22.1998 draft of “Gladiator, you may go here to access it.

[Remember next week’s genre is comedy. The script: Bridesmaids.]

NOTE: THIS SERIES AND THE USE OF SCRIPTS IS STRICTLY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES!

See you in comments!

Comment Archive