IMPERATOR - SimplyScripts
IMPERATOR
A FULL LENGTH FEATURE SCREENPLAY
WRITTEN BY ALEX BOKSER
Fourth Draft--
alexbksr@
Copyright © 2012 This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the expressed written permission of the author.
INT. LAUNCH ROOM. NIGHT.
The year is 2030 (appears in the form of a caption). It is a windowless, lit room, at the center of which there is a large peculiar technological apparatus. The apparatus is encircled by thick glass on all sides. Next to one of the walls there is an elongated table panel with multiple buttons, some of which are lit or are blinking in different colors. A middle aged, drowsy looking lab technician is sitting next to the panel. He slowly round- checks the different display screens on top of the table, while humming a tune.
INT. CONTROL CENTER. NIGHT.
A wide, spacious hall in which some thirty scientists, mostly dressed in white laboratory coats, monitor a multitude of screens and panels. The broad glassy entry doors open, and two janitors enter the room. They are 20-somethings. One of them is tall and skinny, and sports an out-of- fashion ponytail, while the other one wears a toque with brim, and is utterly average in every other aspect of his appearance. They are both dressed in blue coveralls, on which is written "Tom's Cleaning Services" in large font. The "average guy's" coverall is slightly scribbled on with childish drawings made with pens and mostly crayons, while the tall one's bears the hand written inscription- "A NATION OF SHEEP WILL BE RULED BY PIGS". They each carry a backpack. The average guy is pushing a garbage bin, carried on wheels, inside which there are different cleaning tools. The janitors greet the couple of guards standing next to the door.
Ponytail
Evening, Ben.
Guard Ben
Have a good one, guys.
Average guy nods to Ben in reply, and the janitors move on. As they pass the guards, Ben mutters to his colleague under his breath-
Guard Ben
Good for nothings...
The two janitors approach a long corridor, moving away from one end of the control center. The scientists do not greet them or even look at them. As they walk, average guy excitedly whispers to Ponytail-
Average guy
We're really doing it..!
Ponytail immediately shuts Average up, by staring at him angrily.
INT. CORRIDOR. NIGHT.
There are several doors on each side of the lit corridor. At its far end, a guard is standing next to a reinforced door. As the janitors approach him-
Guard
Well, if it isn't Un-Social Justice and
Ifantiloman here…
Ponytail abjectly clicks his tongue, while Average softly chuckles.
Ponytail
Just get on with it, will ya?
The guard searches the janitors.
Average
I thought that one was quite good,
actually…
Ponytail
Whatever.
The guard takes the janitors' backpacks and opens them. He seems surprised.
Guard
What the fuck... A movie player? Are you
two knuckleheads actually planning to watch stuff inside there?
Ponytail
Surprisingly, no.
Average
Johnny won't let us.
Ponytail stares at Average as you would stare at a stupid kid who has just disappointed you, despite your lowered expectations of him, and Average becomes rather embarrassed.
Ponytail
We'll watch "stuff" after work. You
could join us if you want.
Guard
(Cynically) Yeah… I'm definitely there.
The guard points to the door. The janitors approach it and go through a lengthy computerized scan. Eventually, the door opens, and the pair goes inside.
INT. LAUNCH ROOM. NIGHT.
This is the same room as in the opening scene. Johnny, the lab technician, is still lazily humming his tune.
Ponytail
Hey Johnny.
Johnny raises his hand without saying anything. Ponytail and Average put their backpacks down and commence their cleaning duties.
Average
Bored to death?
Johnny
(While humming) As usual…
Ponytail
Yeah… (Pause) At least they renewed
the Snickers supply down at third.
Suddenly reinvigorated, Johnny stops humming and abruptly raises his head as he glances at the pair of janitors for the first time.
Ponytail
Care to buy me one? We just got here.
(Pause) You can one have one on me while
you're at it.
Johnny quickly checks a few display screens and stands up. He walks up to Ponytail, who hands him some cash.
Johnny
Thanks. (Pause) And don't make any mess
here, ya hear?
Johnny laughs at his exquisitely crafted witty joke. Ponytail giggles artificially, while Average ponders upon it for a moment, before finally saying-
Average
I didn't get it.
As soon as Johnny leaves the room, Ponytail very seriously nods to Average. Both janitors quickly place their cleaning tools inside the garbage bin.
Ponytail
(Whispering excitedly) see that? Just
as I predicted! Let them trust you…
Put them off their guard. Worked great!
Average
Yeah!
All their actions now are rushed and hasty, even nervous. Ponytail takes 2030's equivalent of a modern day (cheap) portable DVD player out of his bag. The player is shiny, metallic black in color, and a bit larger than an iPod. Its screen can be folded into six and become the player's top lid, and is completely rigid, and fairly large, once opened up. At the moment the screen is folded up.
Average
Who thought this piece of junk
would be put to such a high use…
Ponytail
Had to find one with battery support.
Talk about living dinosaurs… You didn't
forget the spare ones, right?
Average
(Slightly offended) Of course I didn't.
And have YOU uploaded the movie and
double-checked everything's all right?
Ponytail casts an "are you for real" glance at Average, and answers-
Ponytail
The extended cut. As well as our little
classic.
Ponytail approaches Johnny's panel and presses the "Open/Close Slide Door" button. The thick glasses slide away, and now there's access to the strange looking machine at the center of the room. Average quickly takes the player and stops in front of the machine. Ponytail and Average stand still and look silently at each other, aware of the fateful moment.
Ponytail
Once you open the chamber, everyone'll
know. The whole place will light up.
Average nods.
Average
(Thoughtfully) But maybe… They'll all
disappear. Like, right away. Maybe we'll
disappear… Or become different people.
(Pause) Maybe everything will change…
They are silent for a short moment. Ponytail nods his head approvingly, and says with a serious look-
Ponytail
We don't have much time.
Average draws a breath and nods back. He sends his hand towards a black button located at the center of the machine, but Ponytail stops him before he's able to push it.
Ponytail
The user's manual. You didn't forget
it, right?
Average
Relax, man. You know, sometimes I feel
like you just don't appreciate me enough.
A nervous looking Ponytail nods in approval.
Ponytail
Go ahead, then.
Average places his hand on the button. He looks at Ponytail.
Average
All roads lead to Rome- we shall soon
find out.
He pushes the button. A chamber large and wide enough to contain an adult person opens in the machine's body. The chamber's inner walls are upholstered and padded with several layers of transparent plastic sheets.
INT. CORRIDOR. NIGHT.
Alarms start sounding throughout the corridor. Red alarm lights are turned on and off at short fixed intervals.
INT. CONTROL CENTER. NIGHT.
The same happens here. The scientists are all surprised for a brief moment, and then quickly turn to their panels.
Scientist
It's coming from A-1!
A multitude of terrified scientists rush towards the corridor, and the room where the two janitors are.
INT. CORRIDOR. NIGHT.
The guard next to the launch room hurriedly approaches the door. While he passes the obligatory scan, he screams towards the janitors inside-
Guard
What's going on?!! You o.k.?!
INT. LAUNCH ROOM. NIGHT.
Inside the room, Average places the player, the user's manual and the spare battery pack inside the chamber, closes it and steps backwards. The glasses begin to enclose the machine once again. Average hurries towards Ponytail, who stands next to the elongated panel and is just now pushing a little, unremarkable, grey button. The machine starts making loud noises and moves a bit. Apparently, there's quite a commotion going on inside it. Ponytail and Average yell in joy and hug. The door opens, and the guard bursts inside the room, shocked at the two perfectly healthy, hugged janitors he sees. Immediately after he enters the room, the guard is pushed further inside by the group of scientists, who have now also arrived running. Everybody stares at the two janitors, who now seem a bit shocked themselves. Ponytail quietly asks Average-
Ponytail
About the movie and the user's manual…
Average
(Quietly) …Yeah?
Ponytail
You made sure they were in Latin, right?
Average embarrassingly looks up at Ponytail.
Average
Fuck…
EXT. WHEAT FIELD. DAY
Heroic, dramatic music kicks in. A caption appears- "Rome", followed by- "next to the city walls", and eventually followed by- "190 A.D". The captions fade and we see a beautiful golden wheat field. The music fades away as well, and a distinct "whistling" sound, indicating a certain object is freefalling from high altitude, can now be heard. As the sound becomes louder, that certain object's shadow grows bigger, until eventually, a little transparent plastic ball, padded with several layers, hits the field, shortly followed by another, smaller plastic ball. Due to the padding, the movie player inside the bigger ball and the spare battery pack inside the smaller ball cannot move at all, and consequently haven't been damaged by the hit. Both balls bounce a few times before coming to a stop. Another, more quiet whistling sound is heard, and after a moment the user's manual, wrapped in plastic as well (but not inside a ball), also lands in the field. The instructions on the front page are clearly written in English. A few seconds later, a worried male voice is suddenly heard-
Peasant (o.s)
What's that? Did you see that?!
A young woman, dressed as a peasant, appears and cautiously approaches the fallen objects. The same voice calls out to her-
Peasant (o.s)
Leave that alone, Pandy..! Don't touch
it!
Pandy looks at the player and batteries in amazement.
INT. ROMAN PALACE HALL. DAY.
The Small Hall, located inside the imperial palace in Rome. It is a long, wide and grandiose room. At its far end, Commodus, the emperor of the Roman Empire, is sitting on his palatial seat. He wears a simple, unadorned toga. Lucilla, his beautiful sister, is seated to his left. Facing Commodus is a poor looking man (by appearance and clothing he is a simple peasant). Standing next to the man is a fully adorned Roman guard. The man is nervously speaking-
Man
Emperor Commodus, your honor… I
apologize for interrupting your time-
Commodus
- You didn't interrupt me. Speak, sir.
What is wrong? What's the problem?
Man
It's… The problem is the horse travel
tax. Since that's been raised as well, I
just can't earn enough to, to get by, emperor.I… My son doesn't earn anything at all, he's just a carpenter's apprentice. And my wife, she's very ill, emperor... She doesn't leave her bed. I have to travel by horse, each day, to the east quarter, that's the only place I've been able to find-
Commodus
- Your name, sir?
Man
Vitus, my emperor. Vitus.
Commodus
You're a good man, Vitus. Go home and
take care of your wife. This last tax
increase does not apply to you.
Man (Vitus)
Commo- my emperor! This is- thank you!
Thank you, emperor! You are a mighty emperor, a most attentive emperor, merciful as the Gods themselves! May you reign for another fifty years-
The guard rudely pushes Vitus.
Guard
Keep your restraint when addressing the
emperor!
Commodus
Leave him! Vitus, go home. Make sure your wife gets well.
The guard leads Vitus out of the hall, while the peasant resumes his praising of the emperor-
Vitus
We are blessed to have you, Commodus! The Gods smile upon you! Thank you!
While Lucilla and Commodus are alone in the hall, Luciila turns her face towards her brother and says-
Lucilla
"You're a good man, Vitus"? You don't even know him! You haven't even checked whether that "good man" was lying! I just don't understand you sometimes…
Commodus
Rome will survive even if he did. Besides, I don't think he lied. He seemed to be a decent man,didn't he?
Lucilla
Seemed to be… (Pause) You're just too naive.
The guard returns, and announces-
Guard
Emperor, a peasant and his daughter, from the fields nearby the east gate ask to show you something. They insist it's important.
Commodus nods in approval. The guard turns backwards and signals the pair to approach. The same young woman from the previous scene, Pandy, walks into the hall, carrying a large sack in her hands. An older peasant, seemingly embarrassed and downcast, walks at her side. The two approach Commodus, who is smiling at them.
Commodus
I welcome you. What are your names?
Peasant
I am Aelius, emperor. And this, this is my only daughter- Pandy, emmm… Pandora. She has found something in the fields, emperor. Something that's fallen… from the skies.
The surprised Commodus raises his eyebrows as he hears Aelius's words.
Commodus
Fallen from the skies? Well, what is it?
Pandora
I think it's a box…
There's a brief moment of silence.
Commodus
(Smilingly) Well, open it.
Pandora opens her sack and takes out the two plastic balls and the user's manual. Commodus, Lucilla and the guard gaze at the objects, utterly amazed.
Pandora
I'm not really sure how…
INT. THE SENATE. DAY.
The Roman senate. The different senators, dressed in silky white togas, are seated on elongated marble bench seats. The player, the battery pack, the user's manual and the plastic envelopes themselves, tied together by golden silk threads, are placed on a small elevated pedestal, next to which stands Commodus. He is addressing the senators-
Commodus
How could it be explained otherwise? The Gods, the Gods themselves have sent these artifacts to us! Just look at them! They are… just divine. Made
from a material the likeness of which I have never seen. That none of us have ever seen, I daresay.
Senator
But, emperor Commodus… What are they,
actually?
Pause.
Commodus
I don't know. I only know this is a great honor, that we have been granted. No man can create such wonders- that is clear. And I know we must realize how this gift is to be used. (Pause) I believe it will be of great benefit to us all.
The senators nod their heads. The look on certain senators' faces implies they don't fully agree with Commodus. Some of them look excited, others look worried. The camera focuses on a certain senator, Blandinus, who is silent and attentive, and keeps a "poker face".
INT. TEMPLE. DAY.
An inner room at Jupiter's temple. An old Roman high priest is facing a large statue depicting the face of Jupiter, the supreme Roman deity. The priest's eyes are closed and he is silently moving his lips, engrossed in deep prayer. His hands are extended towards the statue. Behind him stand two other elderly priests, dressed in long robes, whose hands are also extended towards the statue. The two priests are singing. The high priest suddenly stops his silent prayer, opens his eyes and excitedly exclaims-
High priest
Mighty Jupiter! Tell us the secret, explain to us the meaning and intent of your mighty gift!
The high priest clenches and releases his fists, bows slowly and respectfully, rises and resumes his silent prayer.
INT. ROMAN PALACE HALL. DAY.
The Small Hall. Commodus and Lucilla sit on their palatial seats. The "mysterious artifacts" are placed on a marble table, atop a white tablecloth. Two armed guards stand next by. From the hall entrance, another guard approaches the emperor and his sister. Walking besides the guard is an old man sporting a magnificent white haired beard. The guard announces-
Guard
Eurekus, the genius from Greece, my emperor!
Eurekus bows to Commodus. He smiles, and confidently says-
Eurekus
Emperor Commodus, know I shall work tirelessly until I have found the answer to this mystery.
Commodus smiles towards Eurekus and nods his head.
Commodus
Emmm… Good, then.
With a self important smile, Eurekus adds-
Eurekus
Even though the solution here, I believe, just like with any seemingly difficult problem, will turn out
to be surprisingly simple.
EXT. ROMAN GARDEN. DAY.
A small, well kept and secluded garden outside a large Roman Villa. Two senators, Emillianus and Aquila, are serenely walking around while they're talking.
Aquila
It certainly seems our dear Commodus has taken a keen interest in these… objects.
Emillianus
And why shouldn't he? Those objects did fall from… the sky.
Aquila and Emmilianus smile to each other.
Aquila
From the sky… Or from Pandora's arms, to be more precise.
Emillianus
Pandora? That peasant who's found them?
Aquila
That peasant who's brought them to the palace. The peasant Commodus has immediately believed.
Emillianus
And you don't believe her? You think she lies?
Aquila
I don't know. I think Commodus is very naive. Too naive. Do you think he inquired her as to how she
came to be in possession of such wondrous things?
Emillianus
Artifacts. Such artifacts.
Aquila
I see you've already bought the whole story.
Emillianus
I haven't bought anything. It's just that… They do look almost, unbelievable. That shiny black, square object- it completely baffled me. It doesn't look like anything… human, does it?
Aquila does not reply, and the two are silent for a moment.
Aquila
A friend of mine, who's mainly good at... knowing things, told me about the wonders the Persians have recently invented and produced.
Emillianus
Wonders? Such as?
Aquila
Their horsebacked archers won't be the only difficulty Rome faces, Emillianus. Perhaps these objects… are a clever Persian trick. A trap.
Emillianus
A modern Trojan horse!
Aquila seriously nods towards Emillianus.
Aquila
Perhaps.
Emillianus
We must do something! We have to tell
Commodus about this!
Aquila
Yes. We must… I won't have some arbitrary decision of Commodus cause the downfall of Rome. Whether those are holy artifacts sent by Jupiter or a trap.
Emillianus
That Pandora should also be checked. Her
background has to be looked into.
Aquila
Don't worry. I've already ordered it to be done.
Aquila smiles towards Emillianus.
Emillianus
Aquila… Sharp as usual.
Aquila
I do try.
The two senators walk on in the garden.
EXT. GARDEN. DAY.
Hispania (the name appears in the form of a caption). Amidst flat agricultural fields there is the rural, isolated home of Maximus Decimus Meridius. Maximus is fixing the wooden fence surrounding his home together with his eight year old son, Agrippa. A rider is approaching them in the distance. Maximus ties a part of the fence with a rope, and tells Agrippa-
Maximus
You see that knot, Agrippa?
Agrippa nods.
Maximus
This one you won't be able to unravel. Not easily, anyhow.
Agrippa notices the approaching rider.
Agrippa
Father- look! (Pause) Maybe he's come from Rome?
Maximus
It's about time.
The rider, Atillio, enters the inner garden. He waves his hand in a friendly gesture towards Maximus.
Maximus
Hello, Atillio. What's the matter? A sudden need to see how the locals live in their remote provinces? To reminisce, perhaps?
Atillio
Blandinus sent me. Something quite interesting is happening in the capital.
Maximus
Blandinus always thinks something interesting is happening in the capital. His own life probably doesn't supply him with enough excitement. And interest.
Atillio
You won't be disappointed this time, Maximus.
Agrippa nears Atillio's large horse and cautiously pets his nose. Atillio smiles at him.
Atillio
Don't worry. He doesn't bite strangers.
Agrippa confusedly looks at his father, who smiles back at him.
Atillio
He only bites those close to him.
Atillio smiles at Agrippa, who draws away from the horse and returns to his father.
Maximus
Enough frightening my boy, Atillio. What are your news?
Atillio
Blandinus says developments which could prove crucial to us are now taking place.
Maximus
Then tell them already. No unnecessary forewords.
Atillio
There are a few objects, unknown bjects. They have literally appeared from nowhere.
Pause.
Maximus
What kind of objects?
Atillio
I don't know. They look- bizarre. Commodus and some of the senators are convinced the Gods themselves have sent them.
Maximus
What? Why do they think that? What are those things?
Atillio
You might be thinking the same thing, had you seen them. They are completely… different. I've never seen anything like it. They look- advanced. Really advanced. Magical, perhaps.
Maximus
Perhaps?
Atillio
It's not just the senators. The high priest of Jupiter has already announced he had received a divine sign. He is
certain the objects are of divine origin.
Maximus
Magical, huh? Divine… (Pause) And Commodus? He also believes it's something sent by the Gods?
Atillio smiles.
Atillio
Commodus is the main believer… He's sure it's some kind of a divine delivery, some gift the Gods have bestowed upon us. Well, he is Commodus, you know…
Maximus smiles and presses Agrippa's back to his belly.
Maximus
Our pure, dedicated elected ones will start fighting. Very soon. The knot will tighten and become stronger. (Turning to Agrippa)- And such a knot, son, will it be easy to unravel?
Agrippa naively smiles at his father, and shakes his head. Maximus shakes his head in reply.
Maximus
No. (Pause) Return to Rome, Atillio. Occurrences shall happen soon, I'm certain of that. My return to Rome is
drawing nearer.
INT. THE SENATE. DAY.
The Roman senate. Commodus is sitting at one end of the hall, frustratingly massaging his temples. Across the room, seated on their marble bench seats or standing together in small groups, the senators are talking simultaneously. They seem excited, some are almost furious.
Senator a
A cheat, that's what he is! A Greek cheat!
Senator b
I surely would have figured out what to do by now! He's just plain useless!
And the senators continue talking in that vein. There's a whole commotion going on in the hall. A certain senator, Aulus, raises his hands.
Aulus
Quiet! (Pause) Quiet, please! (Pause) Silence!
The senators gradually calm down, and turn their gazes towards Aulus.
Aulus
Commodus, I believe I'll be speaking on behalf of most senators present, if I say we are disappointed by the constant delays regarding the artifacts.
The senators loudly voice their agreement with Aulus' words.
Commodus
Patience, a bit of patience, Aulus. Eurekus is fully dedicated to finding the solution here, give him some time. I assure you he is not being idle.
Aulus
I ask that the artifacts be taken out of the palace, and brought here. Let other experts, experts of varying trades, have a look at them!
The senators loudly agree with these words as well.
Aulus
Eurekus, that old brag, has failed and only wasted our time.
Commodus
I think it's still a bit too early to determine-
Commodus is cut short by Emillianus, who suddenly rises and angrily interrupts him-
Emillianus
It is a trap! Persian deviousness for sure!
Senator Aquila, who has been sitting next to Emillianus, rises as well, puts an arm on Emillianus' shoulder so as to silence him, and says in a calmer tone-
Aquila
Commodus, we should at least consider the possibility… Eurekus is just one man. We must check all options.
The majority of senators silently agree. Aquila and Emillianus sit down. The still excited Emillianus says to Aquila-
Emillianus
Sorcery and witchcraft! First it was their poisoned arrows, and now- this!!
Commodus
Is not the high priest of Jupiter ample proof enough for you? (Pause) Do you seriously consider turning against the Gods?
Aulus
Nobody's turning against the high priest, or the Gods themselves, of course… But people can be wrong, or
misinterpret signs, sometimes. It has happened in the past. We should examine the other options-
Aulus is cut short by Blandinus, the "poker faced" senator from the previous scene at the senate, who rises and loudly says-
Blandinus
Surely any divine decree could be fulfilled here, in the senate, as well, emperor. No? Or is there some… other
reason… to leave the artifacts where only your excellence is near them?
The senators turn their glances, a bit suspiciously, towards Commodus. Commodus sighs, and says-
Commodus
Very well, Blandinus. The artifacts will be brought to the senate and Eurekus will be released. They were only kept at the palace because Eurekus asked for a
secluded workspace with them, and I gave it to him. That was all.
The senators murmur amongst themselves. Their words aren't heard.
INT. INNER ROOM- ROMAN PALACE. DAY.
It is an inner room at the imperial palace. Across the walls there are numerous sketches of the movie player. One wall is filled with sketches depicting the player from different angles (some of the sketches show the player laying upside down, some show the folded screen fully opened up). In many of the drawings, the batteries are placed in different formations near, and on, the player- at each vertex; encircling the player; forming a triangle around the player, etc. A large "X" is marked on some of the sketches. Along another wall there are some sketches depicting the earth facing another planet or the sun, and the movie player is in the middle. An arrow, pointed towards the earth, is next to it. A third wall is filled with sketches of trademarks and symbols taken from the user's manual. There is a large sketch with the words "Made in China" (in English) written on it, along with the international symbol of recycling beneath it, impeccably drawn. At the middle of this wall, there are four large sketches hanging side by side, each one bearing a different symbol (of the popularly known symbols for the operations)- "Play", "Stop", "Pause", "Eject". At one side of the room, placed on an elongated table, are lying many Roman scrolls. Each one is an exact copy of a corresponding page in the user's manual. Many other scrolls are scattered across the floor, with different word combinations written on them- "CARE FOR YOUR DATA", "LIMITED WARRANTY NOTICE", "SAFETY INFORMATION", etc. Some of them also feature drawings. There are also numerous engineering instruments scattered across the floor. At one extremity of the room there is a large pile of discarded, crumpled scrolls. The symbol forbidding consuming the movie player (as in… eating it) is still visible on the scroll lying at the top of the pile. Eurekus himself is standing in the middle of the room, holding a lit torch in one hand, and a scroll depicting the symbol forbidding setting the player on fire. He is facing the movie player, which has visible bite marks on one side. Eurekus is breathing heavily, and seems to be very excited. He quietly says to himself-
Eurekus
This time it'll work… It'll definitely work.
A boy of about fifteen, who is sitting and leaning against a wall, quickly replies. He is in obvious pain, caused by the act of talking. He gently massages his cheek and jaw.
Boy
No, it won't… Just like any other thing you've tried.
As he's speaking, we can see that several of his teeth are broken. Eurekus turns his head towards the boy and angrily replies-
Eurekus
Quiet!
Boy
You've tried just about anything, but you forgot the triangle and the parallel lines. It must be there!
Eurekus
I haven't forgotten anything!! Now stop interrupting me! Let me get on with my work!
Eurekus begins drawing the torch closer to the player, and the torch eventually almost touches it, but just then the door suddenly opens, and in walk two guards. One of them decisively says-
Guard
Eurekus! Gather your belongings immediately and leave the palace! Others will look after the sacred artifacts.
Eurekus
What?! This can't be- I'm right on the verge of finding a solution!
Boy
(Half voiced, sarcastically) Right…
Eurekus
(To the boy) Shut up! (To the guard) I just need a few more days, a week-
Guard
Eurekus! This is an imperial order. You must leave at once.
Eurekus turns away from the movie player and starts walking frantically towards the door, as he angrily grumbles-
Eurekus
Well, of course..! They give me this- basement… Stinking rats everywhere, an imbecile for an assistant… And time? "Find the way to use them as soon as
possible!" Such disrespect, it's just unbelievable…
Guard
Come on, now…
Eurekus
A disgrace! It's a simply outrageous lack of faith! I was on the verge of solving it!
And Eurekus continues grumbling, as he and the guards approach the door.
EXT. FIELD. DAY.
Hispania. The fields outside Maximus' house. Maximus is practicing his swordsmanship together with his son, Agrippa. Maximus' wife sits nearby, smiling, and watches her husband and son. Maximus speaks in a confident and authoritative tone, as he corrects Agrippa-
Maximus
Your swing should be wider / Here, see what I just did? Try and do the same / No good. You must improve.
One coping is ended.
Maximus
Now, this time I'll be the attacker, and you the defender. Are you ready?
Agrippa
Ready.
Maximus begins attacking Agrippa, and the excited Agrippa defends well. He exploits a little stumble Maximus unintentionally makes, and takes initiative in the battle. Maximus tries to block and slow down Agrippa's attack, unsuccessfully. During his failing blocking attempts, Maximus forcefully keeps his confident smile, and tries to keep his tone relaxed and self-sure-
Maximus
You're being too careless! / Oh, what a miss! / Well, you'll get better yet, don't worry / Nearly, but not quite there…
Eventually, when he sees Agrippa is just about to make him surrender in a moment, Maximus exclaims-
Maximus
Relax, will you?!
The exclamation is spontaneous and uncontrolled, and Maximus actually sounds a bit scared. He slips backwards and falls. Agrippa places his sword next to Maximus' chest, excitedly looks at his mother, and happily runs towards her. She hugs him.
Agrippa
Did you see? Did you see how I beat Father?!
Maximus, who is up and standing again, looks at Agrippa and his wife for a moment, visibly offended and quite a bit humiliated. He reinstates his confident expression and turns to Agrippa-
Maximus
Agrippa!
Agrippa happily returns to his father. Maximus speaks in a serious tone-
Maximus
You've made many mistakes in that attack. Never, never expose yourself to the opponent like that! Your entire left side was wide open throughout!
Agrippa
But I beat you easily, father-
Maximus
- (Angered) No, you- (pause, Maximus stops himself) Understand, son. You have to practice a lot, truly a lot, if you want to be successful. You can't always rely on beginner's luck.
Maximus puts his hand on Agrippa's shoulder and stares at him seriously.
Maximus
Agrippa. Soon you will be the man in this house. Because father will go and claim what is rightfully his. And you need to work hard, not only when it comes to your sword. When I leave, you shall be the master of the house. Do you understand?
Agrippa nods insecurely.
Maximus
Good. It's important that you understand this. Because maybe, you will someday be emperor of Rome. Someday. (Pause) Well, let's see how you defend this time.
The two resume their practice.
INT. THE SENATE. DAY.
The camera initially shows only the movie player. Gradually, it zooms out, and we see the user's manual and the batteries lying next to it (three batteries are arranged in a triangle around the player). All the "artifacts" are placed on an adorned marble column. From the scene's beginning and until the camera stops zooming out, and the entire senate is visible, the voices of different senators are heard off screen. The senators excitedly speak about the artifacts-
Senator a
The Persian cheat was lying! They do know how to use the box! And I'm sure it's not meant for peaceful purposes only- don't be naive! He was lying, I tell you!
Senator b
Eurekus? Eurikus has failed! He wouldn't have found how to use the box in two millennia!
Senator c
I've said it from the start- the box is just an odd stone… A stone, and nothing more!
Senator d
Sorcery and witchcraft! The box will never reveal its true use- never!
We see that the senators are scattered throughout the long hall- some are sitting down, some are speaking to each other in small groups. Commodus is standing near the column the objects are placed on. He is gazing at them, fascinated by them. He seems completely cut off from what is going on around him. Senator Aulus addresses him, but Commodus doesn't hear it.
Aulus
Emperor!
Looking at the player, Commodus says to himself-
Commodus
So… elegant. So unique… Timeless. A true work of art.
Aulus
Commodus!
Commodus awakens from his daydream, and turns his stare towards Aulus.
Aulus
Commodus, Rome has been unable to find any use to the artifacts.
Commodus
No, we were unable…
Aulus
Perhaps solving this mystery- is not meant for us. Or at least, not in our time. Many here prefer to put the box
at Jupiter's temple, and leave it there. Let it be the sacred artifact it is.
A significant part of the senators nod in agreement, and one senator quietly says to the senator he is sitting next to-
Senator
And let us finally forget about this stupid affair.
Commodus waits for the senators to quiet down, and then replies-
Commodus
Senators… The Gods smile upon us, yet you turn a sour face in return!
Commodus begins gently stroking the movie player, and opens the folded screen to its widest formation.
Commodus
This design… so… simple! Simple and ingenious!
Commodus bends down, so that his face is opposite the screen he has just unfolded.
Commodus
What is in there..? Are you really not curious to know- to know what is inside that dark mirror- inside that infinite pool?
Commodus begins pressing the different marked buttons on the player (they are only outlined and aren't actually protruding). Each press he makes is very gentle and slow.
Commodus
What would Perseus do if he hadn't received Hermes' sword and Athena's shield? How could he have beaten
Medusa?
One senator confusedly looks at his friend and says-
Senator
The hero Perseus?
Commodus continues pressing each button at a time.
Commodus
And mighty Hercules? Why, he has received gifts as well…
A different senator says to the group of senators he is part of-
Senator
He thinks he's a hero!
Commodus continues-
Commodus
We, all of us, have a one time opportunity… And you plan to throw it away?!
Commodus looks at the triangle the batteries form around the movie player, and then stares at the "Play" button outlined on it. He quietly says, half to himself-
Commodus
So beautiful… So simple…
And Commodus pushes the button. The player activates the movie it contains, and the surprised Commodus jumps back. The guards next to him stare at the screen, completely horrified. The screen is no longer dark. Some of the senators begin running towards the player. Others flee in the opposite direction, and some stay where they are, sitting or lying with their hands covering their faces, completely in shock. Commodus stares with great wonder, and some fear, at the screen.
INT. LAUNCH ROOM. NIGHT.
Back in the year 2030. It is the time machine room. Numerous scientists are arguing among themselves passionately and loudly.
Scientist a
A movie?! They sent... a movie, to ancient Rome?!
Scientist b
Wait a sec, all of you! I'm figuring it out now!
INT. CORRIDOR. NIGHT.
The two janitors are being held and led down the hall by two guards each. Several scientists are walking at their side.
Average
They still exist..! Everything's the same!
Ponytail
I never told you everything will change! We didn't know whether anything will change!
INT. CONTROL CENTER. NIGHT.
The group enters the control center.
Average
(Dispirited) Too bad… I was kinda hoping to see what'll happen…
Ponytail clicks his tongue and frustratingly shakes his head.
Ponytail
(Angrily) Maybe they can't get it to work because of you! You idiot! I told you to make sure it was in Latin! Latin!!
The broad glassy entry doors open as the group approaches them, and the janitors are led out of the control center.
EXT. FIELD. DAY.
Eurekus is slowly walking down a country pathway. Rome can be seen in the distance, already a few hours' walk away. He keeps on grumbling to himself-
Eurekus
Not the person for the job… we'll see. They think they can succeed where Eurekus has failed… (Pause) Well,
let them try! They don't stand a chance any-
Eurekus suddenly becomes silent and stops in his tracks.
Eurekus
Wait, I… I have it! The boy was right! (Pause) I've found the way!
Eurekus turns around and begins walking at a quick pace back towards Rome.
Eurekus
Of course, it was there the whole time… And now glory is mine! I've found the way!!
Eurekus increases his pace and starts running.
INT. THE SENATE. DAY.
Commodus, the guards and the senators who've gathered around the movie player look with interest at the screen, which now shows the registered trademark of the media format (a future media storage format, like the current BlueRay or D.V.D). Someone whispers in awe-
Senator a
Jupiter's seal!
Another senator, who is standing behind the speaker, pushes him a bit and says-
Senator b
Let me see!
With the help of a "gentle" few pushes, the senators arrange themselves so that everyone can see the screen. Many excited exclamations are heard. The screen darkens for a moment, and then the Lumiere brothers' short film, "Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat", begins playing (along with accompanying music). Commodus and the others look at the screen in complete shock. After a few seconds, as the train appears and begins getting "closer" to the surface of the screen, Commodus anxiously yells and bends down, his hands protecting his face. Many senators turn backwards and try to escape. Some fall on the floor, others fall on each other. Senator Blandinus (Maximus' accomplice) calmly stands a few feet away, carefully looking at the people's reactions. Commodus lowers his hands, and hesitantly gets up again. He stares with great interest at the people walking along the train platform. The senators who have stayed nearby the movie player (many have fled away) slowly get up and stand, and stare at the screen, mesmerized by it. One senator says-
Senator c
They're... people. Really small people.
Another senator whispers to Commodus-
Senator d
Emperor! Try to touch one of them!
Commodus looks at the senator, returns his gaze to the screen, and reaches out a finger. He gently and worryingly "touches" an elaborately dressed lady who is running along with her little daughter towards the left extremity of the screen. He is surprised.
Commodus
She didn't feel anything.
A senator replies scornfully-
Senator
What a snob…
Commodus
No, I think she simply... didn’t feel... me.
Several senators simultaneously sigh in wonder ("ahhh…"). Commodus sends his hand towards another person he sees "inside" the screen, but just then the film ends, and the screen darkens at once. Everyone is surprised. The same senator who has suggested touching the film figures asks-
Senator d
Are they all right?
Another senator worryingly asks-
Senator
Where did they go?!
The logo/preface of the DreamWorks company appears on the screen- it is a reflection of the moon, shrouded by clouds, in the water, and after a short moment a stone is thrown inside the water. Immediately afterwards, the camera tilts upwards and a masculine figure who is sitting on the moon appears. The figure is fishing. Commodus reverently says -
Commodus
Godly Diana reveals herself to us!!
A senator says-
Senator
She looks a bit too manly... (Pause) Perhaps it's her father… Jupiter himself!
All stare in awe at the figure, and become confused once the moon becomes the first letter comprising the word "DreamWorks". Lucilla, Commodus' sister, approaches the company and takes her place besides her brother. She stares with interest at the screen. Commodus kisses her hand, and Lucilla puts her hand on his shoulder. The opening captions and music of the Ridley Scott movie "Gladiator" appear. Commodus concentrates on them.
Commodus
The letters… It's all similar… but all so… different! I can't understand a thing!
The captions end and the movie begins. All the spectators are surprised once again, and are immediately mesmerized by what they see. The opening scene of "Gladiator" begins. After a few seconds, Maximus, portrayed by Russell Crowe, appears. One senator asks-
Senator
Who's that?
EXT. WHEAT FIELD. DAY.
Pandora and her father, Aelius, are sitting on a haystack (one of many such haystacks) in the same golden wheat field into which the objects fell at the film's beginning. Aelius is wearing a hardened head covering- a self made helmet of sorts.
Pandora
Father… Why don't you take that thing off..? It's stupid!
Aelius
You can never know, Pandy... Perhaps another stone will fall from the sky…
Pandora
I've told you a thousand times, it's not a stone…
Aelius
Your box, of course. But what is it, really? That you don't know…
Pandora looks at the distance and doesn't answer for a moment.
Pandora
I don't know. But the box is very, very important. I know that. I'm sure of it…
Aelius shrugs his shoulders.
Aelius
I don't think so… But we'll see. You can never know. If it is, it might make you a bit famous. No harm in that, I believe.
INT. THE SENATE. DAY.
The following scene is actually a sequence of several brief scenes, all of which take place at the senate. In each scene, Commodus, Lucilla, and the senators are watching the movie "Gladiator". In each of the short scenes, the scene they watch (from "Gladiator") is different, and the "Gladiator" scenes advance in chronological order. Gradually, there are more senators present in the hall, as more overcome their initial fear. As the scenes advance, the senators also visibly become more suspicious towards Commodus- they glance at him suspiciously and warily, and whisper among themselves (we don't hear their words). Blandinus whispers something in a senator's ear one time as well, and the senator casts a suspicious, doubtful glance at Commodus. Commodus himself watches the film closely and gradually grows confused and nervous. Occasionally, he turns his face back towards the increasingly suspicious looking senators, and continues watching the movie, embarrassed and confused. It's important to note we don't see the entire length of any "Gladiator" scene; we only see a few essential seconds of each of the displayed scenes, which are:
- A few seconds of the movie's opening scene (the battle against the Barbarians in Germania, and the Barbarian leader himself),
- The scene in which Marcus Aurelius informs Maximus that he has chosen him to be the next Emperor over his son Commodus,
- The scene in which Commodus murders his father, Marcus Aurelius,
After this scene, one senator asks-
Senator
But what are they saying? I can't understand a thing!!
Several senators simultaneously signal him to shut up.
Several senators
Shhhh!!
Senator
Fool… What don't you understand? Everything's quite clear!
Senator
Yes, you don't need to understand what they're saying! Just watch!
Emillianus
(Very excited) Yes, and, by the Gods, look at the clothes!
Aquila, who is besides Emillianus, casts an irritated (and puzzled) look at his friend.
- The scene in which Maximus returns to his home and finds out his family have been murdered,
- The scene in which Maximus becomes a gladiator (when he is taken away by the slave convoy),
- The scene in which Maximus and Commodus meet at the Coliseum in Rome (after Maximus and his fellow gladiators have won their battle there); Maximus tells Commodus he (Maximus) is servant to the true Emperor- Marcus Aurelius, and that he intends to avenge his death,
- The scene in which Lucilla betrays her brother's trust, by warning Maximus of Commodus' plans regarding Maximus and the dismantlement of the Senate. When Commodus sees this, he stares at Lucilla with wonder and disbelief, and she decisively shakes her head in reply, and says-
Lucilla
I haven't done any such thing! I don't
understand anything!
- The scene in which Commodus implies he wants to have sex with Lucilla (when Lucilla sees this, she looks with shock and astonishment at Commodus, who furiously shakes his head and replies-
Commodus
It's not true- I've never even thought about any such thing! It's just lies!
The senators look at Commodus with shock and disgust.
- The scene in which Commodus wounds Maximus with a knife (thereby giving himself an unfair advantage), before their face off at the Coliseum,
- Commodus' death at the hands of Maximus, and Maximus' death immediately afterwards, following his unfair knife wound by Commodus, before their battle.
The movie ends and the screen darkens (everyone waits for several seconds to see whether there's anything else projecting from it). Commodus rises and looks at the senators. He waits for a few seconds, and finally says-
Commodus
I… I have to be alone for a while.
Commodus turns and quickly walks away, alongside Lucilla (he signals her to accompany him, and she consents, despite hesitating- she places her two hands next to each other instead of touching Commodus). The senators look at the Emperor in silence, and when Commodus leaves the senate, immediately begin talking amongst themselves passionately-
Senator a
So what does it all mean?
Senator b
He's really killed his own father?!
Senator c
I have always, always thought he was too good, too good to be true-
Senator d
- Yes, indeed! Does everything for the people, nothing for himself… Oh, please!
Senator b
And Lucilla!... He- doesn't surprise me one bit… But she! I wouldn't have expected Lucilla to ever act like that!
Senator c
And he intends to get rid of us all!!!
Senator e
And poor Maximus! How unfortunate! About to get murdered by our own Commodus!
Senator c
That is, if he hasn't been killed already!
Senator a
No! We will help him! Maximus is much better for us! He's in favor of the senate!
Blandinus, who has been listening to the senators, smiles a little smile to himself and silently leaves the hall.
EXT. YARD. DAY.
Hispania. Maximus is standing in the yard outside his home. Two horsemen stand beside their horses nearby. Little Agrippa is strongly hugging Maximus. He's crying. Facing Maximus is his wife, Claudia. It's clear she's been crying- wet trails made by her tears are still visible on her face.
Maximus
This is what I have to do. There's no other choice.
Pause.
Maximus
Claudia… I have to make them believe you're dead.
Claudia
Believe? You really are killing us! You bastard!
Maximus
I promise you, you'll join me in Rome, as soon as I am emperor-
Claudia
- When you're emperor! You really think you'll be emperor?! Do you imagine Commodus is just waiting for you to arrive? That he's had enough?!
Maximus
I will be emperor. That box that's "fallen from the skies" really is a present, at least for me. Don’t you
understand? This is exactly what I needed all these years!
Claudia
Oh yes? And is it really worth it? (Pause) Do you really want to send Agrippa away from his home? To send me away? So that you can march on Rome and
become the lauded emperor…
Maximus looks at Agrippa, who stares at the ground, and raises the child's head with his two hands, so as to make Agrippa look at him.
Maximus
Agrippa, do you think your father is a fool?
Agrippa shakes his head, and says-
Agrippa
No.
Maximus
(To Claudia) Do you even know why Commodus is emperor now? I'll tell you why. Because Macrus Aurelius became a foolish idealist, too soft towards
his end. That's the only reason that naive weakling rules now.
Claudia
I don't care about Commodus-
Maximus
- Who defeated the barbarians? How was the peace in the north achieved? By whom?! By me! I should have been emperor ten years ago!!
Claudia
If you think any of this justifies you, I, I…-
Maximus
- Now, when I finally have the chance, do you really think I'll pass it up? No! I will do whatever it takes to
become ruler of Rome! For I am its rightful ruler!
Claudia angrily looks at Maximus, and shakes her head in frustration. Maximus now stares at Agrippa once again and pets his head.
Maximus
Be a good boy. Help your mother in all she needs. Understood? Help her in any way you can.
The crying Agrippa nods.
Agrippa
Yes, father.
Maximus
(To Claudia) Your son will one day be emperor of Rome. Prepare him for it.
Claudia
I'll raise him to be a man, not an emperor. You're already taking care of that well enough…
Maximus signals the two horsemen, who begin approaching Agrippa and Claudia. Agrippa becomes frightened and runs towards his mother. He firmly hugs her. The horsemen hoist Agrippa and Claudia and seat them on the horses. They begin moving away from the yard, while Maximus watches them.
EXT. STREET. DAY.
A crowded street in Rome. Senators Emillianus and Aquila are talking with each other as they walk-
Emillianus
Really- Nothing at all? (Pause) That's definitely a surprise.
Aquila
Pandora doesn't know anything about the objects. She's just a common peasant. There's nothing we can find out from her.
Emillianus
Incredible- so Commodus really didn't know anything about the Prophecy. He was just completely mystified by the objects.
Aquila
Ironic, isn't it? He was the one who pushed everyone to find out how to use those things all along… I'm quite certain he didn't expect to see what we all saw!
Eurekus is momentarily seen as he crosses the street. He's panting. He's also quite sweaty. He's quickly walking towards the Imperial palace, seen in the distance. He clears a path for himself in the busy street with visible difficulty, and bumps into a peculiarly large woman. She slaps him.
Eurekus
Pardon, miss! I'm terribly sorry!
The woman angrily stares at Eurekus, as he continues walking towards the palace. He disappears into the crowd.
Emillianus
The Gods, Aquila. The Gods, as usual, are wiser than us all. I think they've decided to tell us the truth.
Aquila
Which was worthy of being told.
Emillianus
Indeed.
Aquila
Now we shall see what Commodus does… Now that we know what a person he really is.
Blandinus approaches the pair. He seems to be very worried. He lightly shakes his head in a greeting gesture to each senator, as he formally greets them-
Blandinus
Aquila, Emillianus.
Emillianus
Well, what's wrong, Blandinus? You seem even worse than usual.
Aquila
I hope the Namibian slave didn't speak of our… deeds (winks to Emillianus)… To your wife?
Aquila and Emillianus smile and chuckle lightly.
Blandinus
It's Commodus- he's already started acting exactly as the vision showed he would. It must be a prophecy, indeed.
Aquila
What happened?
Blandinus
It's Maximus' family- they've been killed!
Aquila
What?!
Emillianus
He's killed them! Commodus has killed them!
Blandinus
Someone should-
Aquila
- I'm going to announce this to the senate immediately- we'll see what Commodus has to say about this business!
Emillianus
I'll come with you!
Aquila and Emillianus begin walking away from Blandinus. As they get further away, Emillianus' distancing voice is heard-
Emillianus
I just can't believe he's done it… Oh, Maximus…
EXT. TOWN. DAY.
We're now in the desert. We see a long shot of a North African town- sands, clay houses, a few barren trees. A caption appears- "Zucchabar- Roman Province". There is a small wooden coliseum at the town's center.
INT. GLADIATOR RANGE. DAY.
Zucchabar. The gladiator range, adjacent to the coliseum. It is a wide, fenced yard in which numerous gladiators are training. Maximus and Atillio (the cavalier) walk into the range. They look around them, and eventually notice Proximo. Proximo is sitting underneath a small shade sail and eating various delicacies. He shouts at a gladiator-
Proximo
Get moving, fatty! You're slowing everyone down!
As Maximus and Atillio approach him, Proximo impatiently utters-
Proximo
What do you want?
Maximus
Are you the gladiator trader?
Proximo
I trade them, I train them. I sacrifice them… And you? What do you want? Who are you?
Maximus
I want to offer you a deal.
Proximo stares at Maximus with a scornful look.
Proximo
Boy, don't bother me. I'm working now.
Maximus produces a little bag from an inner pocket and shakes it. The rustling sound of coins touching each other is heard.
Maximus
Gold. Pure.
Proximo looks at Maximus and Atillio for a moment. He rises.
Proximo
Follow me.
INT. PROXIMO'S ROOM. DAY.
An inner room inside the gladiator range. This is Proximo's room. Shields, helmets and furs decorate the walls. Proximo sits down at his table, Maximus and Atillio stand facing him.
Proximo
So what can you offer me? What's the deal?
Maximus
I want to become a gladiator.
Proximo stares at Maximus. He's more than a bit shocked.
Maximus
I will pay you to let me train and live with the gladiators. And to make sure that nothing happens to me in the battles.
Proximo bursts out laughing loudly, but he stops once he sees Maximus' and Atillio's serious countenances.
Proximo
You're actually serious…? You really want to become a gladiator?
Maximus nods.
Proximo
But… Gladiators, they're all slaves! They have no rights!
Maximus
That is what I want. Why- that's not your business.
Proximo
You don't understand what you're talking about- gladiators survive only by killing others! And that's if they're lucky!
Maximus
All I need you to do is make me your star. Bring me to Rome as your star. That is all.
Maximus puts the bag filled with coins on the table. The coins rustle.
Maximus
Don't worry. I have many more bags like this one to give you.
Proximo looks at Maximus, and confusedly shakes his head.
Proximo
The world has gone completely insane… There's something new every day…
INT. ROMAN PALACE HALL. DAY.
The Small Hall. Commodus is sitting on the palatial seat, at one end of the elongated hall. Two guards are standing nearby; Lucilla isn't present. Commodus places his head on his hands. He seems lost in thought, dispirited even. Another guard introduces the sweaty Eurikus, who seems even worse than the last time we've seen him- his clothes are now partially torn, probably owing to the less than tolerant crowds he's bumped into on his way to the palace. The guard begins proclaiming, quite slowly and clearly indifferently-
Guard
Eurikus, the genius from-
Senator Aulus enters the hall. He's surprised to see Eurikus.
Aulus
(To Eurikus) - What are you doing here? You were supposed to go away.
Eurikus
I've found it!! I know how to decipher the divine message!
Commodus remains completely oblivious to what's happening, and doesn't even raise his head to look at Eurikus and Aulus. Aulus turns to the guard standing next to Eurikus-
Aulus
Take this charlatan away.
Eurikus emits a shriek.
Eurikus
Caesar!!! Don't let him do this to me! I've found the solution- I know how you can use the message!!!
Commodus angrily exhales and turns to the guard-
Commodus
Take Eurikus away.
The guard holds Eurikus and begins walking him towards the entry door.
Eurikus
(to himself) But I've found… I've found it…
Eurikus suddenly turns to face Commodus. He tries one last, desparate time-
Eurikus
Commodus! Emperor!! You have to listen to me! I know how you can-
Commodus angrily rises and shouts at the guard-
Commodus
- Take him away!
The guard strengthens his hold on Eurikus, as he resumes forcefully leading the old man out of the hall. Eurikus, who begins sobbing, says to himself-
Eurikus
The parallel lines... It was the two parallel lines...
Eurikus is led out of the hall, and Commodus sits down. He rests his head on his hands once again. Aulus stares at him.
Aulus
Emperor Commodus.
Commodus raises his head and looks at Aulus. He nods weakly.
Aulus
Emperor, your presence at the senate is required immediately.
Commodus stares at the senator for a moment.
Commodus
Now? Can't I come later?
Aulus
I'm afraid not. It's important.
Commodus sighs in desperation and rises.
INT. THE SENATE. DAY.
Commodus is sitting on his seat. The senators are all seated and staring at him. After a silent moment, Aulus addresses Commodus-
Aulus
Commodus, I'm not going to hide the senators' thoughts from you. We are confused and uncertain as to what we should do... (Pause) We know about
Maximus' family.
Commodus
Maximus' family? What happened to them?
Many of the senators click their tongues and angrily shake their heads.
Aulus
What happened is… his wife and son have
disappeared. They're probably dead. And
Maximus has disappeared as well. All our own efforts to track him have failed.
Commodus
That's terrible… I'm so sorry for him. I hope he's found, alive, soon.
Pause- the senators don't respond to this.
Commodus
I'll send the Hispanic battalions to aid the search immediately.
The senators and Aulus doubtfully glance at Commodus, and don't reply. Commodus notices this.
Commodus
I didn't know anything about this! How can you- I've just heard about this right now!
Aulus
You know, Commodus, these happenings surprisingly match what we've all seen in the divine message.
Commodus
What are you implying by that?
Aulus
I'm just stating a fact, emperor. And you were the one who believed it indeed was a divine message all along.
Commodus doesn't reply.
Aulus
And now, are you still certain it's a message from the Gods?
The angry Commodus leaves the senate.
EXT. THE GLADIATOR RANGE. DAY.
Proximo is facing a large group of men. The men are aligned in three lines, and are wearing cheap, partly torn cloth pants. A young, toga wearing man, approaches Proximo.
Man
These are all the new ones.
Proximo nods.
Proximo
They seem rotten… They'll fall like flies, you'll see.
Proximo signals the young man to go away, and addresses the group of men. He approaches them, and as he's walking (and talking), Proximo surveys the men standing in the first line one by one. Maximus is standing in the second line.
Proximo
My name is Proximo. (Pause) Proximo. And in these next few days- which will probably be your last- I will
be closer to you than the fool who's brought you into the world. I didn't pay good money for you because
I'm in need of friends. I paid for you so that I can profit- profit on your death. (Pause) And as your mother was there when you were born- so shall I
be there when you die. And I assure you, most of you will die here. And in your death, you will know only one thing- you are gladiators. (Pause) Gladiators- I salute you.
INT. THE GLADIATOR RANGE. DAY.
Same place, a little while later. Hagen, a bulky, muscular giant of a man, is fighting someone from the group of men Proximo has addressed earlier. They're fighting with wooden swords. The new gladiators, who are sitting on the ground nearby, watch the unfolding battle. Proximo is looking at the battle from his seat in a cool, shady spot. The two men who are sitting next to Maximus talk between themselves-
Man a'
That was your mistake- you believed him. You believed the word of a master. You should've run the night before… Then you wouldn't be here now.
Man b'
I was with him for twenty years… twenty years. He promised me no matter what, I'm staying with him. But when the money ran out-
Man a'
- He sold you, right away… That's the way it is with masters, I guess.
The men are silent for a moment, and then one of them turns to Maximus-
Man a'
What about you? Where are you from?
Maximus
(Laconically) Hispania.
Man a'
Sold by your master as well? What's his name?
Maximus doesn't answer, and turns his stare back towards Hagen.
Man a'
Who? I didn't catch his-
Man b' touches his friend's shoulder and stops him. Hagen overpowers and subdues his opponent, and places his sword's edge next to the man's neck. He smiles, and signals the man to return to the group with his head. Hagen surveys the rest of the group, and points at Maximus.
Hagen
Spaniard! Your turn.
Maximus rises and approaches Hagen.
Hagen
What weapon do you fight with?
Maximus
Bow and arrow.
The gladiators laugh, and the annoyed Hagen places his head next to Maximus'.
Hagen
What weapon?
Maximus waits a moment.
Maximus
Persian chariot.
The gladiators laugh loudly, and Hagen pushes Maximus, who falls to the ground. Hagen approaches a tattered wooden shield which is lying on the ground, picks it up and throws it at Maximus.
Hagen
Use a sword.
Maximus rises and picks up the wooden sword and the shield. He assumes battle posture. Hagen and Maximus begin fighting each other, and Maximus is clearly rusty in terms of his fighting skills. It's all too obvious he hasn't had to fight seriously, in order to defend his life, for a long time. Hagen laughs, and brings his sword to Maximus' neck with relative ease and speed. Hagen smiles while his face is adjacent to Maximus', and signals Maximus to get back to the group. Maximus throws the sword and shield to the ground and returns to the group. As he's walking, Maximus momentarily stares at Proximo, who returns the stare. Maximus sits down, as Hagen calls for another gladiator to approach him. Proximo turns to Hagen from his seat-
Proximo
That's enough for now, Hagen. Release the men. Come here for a second.
Hagen approaches Proximo, and listens to his words (which we don't hear). He seems surprised by what Proximo is telling him, and turns a disturbed look at Maximus. He tries to passionately tell Proximo something (which, again, we don't hear), but is cut short by him. Hagen frustratingly shakes his head, and stares at Maximus again.
INT. STUDY. DAY.
Commodus' study (inside the imperial palace) - many books cover the walls, and across the room there are several elegant sculptures. Commodus is standing next to the window and looking outside at the streets of Rome and the Coliseum. Lucilla is standing next to him, but she wraps her hands around herself and keeps her distance.
Commodus
Everything's wrong… (Pause) This isn't how I thought things would turn out.
Lucilla
What did you think would happen?
Commodus
I thought the artifacts were a sign… a lesson from the Gods. But it's a scam, a scam against me. Everything this… thing, has told us, was a lie.
Lucilla stares at Commodus and doesn't reply.
Commodus
I loved father… You know how much I loved him.
Commodus bursts into silent tears.
Commodus
How could they even think… that I could hurt him? (Irritably) And what is that thing?
Commodus points at an oddly shaped structure currently under construction, located on one of the main boulevards near the palace.
Commodus
I don't recall approving this… Oh, never mind.
Lucilla
I know you loved him.
Commodus
I would've never hurt him. Never!
(Pause) Remember what I've always told him? That I preferred that you would rule, instead of me? Do you remember that?
Lucilla nods, insecurely. Commodus wipes his tears, moves closer to his sister and sends his arms to hug her, but she flinches and moves a step back. Commodus seems confused and insulted for a moment, and then he bitterly nods.
Commodus
So you, too, don't believe me anymore.
Commodus moves away and returns to his place by the window. He once again gazes through it.
Commodus
The senators don't believe me. I know they don't. They think I've murdered Maximus' family- just like we've seen. But I didn't even know Maximus still lived in Hispania! (Pause) The high priest is eluding me… He's been doing so for a few days now… (Pause) Everyone has abandoned me.
Lucilla tilts her head in frustration and sadness. She hesitantly sends a hand towards Commodus, who turns to her. She looks at him for a moment, and returns her hand backwards. Commodus turns back towards the window and nods to himself.
Commodus
Everyone has abandoned me.
Lucilla lowers her head and stares at the floor.
EXT. NEAR THE IMPERIAL STABLES. NIGHT.
It is late evening. We can see the entrance to the imperial stables. Commodus enters the imperial carriage and closes the door behind him. The four guards who have escorted him stop next to the carriage's door. The carriage begins riding away from the stables.
INT. THE COLISEUM IN ZUCCHABAR- INNER CHAMBER. DAY.
We're now in the large inner chamber of the Zucchabar coliseum, adjacent to the inner entrance into the ring. The sounds of the cheering crowd can be dimly heard in the background. At the middle of the chamber is a long table, on which are placed numerous swords and shields. The gladiators are sitting on wooden benches. They're listening to the speaking Proximo, who is holding a long sword in his hand while doing so.
Proximo
Some of you are thinking you're only nervous because this is your first battle. You're wrong. Those of you who'll survive today, will feel this way before any battle. Get used to it.
Proximo grows silent, and passes his glance between some of the gladiators, including Maximus and Hagen. He performs a sudden slashing movement with his sword, and repeats it again after a moment. He looks at the gladiators again.
Proximo
Let the sword feel the flesh of your enemy- and you'll hear the crowds cheering you, loving you. And I
assure you- you'll start loving them back.
Proximo places the sword on the weapon laden table.
Proximo
Grab a sword and shield, each one of you- and give them hell!
He puts his left hand inside his pocket. The gladiators rise, get to the table and take their arms. Proximo moves among them and pats some of them on the upper back with his right hand. When he approaches Maximus, Proximo takes his left hand out of his pocket. The hand is painted in green. Proximo whispers in Maximus' ear-
Proximo
Don't worry, you're not in danger.
Proximo pats Maximus on the upper back and touches his left cheek twice (as if in an affectionate gesture). A green patch of color forms on Maximus' cheek and upper back.
Maximus
What did you-
Proximo
- Don't worry, it's just salt. For luck.
Proximo begins moving towards the ring by a private entrance. Hagen shouts to the gladiators-
Hagen
Two columns!
The gladiators obey his order.
Hagen
Towards the gate!
The gladiators approach the entrance into the ring.
INT. ZUCCHABAR COLISEUM. DAY.
We can see the cheering crowds and the ring itself, where fierce warriors stand ready to fight the gladiators as soon as they enter the ring. The warriors are holding a diverse multitude of weapons- long swords, war axes, spears, iron clubs, morningstars and more. Some are yelling battle cries at the gladiator's gate, such as-
Warrior a
Death! Death to the gladiators!
Warrior b
Victory or death!
And other cries in the same vein. An enormous, frightening warrior is laughing very loudly.
INT. ZUCCHABAR COLISEUM- INNER CHAMBER. DAY.
Back in the inner chamber. The gladiators, arranged in two columns, are silently standing beside the entrance to the ring. Some are visibly frightened, others seem more relaxed. Maximus stretches his leg by folding it to his lower back and holding the foot in his palm. The movement seems a bit awkward and "girly", and makes the two gladiators who stand behind him laugh. Maximus angrily turns back.
Maximus
Funny, huh? We'll see who gets out of the ring alive.
The pair responds by chuckling lightly. Hagen, who is standing next to the door and is at the head of one of the columns, yells-
Hagen
Get ready, everyone!
Everyone grows immediately silent. The noise from the crowds intensifies, as well as the warrior's cries from the ring (it should be noted that there are more warriors than gladiators). For one intense moment, the gladiators look at the closed gate, as they listen to the strong, yet dim noise originating from behind it. And then- the gate opens.
INT. ZUCCHABAR COLISEUM. DAY.
The gladiators rush into the ring, and start fighting immediately. The gladiator next to Hagen is hit on the head by an iron club as soon as he gets into the ring, and Hagen slashes and kills the attacker with his sword. When Maximus gets out into the ring, he mistakenly stumbles forward. A warrior holding a long sword lifts his weapon, aiming to hit Maximus, but when he sees the green patch on Maximus' upper back, he diverts his blow, not without difficulty, and hits the gladiator at Maximus' side. Many one - on - one battles emerge between the warriors and the gladiators. Maximus runs towards a certain warrior, but the warrior eludes him and begins fighting another gladiator. Maximus locates another warrior and starts running towards him, while letting out a loud shout. The warrior hears Maximus approaching him and turns to face him, as he lets out his own shout. He readies himself for an attack, but suddenly lowers his sword. The warrior looks at Maximus inquisitively for a short moment, and then he turns backwards. Maximus is surprised by this, and he slows to a halt. The warrior runs towards another warrior, who is already fighting a gladiator, and joins him. The two warriors overcome and kill the gladiator, and the crowds loudly cheer this action. Maximus, who is standing alone in the middle of the ring, searches for an "unoccupied" warrior. Hagen is fighting a war axe wielding warrior, and manages to overcome him. He kills the warrior by stabbing him in his heart, a deed which causes a loud, especially excited reaction from the crowd. Hagen searches for Maximus, who is standing alone, in battle posture, at the ring's center, and is looking for a target. The same fearsome warrior, who was laughing wildly at the gladiators (while they were still in the inner chamber), now notices Maximus. He roars loudly and starts running towards him. He's holding a morningstar in one hand, and a war axe in the other. Hagen notices this happening, shakes his head in frustration, and immediately runs towards the enormous warrior. Said warrior notices Hagen, and they begin fighting each other. Maximus, despaired by not being able to find an opponent, joins another gladiator, who's already fighting a warrior. Maximus tries to injure the warrior in his shoulder, but his strike doesn't come off, and barely scratches the warrior. The angered warrior turns and faces Maximus, but when he sees his attacker's identity, he suddenly falls and starts twisting in severe pain, the origin of which is unclear (like a footballer who "dives"). Maximus and the other gladiator look at the warrior confusedly. Many baffled cries rise from the crowd as well-
Numerous spectators
(Simultaneously) …Huh?
Some of the spectators show their friends said area in the ring by pointing their finger. After a few seconds of twitching and twisting, the warrior "dies" theatrically. The confused Maximus searches the stands for Proximo. When Maximus finds him, Poximo nods at him. Maximus raises his hand in triumph, and the crowd responds with a roar of excitement. Two spectators talk amongst themselves-
Spectator a
What a horrible death..! (Pause) Did you see what he did to him? I didn't really catch it…
Spectator b
No, it was too quick… That gladiator must be a master of martial arts.
The pair excitedly clap their hands, along with the rest of the crowd. By now, there are numerous bodies lying around the ring, both of the warriors and the gladiators. Hagen and the fearsome warrior continue fighting each other. Maximus, encouraged by his tremendous "success" (he executes several ostentatious sword movements, as the crowds cheer him), sets his sights on what's happening in the ring again. He notices one of the last warriors who have remained, who is already fighting another gladiator. Maximus starts running towards the warrior. As he approaches the two fighting men, he swings his sword and releases a sharp cry. The warrior manages to overcome the gladiator he's been fighting against quite suddenly, and kills him with a quick blow. He turns to face the surprised Maximus, when he's already very near him. The warrior releases his own yell and swings his sword. It seems Maximus (who doesn't react quickly enough to defend himself) has no chance to survive at all, when suddenly an arrow hits the warrior's back. Immediately after the first arrow, a second arrow hit his back, and the now dead warrior falls to the ground. The crowd releases numerous exclamations of utter surprise. Proximo, from his seat in the first rows, nods lightly, and without moving his head too much, at a figure holding a bow, which quickly disappears back into one of the entrances to the stands, without being seen. Maximus, who physically fell to the ground together with the warrior, looks wonderingly at the arrows and slowly rises. His look is confused. Various sounds of confusion and discontent are now heard from the crowds-
Spectator
Where did that arrow come from? How?
Spectator
What is this fraud?
Spectator
Shameful! Just a disgrace…
And more words in that vein. Hagen and his opponent carry on fighting for a few more moments, and eventually Hagen manages to defeat the large warrior. The gladiators who have stayed alive (Maximus, Hagen and about five more gladiators across the ring) are standing and panting, as they look at the hesitant crowd, of which only parts are clapping their hands. Even those who are clapping are doing so restrainedly and unexcitedly. The same warrior who has "died" because of Maximus momentarily opens his eyes to see what's going on. He hurriedly closes them again. Hagen turns towards Maximus and looks at him angrily. He shakes his head. Maximus looks at Hagen confusedly, and then turns to look at the embittered crowds.
INT. THE SENATE. DAY.
The seated senators are listening to the standing Aulus, who is holding a scroll from which he reads aloud. Next to him is a young boy, dressed in a white toga, who is sitting beside a marble table as he writes down whatever Aulus tells him to.
Aulus
If so, the proposal to raise the taxes on wines from the different provinces- is passed, by a majority of one hundred and ninety two to three.
Aulus signals the boy to write down his words with a slight nod.
Aulus
The next bill, senators, is- (pause) what is that thing you're wearing, Emillianus?
Emillianus, who is dressed in a thick, black fur coat amidst his lightly dressed, toga wearing comrades, happily replies-
Emillianus
Wonderful, isn't it? That barbarian leader in the prophecy was wearing that. Never seen anything like it! I had it specially made for me.
Aquila, who is sitting next to Emillianus, lightly shakes his head and embarrassingly sighs. A certain senator says-
Senator
Well, I've never seen a barbarian wearing such an… exotic outfit.
Another senator
Nor have I seen one of our soldiers dressed like they're dressed in the prophecy… Which does make you wonder-
Aulus
- Senators, please! We do have some more… pressing issues to discuss. (Pause) As I was saying, the next
proposal regards raising the tax on trees imported from Germania.
The bill draws excited reactions from the senators-
Senator a
And about time!
Senator b
Raise it, certainly raise it!
And similar reactions in that vein. Egnatius, a man of about forty, enters the large hall. He is holding a folded scroll.
Aulus
Yes, Egnatius? Tidings from the emperor's vacation?
A certain senator says-
Senator
Perhaps he's fallen off his horse and injured his left thumb.
This draws laughter from several senators, and another senator adds-
Senator
Or something else…
This draws increased laughter. Egnatius raises the scroll he's holding.
Egnatius
Senators, I hold an imperial decree, ordering 150 days of games which will be held at the Coliseum.
The laughter stops at once. Several senators ask astonishingly-
Senators
What?!
Aulus
150 days of games?
Egnatius
Commodus, when he returns to Rome, is going to publically announce the games. They are being held in honor of the late Marcus Aurelius.
Emillianus rises frantically.
Emillianus
He's fulfilling the prophecy again!
Aquila rises as well, together with numerous other senators.
Aquila
This is just an outrage! He's trying to hold his reign in any way possible! He'll empty Rome's monetary reserves completely!
Emillianus
Yes! He's using the masses to his own personal benefit! It's a disgrace!
The majority of the senators are very much annoyed. Yet a sizeable minority holds a different opinion, more in favor of Commodus-
Senator
Wait, you fools! Wait until he returns, before you judge his actions!
Senator
Listen to what Commodus has to say!
Aulus
Silence! Senators- silence! Quite down! Sit, sit down already!
Aulus tries to calm the senators down, unsuccessfully. The commotion at the senate doesn't end.
INT. HALL. DAY.
The imperial palace in Rome. Lucilla quickly crosses a wide hall. She's almost running. She gets to a door and opens it. She enters Commodus' workroom.
INT. WORKROOM. DAY.
Commodus, who is sitting at his desk, continues reading and doesn't move his head when Lucilla loudly enters the room. She stops by the door.
Lucilla
You're crazy!
Commodus
That's certainly a nice way to welcome me back.
Lucilla
What are you trying to accomplish- an uprising in the senate?! Don't you understand the senators would turn the masses against you?!
Commodus raises his head to look at Lucilla.
Commodus
They have nothing to rebel against- I'm fully authorized to decide the games will take place myself. And the people? Surely they won't rebel against a 150
day festival.
Commodus rises and moves closer to Lucilla.
Commodus
You know, this time I've spent alone, has definitely helped. It's helped me realize some things.
He sits on a chair and goes on-
Commodus
What have I done in the last ten years? Since I've become an emperor? (Pause) I've given the senate more and more power. I've returned that institution
the power it didn't have, even during father's rule.
Lucilla
Commodus… (Pause) Are you seriously thinking about scattering the senate..? You're becoming a dictator!
Commodus silently looks at Lucilla for a moment.
Commodus
I've come to realize what the message means. It's a warning.
Lucilla
A warning?
Commodus
Yes, a warning, which shows me what would happen if I decide to do what the message shows.
Lucilla
But you really are doing that! You're carrying out what the message shows! I just don't-
Commodus raises his hand in order to silence Lucilla, and goes on with his words-
Commodus
I haven't done anything the message showed- anything. I am not responsible to anything that happened to Maximus' family, and I am not responsible to Maximus' disappearance. (Pause) But
now- I will hold the games, as the message shows.
Lucilla
Why?!?
Pause.
Commodus
Because I want to obey what the Gods will.
Lucilla sighs and shakes her head frustratingly. She opens her mouth to speak, but Commodus goes on-
Commodus
I believe in the message, in the vision. I will hold the games- because I know this is what will bring Maximus here, to Rome.
Lucilla
…What?
Commodus
Maximus would arrive at Rome a gladiator, right? And after he is victorious at the battle in the
Coliseum, I will crown him emperor- in front of the people of Rome.
Pause- Lucilla looks at Commodus in utter astonishment. She is unable to say anything. Commodus smiles at her.
Commodus
The senators have left me, even you have left me. But I have never left my path, my- faith. I will fulfill what
the Gods will.
Lucilla says, half to herself-
Lucilla
You would willingly give him the rule of Rome…
Commodus nods.
Commodus
Willingly. And I won't oppose him.
Lucilla
And the senate…
Commodus
The senators will get what they want. Everyone will get what they want.
Lucilla is silent for a moment, and then she chuckles lightly, in relief, and moves closer to Commodus. She weakly smiles at him, and eventually hugs him. The surprised Commodus hugs her back. They release themselves from the hug, and Commodus looks at Lucilla's face from below (as he is sitting and she is standing). He hugs Lucilla again.
INT. PROXIMO'S CHAMBERS. DAY.
The gladiator range- Proximo's chambers. Proximo is sitting by his desk. He's holding a thick book. He quickly turns the pages (he lets them slide by). At each page there is a picture with slight variations compared with its predecessor, thus when Proximo turns the pages, an illusion of movement is created. The created "picture" is of an attractive, toga wearing young woman, who is standing beside a fat (and mustached), middle aged man who is sitting on a chair. The woman undresses and exposes her breasts. She then draws closer to the man, who has risen in the meanwhile, and begins whipping him on his buttocks. The smiling Proximo follows the scene in deep concentration. Maximus suddenly opens the door and bursts into the room. Proximo quickly stops the "moving picture" on a certain page, and pretends to be reading carefully. Maximus quickly crosses the room and leans his fisted hands on the table next to which Proximo is sitting. He looks at Proximo from close range. Proximo puts the book aside, and signals Maximus to speak with his head.
Maximus
What did we agree upon? Do you remember?!
Proximo nods.
Proximo
You're alive, aren't you?
Maximus smashes his fist into the table, and the surprised Proximo moves a bit in his place.
Maximus
You should make me your star! The one fighter the entire crowd will be cheering for!
Proximo looks at Maximus. He seems a bit perplexed, and he raises his shoulders as in question.
Maximus
Arrows? Arrows from the stands?! What did you think you were doing there?!
Proximo
Saving you, that's what I was doing there!
Maximus
Did you hear the crowd? Do you think this is how I'll gain their respect- with archers saving me? Or color spots everywhere?!
Proximo rises and leans his two fisted hands on the table as well, so that now the two men look each other in the eye.
Proximo
You can't fight! How do you expect me to save you in each battle?!
Maximus momentarily looks at Proximo, doesn't reply, and gets back to standing without leaning his hands on the table.
Proximo
Especially now, when we're travelling to Rome… Do you seriously think I'll be able to buy all your opponents there?
The surprised Maximus suddenly becomes excited.
Maximus
Rome? We're going to Rome?
Proximo nods.
Proximo
The emperor has declared a festival of games honoring his late father. (Pause) We're finally returning to Rome.
Maximus
(Half to himself) It's happening faster than I've thought…
Maximus stares at Proximo again, and says in an assured tone-
Maximus
Find your ways, Proximo. No more archers. No more nonsense. But keep your promise- make them love me.
Maximus turns and exits the room, while Proximo stares at him, a bit perplexed.
INT. COMMODUS' CHAMBERS. DAY.
Commodus' private chambers. Commodus is sitting on the edge of his bed, dressed in a white toga. He is reading to himself from a decorated scroll, and puts the scroll down when a young boy (Gratianus) approaches him. The boy is carrying a dark, adorned, imperial robe. Commodus rises and the boy begins dressing him in the robe. After a moment, Commodus addresses the boy-
Commodus
Gratianus.
The boy bows.
Gratianus
Emperor?
Commodus
The next time you dress the emperor… (Pause) You'll be dressing a different person.
Pause.
Gratianus
Who'll be a different person?
Maximus
The emperor! The emperor will be a different person.
The boy stares at Commodus. He is clearly puzzled.
Gratianus
You mean… You'll be a different person?
Commodus lightly chuckles. Gratianus seems a bit confused and scared.
Gratianus
Have I… Have I done something wrong, emperor?
Commodus smiles at the boy and shakes his head.
Commodus
No. You've done nothing wrong.
The puzzled boy gets on with his work.
EXT. ROAD. DAY.
The gladiator convoy, consisting of several carriages, makes its way towards Rome (the outskirts of the city are seen in the distance). Proximo is sitting at the head of the first carriage, next to the driver. He is smiling as he looks at the approaching city.
Proximo
You're as beautiful as you ever were.
EXT-INT. THE GLADIATOR RANGE. DAY.
We move to Rome itself- the convoy enters the yard of the gladiator range (the Coliseum is adjacent to the range). The convoy passes beneath the gladiator gate, on which large letters are written- "LYDYS MAGNYS GLADIATORES". A man dressed in light armor opens the lock which holds the gladiators' "cages" (the carriages they are being driven in are locked), and the gladiators emerge into the range. Several whistles and exclamations of wonder of the nearby Coliseum are heard, and the gladiator next to Maximus says-
Gladiator
I've never seen anything like it…
Maximus momentarily stares at the Coliseum.
Maximus
You're still inside a cage. We're all in a cage. It's just gotten bigger now.
INT. CORRIDOR. DAY.
The gladiator dwellings. Lucilla, escorted by a couple of guards, is advancing down a narrow stone corridor. She crosses a few iron doors, and peaks through the narrow opening in a certain door into one of the cells.
POV LUCILLA- EXT. CELL. DAY.
We see, through Lucilla's point of view, a small, scarcely furnished cell with naked walls. Two gladiators are lying on wooden benches.
INT. CORRIDOR. DAY.
Lucilla continues walking down the corridor, until one of the guards says-
Guard
It's here, my lady.
The guard opens the door, and Lucilla enters the cell.
INT. CELL. DAY.
Unlike the other cells in the dwellings, the current cell is large and surprisingly spacious. It is furnished in an almost extravagant manner. Maximus is sitting on a comfortable bed while eating a chicken leg and drinking wine. A servant stands at the corner of the room. Lucilla raises her eyebrows and looks around her. Eventually she says-
Lucilla
You've settled quite well here, I see.
Maximus
I'm not complaining.
Lucilla
I wouldn't be complaining either, if I were in your position.
Maximus gestures the bed and signals Lucilla to sit next to him. Lucilla doesn't respond to his request and sits herself on a chair.
Maximus
(While chewing) Thank you for coming here. I was hoping you'll answer my invitation.
Lucilla
I've come only to give my condolences regarding your family. Though I can see you're not exactly mourning at the moment.
Maximus puts the chicken leg on the silver platter next to him.
Maximus
Lucilla… Don't be quick to judge. They were my life. Of course I'm mourning them.
Lucilla
I want to hear it from you- what happened to them?
Maximus
You really don't know?
Lucilla
I can't believe Commodus really is responsible for this… no. Tell me what happened.
Pause.
Maximus
I've found them when they were already dead. Hung. Both of them.
Lucilla can't pick up the appropriate words and grows silent for a moment. At last she asks-
Lucilla
Why did you call me?
Maximus signals the servant with his hand.
Maximus
(To the servant) Bring some wine for the lady. (To Lucilla) I've wanted to confess.
Lucilla
To confess? Confess what?
The servant offers Lucilla wine and she refuses with a gesture of her hand.
Maximus
Lucilla (pause) - I love you. I've always loved you. Even when Aurelius ruled, and you were a beautiful,
maturing girl, there wasn't a day I wouldn't-
Lucilla
- Cheat on your girlfriend. You'd flirt with all the girls you met. I definitely wasn't the only one you've told you love her.
Maximus
But you are the only one! It's just that, I've, I've never had the courage to do anything about it-
Lucilla
- You pinched my breasts and I kicked you in the balls. Twice.
Pause.
Maximus
All right. I don't love you. But we need to be a couple.
Lucilla
What?!
Maximus
Just listen a moment, I'll explain everything.
Lucilla rises and starts walking towards the door.
Maximus
Wait a second! It's important…! (Pause) It's related to Commodus!
Lucilla stops and turns back to look at Maximus.
Lucilla
What's related to Commodus?
Maximus
My suggestion. (Pause) Sit down.
Maximus motions the chair with his hand. Lucilla sits on it after a short moment.
Maximus
I understand you've seen the vision.
Lucilla
I knew it, I was sure you know about the vision-
Maximus
- Why not? It doesn't make what happened to me any less real. It just shows the Gods are on my side.
Lucilla
I don't know what it shows.
Maximus
I won't lie to you- I want to rule. I've always wanted to. (Pause) The vision surprised me as it did everyone
else- I've only discovered about it when we can here, to Rome. Someone told me.
Lucilla
Oh yes. You certainly have a lot of supporters here.
Maximus
And from what I've heard… You're not exactly indifferent towards me in the vision. Not at all.
Lucilla moves embarrassingly in her seat.
Lucilla
That doesn't mean it's that way in real life.
Maximus
It doesn't matter! I need you to act that way, I need you to show people you want me.
Lucilla
I'd never want you!
Maximus
You don't have to. Just act that way. Let the senators know that is how you feel-
Lucilla
- You're using the vision to your advantage! This is just disgusting!
Maximus
I have no other choice! Do you think this is what I want? I'm still mourning my wife! But I, too, have to act according to the vision from now on! Otherwise people would think I'm not meant to rule!
Lucilla
I'm beginning to think you really are not meant to rule… You haven't changed, Maximus. You've remained the same egoist child.
Maximus
Do it. And when I am emperor, you will be my wife, my empress-
Lucilla
- I don't want to be your wife!
Maximus
Only in a formal way… You will be the queen of the empire, by virtue of being the emperor's wife. Sounds quite good, doesn't it? (Pause) And of course,
Commodus would remain safe that way.
Lucilla
Don't you dare touch him!
Maximus
I won't do anything to him. If you do what I ask of you.
Pause.
Lucilla
The Gods can't really want you to rule… It can't be.
Maximus
Try to find a different explanation to the vision if it interests you. It doesn't interest me.
Lucilla
No, you're only taking advantage of it.
Lucilla rises and approaches the door.
Maximus
So… Are we in agreement?
Lucilla
You're not the emperor yet, Maximus. Not yet. And I don't have to answer the questions of a gladiator.
INT. COLISEUM- INNER CHAMBER. DAY.
The gladiators, dressed in armor and holding swords and shields, are lined in two rows before the entrance into the ring. Between the two rows there stands a woman, clad in light armor and wearing a decorated feathered helmet.
Woman
When the emperor enters, everyone raises their weapon and salutes him.
Maximus quietly chuckles to himself.
Woman
Go, and die with honor!
The gladiators shout loudly, some raising their swords high.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
The gate opens, and the gladiators emerge into the wide arena. Many of them look at the stands extensively. Maximus seems to be very focused, and he isn't impressed by the Coliseum itself. As the gladiators walk towards the ring's center, Hagen approaches Maximus and quietly says-
Hagen
No games this time. You do what you're told- and you survive. That's it.
Maximus doesn't respond.
INT- THE EMPEROR'S AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus, dressed in the dark robe the boy has dressed him in, and with a laurel wreath adorning his head, walks into the shaded area reserved for him and his circle in the stands to the loud blowing of trumpets. In his one hand, he's holding the same scroll he was reading from earlier. The crowds cheer and clap their hands, and Commodus smiles back and raises his other hand in greeting.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
All the gladiators, besides Maximus, salute Commodus and shout-
Gladiators
Long live the emperor!
INT- THE EMPEROR'S AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus politely bows to the gladiators and takes his seat. Lucilla, who is seating next to him, leans towards him and says-
Lucilla
There's something I need to tell you.
INT- THE SENATORS' AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Many senators are sitting on adorned seats at a low section of the stands, near the ring itself. The senator Aquila says to Emillianus (still wearing his thick fur coat), who is seating next to him-
Aquila
So it's true. Maximus really is here.
Emillianus
I'm sure Commodus has arranged Maximus' a certain death here. All the warriors will try to hurt only him!
Aquila
Don't worry so much. Trust the Gods… There's nothing Commodus can do against their will.
INT- THE EMPEROR'S AREA. DAY.
Commodus shrugs his shoulders.
Commodus
So he knows about the vision. What of it?
Lucilla
Knows about the vision? He's trying to blackmail me because of it!
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
A Herald, dressed in a toga and wearing an African mask, advances to the center of the ring.
Herald
The second fall of mighty Carthage is presented to you today!
The excited crowds shout and clap their hands. Maximus looks at the senators and notices Blandinus, who slightly tilts his head and momentarily smiles at him (Blandinus takes care to do this without his fellow senators noticing).
Herald
Mercenaries- (pause) Savages, uninhibited and merciless, coming from the remotest edges of the known world-
The herald raises his hand and points at the gladiators.
Herald
- I present to you Hannibal's army, the barbarian horde!
The crowd whistles in contempt and disdain.
INT- THE EMPEROR'S AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus
He's trying to make sure what the vision shows should indeed take place. It might be redundant, but surely it
isn't harmful.
Lucilla
He wants me to be his wife!
Commodus turns his head to stare at Lucilla, and puts his hand on her shoulder.
Commodus
I won't let you be anything you don't want to be. (Pause) When Maximus is emperor… we will leave Rome. If we must.
Lucilla
He shouldn't be the emperor! He only cares about himself! It's all because of that stupid thing-
Commodus
- That is what the Gods will. And I intend to realize that will.
Lucilla shakes her head.
Lucilla
It's just- it's just not right…
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
The gladiator group. One of the gladiators, Marcellus, asks-
Marcellus
Has anyone here served in the army?
Maximus turns and stares at Marcellus, and after a moment shakes his head.
Hagen
We have a better chance if we work and stay together. Understood?
The gladiators nod.
Marcellus
I've only ever been a lieutenant, but I think I remember some combat lore.
Maximus
(Half to himself, scornfully) Lieutenant?
Marcellus
It's still more than you…
Maximus turns to Marcellus and opens his mouth to answer, but he stops himself. After a moment he speaks out to the entire group-
Maximus
We’ve just been called barbarians, men… let's prove it. Let's show them what we can do.
The herald, whose voice has been heard in the background until now, dramatically announces-
Herald
Romans… I introduce to you… (Pause) The
legionnaires of Scipio Africanus!
The herald hurries to exit the ring after his announcement. To the loud cheers of the crowd, four chariots enter the ring (they emerge from other gates to the one the gladiators have emerged from). Each chariot is harnessed to two horses and has an additional, bow holding warrior, besides the driver. Inside the warrior's small cabin there is a pile of sharpened spears. Long, serrated wooden poles extend from the chariots' wheels. The chariots begin riding in a circular course around the gladiators, who hurriedly gather together (there are about thirty gladiators). A certain gladiator cries out-
Gladiator
Till death!
The others reply-
Gladiators
Till death!
Marcellus
Stay close! Join your shields to each other! Turn them into a wall!
The gladiators bend down and sit on their knees. They attach their shields to each other, thus managing to form a wall around themselves. A certain gladiator, the only one who hasn't joined the others and has kept on standing alone, is suddenly hurt by an arrow one of the warriors atop the chariots fires at him. Another gladiator shouts at him-
Gladiator (Otho)
Luma!!!
This gladiator, Otho, rises up and runs towards his injured friend, Luma.
Marcellus
Otho! Get back! (To the gladiators) Close the hole, now!
Otho reaches Luma and bends down.
Otho
Can you get up?!
Otho is hurt by an arrow, to the sound of the crowd's cheers. Both Luma and Otho are hurt by more arrows, and they die. A chariot approaches the group of gladiators.
Marcellus
Stay together! One body!
Gladiators
One body!
The chariot reaches the group, and the warrior atop it throws his spear at the gladiators. The spear hits one of the shields and falls to the ground. The gladiators shout and cheer loudly. Another chariot approaches the group.
Marcellus
On my command, you move!
When the chariot is already very near the group of gladiators, Marcellus shouts-
Marcellus
Left! Get near him!
The gladiators advance a few steps as one large mass towards the chariot (their shields remain adjacent to each other). The spear the chariot's warrior throws falls to the ground after hitting one of the shields and does no damage to the group. The chariot's driver doesn't manage to change his vehicle's course quickly enough, and the wooden poles protruding from its wheels are ripped apart when they hit the wall of unified shields. The gladiators cheer loudly, as well as some parts of the crowd.
INT- THE EMPEROR'S AREA. COLIESUM. DAY.
Commodus claps his hands, Lucilla doesn't move.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Marcellus
This is the way! We'll beat them yet!
Gladiators
Yes!
Maximus glances at the stands and the cheering crowds through the narrow opening between his and his friend's shields. Another chariot approaches the group.
Maximus
Chariot!
As the chariot nears the group, the warrior on it shoots several arrows towards the gladiators. One of them penetrates through a narrow opening between the shields and kills a gladiator. Marcellus rises quickly and throws his sword with expertise towards the warrior atop the chariot. The sword strikes the warrior and kills him. The crowd cheers excitedly. Maximus looks at the stands again, and sees different spectators pointing at Marcellus. Maximus angrily exhales and spits on the ground. The driver of the chariot whose warrior has been killed by Marcellus stops his chariot and joins another one. He takes the dead warrior's spear with him. The chariot which he joins begins approaching the gladiators from one direction, while another chariot (the one whose wooden poles have been shattered) approaches them from another direction.
Marcellus
Iron wall! Don't move!
The gladiators bring their shields even closer to each other. The chariot which arrives first draws very close to the group, and the warrior on it throws his spear precisely through a small opening between the shields and kills a gladiator.
Marcellus
Stay where you are! Don't move!
The second chariot (which carries two warriors now, in addition to the driver) reaches the gladiators. The warriors atop it shoot arrows at the group and hit several gladiators (some are injured, some are killed). Hagen rises quickly and forcefully throws his sword at one of the warriors (the one who was the driver of the now empty chariot). The sword penetrates the warrior's chest and kills him. Hagen clenches his fist and raises it excitedly, before he crouches and returns to his place. The crowd roars and cheers excitedly. Maximus looks through the shields at different sections in the stands, and sees people cheering everywhere, many of them pointing at Marcellus and Hagen. He even sees two kids who're making a throwing motion (as if they're throwing a sword) towards the chariots. Maximus shakes his head.
Maximus
That's enough!
Maximus rises up, leaves the gladiator group and begins running towards the abandoned chariot. Large sections of the crowd release excited, astonished moans.
INT- THE SENATOR'S AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
The surprised Aquila and Emillianus look at what's happening in the ring.
Emillianus
Is that him? Is that Maximus?!
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Marcellus rises and shouts-
Marcellus
Maximus! Get back!
Marcellus hurriedly crouches back down. An arrow shot at Maximus barely misses him, and Maximus continues running towards the chariot. Another chariot (one of the two which haven't been damaged so far) changes its course, and turns towards Maximus. Marcellus rises again.
Marcellus
Get back to the wall! We must be a team!
Hagen rises as well.
Hagen
Maximus!!!
Maximus doesn't respond to the cries. An arrow strikes Marcellus, and he falls down, no longer alive. Disappointed exclamations sound from parts of the crowd. The leaderless gladiators become frightened-
Gladiator a'
Now what?!
Gladiator b'
What do we do?!
And more cries in the same vein. Some of the gladiators begin rising slowly, holding their shields above their bodies as a means for protection.
Hagen
What are you doing?! Get back to the wall! Join your shields!
Some gladiators act as Hagen orders and return to the wall structure, but others, who aren't quick enough, are struck by arrows shot at them from the two chariots. Now, the number of gladiators in the wall-like structure is far smaller than their number at the beginning of the battle, or even prior to the death of Marcellus. Hagen, who has only partly crouched down himself, yells at Maximus-
Hagen
Maximus! Get back!!! There's a chariot behind you!
Maximus looks behind his shoulder and notices the chariot quickly moving towards him. He continues running as fast as he can.
Hagen
(Angered) Maximus!!!
Hagen frustratingly shakes his head, and begins running towards the chariot chasing Maximus. Many of the gladiators anxiously yell at him-
Gladiator c'
Hagen, get back!
Gladiator d'
What are you doing?!
And more cries in that vein. The chariot whose wooden poles have already been shattered approaches the despaired gladiators. Several gladiators simultaneously yell different orders to the group-
Different gladiators
Wait!!!/ Throw your swords at them! Now!!!/ Stay inside the wall! Wait for the chariot to pass!
Some gladiators rise and try throwing their swords at the chariot. They miss. Others join their shields together and try to keep the wall- like structure (which is now exposed in several locations). The warrior atop the chariot shoots arrows at the gladiators and hits some (he kills some of them). Hagen gets to the chariot following Maximus without being noticed. Very skillfully, he manages to jump into the chariot just as it passes him by. He jumps straight into the warrior's small cabin. Hagen punches the surprised warrior and kills him with a spear he takes from the small pile of spears next to him (Hagen stabs the warrior in his heart). The crowd cheers loudly. Maximus reaches the abandoned chariot and positions himself at the driver's place. He wildly whips the horses, who begin galloping, after emitting a painful neigh. Hagen approaches the frightened driver, who looks at him from behind his shoulder while he slows down his horses. The driver tries to evade Hagen, but the big gladiator catches and throws him into the ring. Hagen Takes the whip in his hands and whips the horses, who quicken their pace again. A chariot approaches the gladiator group, which is now quite dispersed (some still try to keep the structure). The warrior atop the chariot shoots arrows at the gladiators and hits many of them. The group comes apart and completely disperses, and the gladiators, many of whom are injured, start running amok towards the two chariots still under control of "the Legions of Scipio Africanus". Maximus, who is chasing one of these chariots, whips his horses wildly and frequently, and the horses neigh painfully and gallop as fast as they can. Hagen looks at Maximus for a short moment, then at the chariot he's chasing. Hagen turns his chariot 180 degrees, and begins riding hastily towards the same chariot (heading for a frontal collision with it), to the sound of the loud cheers of the excited crowd. An injured gladiator, who is slowly running towards one of the enemy chariots, doesn’t manage to get out of Maximus' path quickly enough. The two horses trample the gladiator to death, and the body hits one of the chariot's wheels and forcefully shakes the chariot. Maximus barely manages to stay in control, and whips his horses. The crowd responds with a sigh of surprise at the trampling, and then with whistles of contempt towards Maximus. One of the gladiators manages to throw his sword at a chariot driver (the driver of the chariot whose wooden poles have been broken) and kills him. The chariot's horses continue galloping straight towards the arena's wall, and the vehicle crashes forcefully. Now, only the chariot being chased by both Maximus and Hagen (from two opposing sides) remains. Maximus nears the chariot and the warrior on it throws a spear at him. Maximus moves his body and manages to evade the spear.
Maximus
Huh!
Maximus defiantly smiles at the warrior, who throws another spear, this time at one of Maximus' horses. The spear forcefully enters the horse's back, and the animal immediately falls to the ground. The second horse stumbles immediately after the first one falls, and the chariot hits the two lying horses and rises into the air. Maximus tries to hold on to the reins and not to fly, but eventually his grip loosens, and he flies and lands quite comically on his buttocks. After he lands, he is "thrown" once again, because of the thrust, to a small height, and he lands standing on his feet. He seems confused and unfocused for a few seconds. Many children in the crowd laugh loudly to the sight of Maximus' somewhat miserable landing.
INT- THE EMPEROR'S AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus
This wasn't supposed to happen…
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Hagen stops his chariot about twenty meters before the enemy chariot, whose driver tries to stop his horses in order to avoid a frontal collision. The chariot lowers enough of its speed, and is able to pass parallel to Hagen's chariot. Hagen, meanwhile, has already managed to descend from his chariot and hide behind it, so that now he's protected from spears being thrown at him. Numerous gladiators throw their swords towards the driver and the warrior on the now slow chariot, and two swords hit the driver. The chariot crashes, and the gladiators hurry to kill the dying driver and the warrior (who is injured by the chariot's crash). The crowd loudly cheers the victorious Hagen and his fellow gladiators, some of whom weakly raise their hands, while others painfully touch their wounds (trying to mend them or just ease their pain). Maximus, who has recovered and regained his senses, raises his two hands in a victorious motion, but large sections of the crowd boo him and whistle in contempt. Maximus grows angry and lowers his hands at once.
Maximus
(To himself) Fools! They will be punished for this disrespect!
Hagen, loudly cheered and applauded by the crowd he walks next to, walks up to Maximus' back and forcefully grabs his neck, forcing him to turn and face him.
Hagen
Idiot! Do you know how many people died because of you?!
Maximus
Release me!
Hagen
I don't care what Proximo says, I'm not helping you anymore! No chance!
INT- THE EMPEROR'S AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus stares at the ring confusedly.
Lucilla
And now what, Commodus? What are you planning to do?
Commodus
I…
Commodus stares at his sister for a few seconds and says nothing. After that, he rises and begins walking towards his personal exit from the emperor's secluded area. He says to one of the commanders of his guard, a soldier dressed in a well adorned armor-
Commodus
Prepare the arena.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Parts of the crowd angrily wave their hands towards Maximus. Maximus replies to Hagen-
Maximus
We've won! And we're both alive- that's what's important!
Hagen
That's what's important!?
Hagen raises his fist, clearly meaning to hit Maximus, but at that moment numerous trumpeters walk out into the ring and align themselves in a semi circle, adjacent to a small part of the ring's wall. Hagen, Maximus and the rest of the gladiators turn and look at them. The trumpeters repeat the same long, low note a few times, and the coliseum grows silent. Two columns of Roman soldiers walk into the ring. The two columns surround the gladiators in a broad ring. Commodus, accompanied by his commander, walks out into the ring, to the cheers and applause of the crowd. He raises his hand in greeting and smiles, as he continues walking towards the gladiator group. In his other hand he's holding a scroll. Maximus shakes his head.
Maximus
Of course… He's already trying to take advantage of the situation.
Commodus enters the ring of soldiers and stands facing the remnants of the group of gladiators, who have arranged themselves in a row (the wounded have been left sitting or lying in their place). Commodus raises his right hand and the stands grow silent once again. He looks at the different gladiators, and even bows slightly when he glances at Hagen. Eventually, his glance rests on Maximus.
Commodus
Today, we have seen a group of fighting men, who were able to change written history. Even though they were called savages, barbarians, they fought bravely, and against all odds- won.
The crowd salutes and cheers. Maximus scornfully shakes his head and quietly says to himself-
Maximus
Oh, such an actor…
Commodus continues-
Commodus
Any great victory is, first and foremost, a victory of willpower. And today, we have all been witnesses to
yet another example of the fine leadership willpower mysteriously creates sometimes- with those leaders
who don't ask to lead, but are called to do so by others.
The crowd applauds again.
INT- THE SENATORS' AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Aquila confusedly says to Emillianus-
Aquila
What is he trying to do..?
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus waits for a moment and seems to be deep in thought, before he speaks again-
Commodus
I believe that even if certain decisions, made in moments of great pressure, might seem… (Pause) wrong… the final outcome today shows the group of warriors facing me has a true leader.
The crowd cheers loudly. Maximus confusedly looks at Commodus. Commodus raises his hand and the crowd quiets down.
Commodus
Citizens of Rome, I proudly introduce this great leader to you (pause)- Maximus Decimus Meridius!
The crowds rise and cheer loudly.
INT- THE SENATORS' AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Emillianus turns his head towards Aquila and stares at him in utter confusion.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus smiles and signals Maximus to approach him. Maximus, who seems very surprised for a moment, looks at Commodus and begins moving towards him. He raises his hand and turns it into a fist (though not entirely confidently), as he looks at the stands with concern. The crowd stops cheering immediately, and the numerous surprised sighs quickly turn to angered cries-
Crowd
That's not him! / Take him away! / How is HE the leader?!
And more cries in the same vein. Commodus looks at the crowds and quietly sighs. Different people point at Hagen and shout-
Crowd
Him! He's the leader! / That's their true hero!
Maximus lowers his hand and stares at the crowds angrily, as he presents himself in front of Commodus. Commodus raises his hand once again, but the crowds carry on their loud protest. Commodus raises his other hand as well.
Commodus
Quiet down, please!
The crowd finally quiets down, and Commodus opens his mouth in order to speak, but Maximus, who is standing still and facing him, quietly says to him-
Maximus
Think well before you speak, emperor. I don't intend to give up easily.
Commodus smiles half a smile to himself. He turns to the crowd-
Commodus
The warrior standing in front of me is responsible for the great victory we've seen today.
The crowd objects and protests immediately.
Commodus
(Several times-) Let me speak!
Eventually, Commodus is able to speak once again.
Commodus
Yes, apparently, and I emphasize- apparently, the gladiators seemed to be managing not too badly when they were in a single group. You would probably
have had to remain here for several hours to see if they would have eventually won, judging by their
progress… But they seemed to have had some sort of system.
A short pause. Many in the crowd look at Maximus and shake their heads. Commodus points at Maximus.
Commodus
Romans, the person facing me, Maximus Meridius, was the high commander of the empire's northern army!
A person from the crowd shouts-
Spectator
And I've beaten the Persian king in rock- paper- scissors!
Large portions of the crowd laugh. Another spectator yells-
Spectator
Take this Minimus away!
This causes more laughter, along with many cries of agreement. Maximus angrily stares at Commodus and tells him-
Maximus
Smart move, emperor. You're no worse off than you were, and I'm hated.
Commodus
You don't understand!
Commodus raises his hand again.
Commodus
I say it again- Maximus was the commander of the empire's armies of the north. Under his command, the empire has achieved some of its greatest and
most impressive victories in recent times! The oppression of the rebellion in Germania!-
Maximus
(To Commodus, silently) I was out on sick leave that month, actually.
Commodus
The victory against the Quadi!-
Maximus
(To Commodus, silently) Emm… Claudia just had our son back than… She wanted me by her side.
Commodus
(To Maximus) Shut up! (To the crowd) And in the battle today, we've once again seen the daring, and the creative thinking of a courageous and able leader.
The crowd starts protesting once again, and some of the spectators even get up and begin leaving the stands. Many others shout out loudly-
Spectators
Hagen! Hagen!
Maximus
(To Commodus) Brilliant. I must say… you've surprised me. I was sure you're a lot more naive.
Commodus
I'm trying to help you!
Maximus
Oh yes, of course you are… And I'm in this ring by chance, right?
INT- THE EMPEROR'S AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Lucilla worryingly looks at Commodus and Maximus from her seat.
INT- THE SENATORS' AREA. COLISEUM. DAY.
Aquila
Commodus is more sophisticated than we thought. He won't give up his rule as long as he can make Maximus look bad.
Emillianus angrily shakes his head.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus frustratingly exhales and raises his hand. He doesn't try to silence the crowd this time, and waits until there is sufficient silence in the Coliseum. He looks at Maximus (who is still facing him). The stands grow silent at last, and the people are looking at Commodus. He opens his mouth to speak, but seems to be hesitating. He looks at the scroll he's holding in his hand. After a long moment, Commodus puts the scroll into his robe and fists his hand, with his thumb pointing upwards, thereby showing he has sentenced Maximus and the rest of the gladiators to life. He quickly turns backwards and begins walking towards the gate, his commander at his side. The crowd starts bustling again; Maximus angrily looks at the emperor moving away from him.
INT. DETENTION CELL. DAY.
Back in the year 2030. The two janitors are in a detention cell. Ponytail, who is sitting on the floor, is leaning with his back against the wall and looking at the ceiling. He frustratingly mumbles to himself-
Ponytail
But how is this possible? Nothing! Absolutely nothing has changed! I just don't get it…
Average, who is lying on the metallic bed (complete with a thin mattress and torn bedding), stops humming the melody of the song "Macarena", which he has been humming to himself until now, and asks Ponytail-
Average
You know, this could mean I was right, couldn't it?
Ponytail frustratingly exhales, and replies-
Ponytail
No, it couldn't… It doesn't mean you were right.
Average responds in a contemplative tone-
Average
Maybe it does… Because, really, you can't be sure until-
Average is cut short by Ponytail, who turns towards him and says irritably-
Ponytail
- What do you think- that they would start laying eggs and eat each other? Grow tails? I'm telling you there's
no sense in sending "Jurassic Park" to Rome! There just isn't!
Average looks at Ponytail with a slightly offended look and grows silent. Ponytail turns back and continues gazing at the ceiling. After a moment, Average says, although a bit hesitantly and fearfully this time-
Average
I'm just saying… It could have had some more interesting consequences-
Ponytail
- Shut up!!!
Average exhales loudly, and the janitors remain static in their places.
INT. SENATE. DAY.
The wide, spacious hall is completely silent. Most of the sitting senators stare with unconcealed anger at Commodus, who is standing opposite to them, his hands folded on his chest. Aulus, the only senator standing, speaks to him-
Aulus
Commodus! You've earned yourself some time, but that is all. Your intentions are quite clear. But hear this- the identity of the emperor won't be determined by the foolish cries of joy or anger of the masses!
Many senators nod and moan in agreement. A certain senator angrily rises and turns to Aulus-
Senator
Senator Aulus! How dare you speak like this to the emperor? Never has he-
The senator is silenced by Commodus, who smiles at him but raises his hand to signal him to stop speaking.
Commodus
You've never considered the masses as just people, Aulus. None of you have. For most of you, they have always been, and will always be- masses.
Blandinus rises from his seat.
Blandinus
And you're using them to keep your seat!
Most senators loudly voice their approval to this.
Senators
Yes! / True! / Indeed!
Commodus
I'm sure this will surprise you, Blandinus, (pause) but I intended to use the crowd, the crowd's support, in
order to declare Maximus- as the new emperor!
A moment of silence ensues- all senators are very surprised.
Aulus
…What?
Blandinus
Please, do explain, Commodus.
Commodus chuckles and nods to himself.
Commodus
You see, esteemed senators… I was sure Maximus would show what a great hero he really is. Why, the prophecy showed it, didn't it?
The senators look at Commodus and don't respond. After a moment he carries on-
Commodus
I wanted the crowds to love him. And then- I would pronounce him the new emperor publicly.
Blandinus
(Responding immediately) Lie! You lie!
The senators are very excited-
Senators
What?! / Is he serious?! / He's laughing at us! / It can't be!
And more cries in this vein. Aulus struggles to silence the senators.
Aulus
Silence! Silence!
Eventually, the senators quiet down.
Aulus
I don't believe you. Nobody here believes you. (Pause) And why should we? In the end, you've only
strengthened your position. You've made Maximus look ridiculous.
Commodus laughs defiantly.
Commodus
Believe what you want to believe in, Aulus. I've already understood that either way, most of you would turn against me. I say the truth, and the Gods are my witnesses.
Commodus turns and exits the senate, despite the cry of Aulus-
Aulus
Emperor Commodus!
INT. PROXIMO'S CHAMBERS. DAY.
The gladiators' range in the coliseum- the gladiator trader's chambers (Proximo's room for the duration of the gladiators' stay in Rome). Proximo is standing in front of the statue of Spartacus' face. Maximus bursts into the room and Proximo doesn't turn to look at him. He lightly sighs.
Proximo
What complaints this time, Maximus?
Maximus sits on the table and plays with his fingers with a miniature wooden sword he's taken from a warrior's figurine on the table.
Maximus
I pay you good money. And what do I get? Do you keep your part of the bargain?
Proximo slowly turns towards Maximus.
Proximo
You're alive. And no archer helped you this time, right?
Maximus rises and throws the wooden sword to the floor.
Maximus
The crowd doesn't love me! They hated me!!!
Proximo turns backwards and gazes at the statue again. He silently nods to himself.
Proximo
You know, everywhere else in Rome, this statue isn't welcome. Believe me- not at all. But here, in this place- this rebel has a place of honor. For us, the gladiators, Spartacus will always represent the most exalted values- fortitude, comradeship and loyalty.
(Pause) And Maximus, without those values the crowd will never love you. No matter what I'll try to do.
Maximus looks withdrawn, perhaps even a bit hurt, for a moment.
Maximus
You were a gladiator yourself?
Proximo moves away from the statue and approaches Maximus. He sits down on a chair and slightly leans against the table.
Proximo
I've earned my freedom when Marcus Aurelius awarded me with the Rudis. A simple wooden sword- (pause) a symbol.
Maximus nods.
Maximus
Very nice, Proximo. And now I'll tell you what I need from you. Something very simple- I need you to arrange me a fight against a good fighter. One on one.
Proximo surprisingly raises his eyebrows.
Maximus
I need to win in order to have the crowd on my side. You'll see- I'll be good. Fortitude, comradeship, loyalty- I'll realize all those values in this battle. You'll see.
Proximo bursts out laughing.
Maximus
…What it is?
Proximo
(Laughing) I hope all your wishes are fulfilled this quickly!
Maximus
What are you talking about?!
Proximo
You've heard of Tigris, I reckon?
The surprised Maximus nods.
Maximus
Tigris…?
Proximo chuckles to himself.
Proximo
Emperor Commodus has ordered a battle between you two. In three days' time.
Maximus
I can't believe this…
Proximo
(Smiling) You said you want a good opponent…
Maximus
But not this good! I meant somebody decent… You know? A bit above average… Tigris has never been beaten in battle!
Proximo
Well, the crowd would certainly appreciate you more if you won.
Maximus quietly says, as if to himself-
Maximus
He just wants to kill me…
Proximo bursts out laughing once again.
Proximo
The emperor? No, I think he actually quite likes you. He just wants some good entertainment. Perhaps he wants to let you prove yourself.
Maximus angrily glances at Proximo.
Maximus
You don't know him.
Maximus angrily exits the room. The smiling Proximo shakes his head and chuckles to himself again.
INT. STUDY. DAY.
The imperial palace in Rome, Commodus' study. Commodus is sitting on the edge of his bed, leaning his head on his hands. Lucilla is sitting on a chair in front of him.
Commodus
I've had enough of it. I've just had enough.
Lucilla
But, you knew… It was obvious the senators won't believe-
Commodus
- Every good thing I try to do comes out completely wrong! Do you understand that?! How is that?!
Pause.
Lucilla
But why didn't you proclaim him as the new emperor? You would be after all this right now!
Commodus shakes his head.
Commodus
No… You don't understand. The crowd was against him. (Pause) He was supposed to be a great warrior… and the prophecy just didn't fulfill itself!!! (Pause) But I realized something…
Lucilla
But, Commodus, even with the crowd being against him. Why didn't you proclaim Maximus as the new emperor? So what if the crowd wouldn't like it?
Commodus
What… How do you think they would have reacted-
Lucilla
- Why did it matter to you at all?! What, do you think he wouldn't have dealt with them?
Commodus
He would have become a tyrant if he had! Is that what you want for Rome? That's exactly what I've realized!
Lucilla
What, what did you realize?
Commodus irritatingly walks towards the window. When he glances out of it, he is clearly surprised.
Commodus
What is that?!
POV COMMODUS- EXT. STREET. DAY.
We see, through Commodus' point of view, the same boulevard he's gazed at in the previous scene in his study. The oddly shaped structure which was under construction is now complete, and as it turns out, this is a large scale, realistic sculpture of the movie player. Several identical sculptures along the boulevard are currently under construction.
INT. STUDY. DAY.
Lucilla
You haven't noticed this before? They're springing up all over the city now.
Commodus
Such stupidity… The people probably don't even understand what this is.
Lucilla
The senators don't care. Commodus… What did you realize?
Commodus waits for a moment before he speaks. He returns to his bed. He relaxes himself and returns to speak in a calmer tone.
Commodus
I wanted Maximus to be the emperor… but he didn't fulfill his part of the prophecy. (Pause) Perhaps he doesn't deserve to be the emperor.
Lucilla
Doesn't deserve?
Commodus doesn't reply.
Lucilla
So that's why… Now I think I understand.
Commodus
What?
Lucilla
At the senate… I didn't understand why you haven't declared him to be the new emperor in front of the senators. Especially after you saw what happened at the battle.
Commodus
Yes.
Lucilla
They would be willing to risk a rebellion of the people. If it means you would no longer be the emperor… It's no wonder they haven't believed you.
Commodus
No wonder?! I've done more than anyone else would have! I've done everything- I wanted to gift him the rule of the entire empire!
Lucilla
But not anymore.
Pause.
Commodus
No. I don't think so. (Pause) And you know what? When I stood next to him, after the battle… I looked at Commodus, I've also listened to him. And I realized he cannot be the ruler, the right ruler. He mustn't rule.
Lucilla says, with a slight stutter and a certain hesitation-
Lucilla
Despite the prophecy…?
Commodus shakes his head and leans it on his two hands.
Commodus
I don't know. I don't know.
Lucilla
You don't think now that it's really a-
Commodus
- I don't know! I've just told you that I don't know! So why do you ask?!
Pause- Commodus calms himself down.
Commodus
Everything turns out to be wrong; I no longer know what's right and what's wrong…
Lucilla sits down next to Commodus and puts her hand on his shoulder.
Lucilla
It's all right, Commodus. It's all right.
Commodus
Everyone is against me, everyone… Now I don't even know if the Gods are still with me… Perhaps I'm doing something forbidden?.. Maybe I just, I don't know… Maybe I have it all wrong…
Lucilla
I don't know too… But that's all right. You know what I think?
Commodus raises his head and looks at Lucilla.
Lucilla
Just, do what you want. That's the only thing you can know. Do what you want.
Commodus
I want… this nightmare to end already. I want to be left alone.
Commodus places his hands on his face and massages his eyes. Tears slowly start flowing from them. Lucilla kisses Commodus on his forehead and pets him.
Lucilla
I hope it happens quickly.
EXT. YARD. NIGHT.
The gladiator range- the practice yard. It is late night. A hooded figure quickly crosses the empty yard and comes to a shaded area, beneath one of the porches protruding from the building. The figure asks-
Figure
Maximus?
We hear Maximus' voice-
Maximus
I'm here.
Maximus approaches the figure, which lowers its hood. We can now see that it's Blandinus.
Blandinus
I have to hurry. I've barely managed to escape the palace's spies as it is.
Maximus
Commodus has spies?
Blandinus
No, they're probably Lucilla's. He's too naive for it.
Maximus
Yes. Lately I'm not too sure he's so naive.
Blandinus
It doesn't matter now. Maximus- (Pause) the battle will take place as planned.
Maximus looks at Blandinus for a moment.
Maximus
I've been paying you for years now-
Blandinus
- Hear me out!
The irritable Maximus nods in agreement after a short moment.
Blandinus
Commodus has stopped coming to the senate. He hasn't been in a meeting for two days. We cannot cancel the battle.
Maximus
(Loudly) You idiot! Go to the palace, right now, and find-
Blandinus firmly places his hands on maximus' hands (a bit below the shoulders) and says in a whisper-
Blandinus
- Quiet! Shut up for a second, and let me finish!
Maximus is a bit surprised by Bladinus' aggressiveness, and quiets down.
Blandinus
Tomorrow at noon, you and Tigris will face each other in the ring. But you won't swing your sword even once.
Maximus
…What?
Blandinus smiles.
Blandinus
Our day has come, Maximus. Most senators are with us. Aulus has managed to "persuade" general Marius to do the right thing. (Pause) Tomorrow at the
Coliseum, Maximus- you'll be crowned the new emperor.
Maximus chuckles and smiles afterwards.
Maximus
A revolution?
Blandinus clicks his tongue.
Blandinus
No, no… Let's call it a silent, but dramatic, change. With no blood being shed. You see, the Coliseum is
really the perfect place for your coronation. Where would Commodus run to? And all the senators, almost
all the people- they'll all be there.
Maximus smiles and contentedly says-
Maximus
Excellent.
Blandinus
Funny, we've actually thought of the idea because of Commodus… He said he's planned to crown you himself at the Coliseum, after your last battle.
Blandinus and Maximus giggle, and Blandinus hurriedly quiets them both down.
Blandinus
I'm going now. Tomorrow, Maximus. Tomorrow.
Maximus stares at Blandinus for a moment, and then says-
Maximus
Perhaps… perhaps I can fight Tigris. After the coronation! And finally show the people what I'm worth! What their new emperor's worth!
Blandinus shakes his head.
Blandinus
No, Maximus. I've already tried- Tigris cannot be bought.
Maximus
(Silently) Pity.
Pause.
Maximus
Then, tomorrow it is.
Maximus nods to Blandinus, who turns and quickly draws away. Maximus moves away from the area the two have spoken in as well. Blandinus exits the entry gate to the yard, and hands the guard a few coins. He begins walking away from the gladiator range. After a few seconds, a hooded figure begins walking away from the area where Blandinus and Maximus had their conversation- it seems this figure was standing nearby, at a small distance from the pair and at the other side of the yard fence, without being noticed.
INT. TEMPLE. NIGHT.
Jupiter's temple, late at night. Commodus is standing at the end of an elongated corridor, facing a large sculpture of the face of Jupiter. He's holding the movie player in his hands. Commodus looks at the player for a moment, and then he raises his glance and looks at the statue.
Commodus
Mighty Jupiter. What am I holding in my hands now? A prophecy? (Pause) …A lie?
The small wooden door at the far end of the corridor opens, and Lucilla enters inside. She begins running towards Commodus, who doesn't hear her and continues looking at the statue. He's talking to it-
Commodus
Alone. You've made me stay all alone.
Lucilla reaches Commodus and grabs his hand. Commodus is surprised by this, and moves a bit.
Lucilla
Commodus, you mustn't come to the battle tomorrow! Maximus and the senators are planning an uprising!!!
Commodus
How do you know this?
Lucilla
Because I've found out! I know!
Commodus looks at Lucilla for a moment.
Commodus
I'm going to Marius. We'll stop it tonight. We'll arrest everyone.
Lucilla
He's with them… Don't go to him. He'll arrest you right now.
Commodus looks at Lucilla, and turns his face towards the statue. He gazes at the statue for a long moment, while Lucilla is holding his hand and addressing him-
Lucilla
Commodus! (Pause) Commodus!
But Commodus doesn't respond.
Lucilla
You must run away!
Commodus nods to himself, without talking. Finally he says, while still looking at the statue-
Commodus
But I understand now. Finally… I truly understand what it is you've wanted.
Commodus turns towards Lucilla and joyfully tells her-
Commodus
I know what I need to do! I understand it all!
Lucilla confusedly looks at Commodus.
Lucilla
Understand what? What do you need to do?!
Commodus turns and faces the statue. He puts the player at its feet.
Commodus
I don't need this anymore.
Commodus turns and begins walking quickly towards the exit from the temple.
Lucilla
Commodus!
Lucilla begins walking after Commodus.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
The full stands are teeming and bustling excitedly. Numerous soldiers are standing next to the ring's walls, encircling it from the inside.
INT- THE SENATORS' AREA. DAY.
The senators are sitting in their spacious seats, close to the ring. Emillianus (still dressed in his thick black fur coat) turns to Aquila and says in a slightly worried tone-
Emillianus
I hope all these soldiers will really act as they should…
Aquila
Payment after execution, Emillianus. Ensures the job gets done.
INT. COLISEUM- INNER CHAMBER. DAY.
Maximus is standing alone next to the entry gate into the ring. He's dressed in complete light armor and a helmet. In his one hand he's holding a sword, and in his other a shield. His head is pointed downwards, towards the floor, and his eyes are closed. He breathes deeply and slowly.
INT. THE EMPEROR'S AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus takes his seat and raises his hand in greeting as the masses cheer and applaud him. Lucilla, already seated in the adjacent chair, brings her head closer to his.
Lucilla
Have you noticed who's commanding the guard of the ring?
Commodus smiles.
Commodus
Marius… Unsurprisingly.
Lucilla
It's still not too late. Septimius is waiting near the eastern gate!
Commodus
We'll be arrested at the city's exit. If not before. You know this.
Lucilla puts her hand on Commodus' hand. She turns to him, and looks him in the eyes.
Lucilla
Commodus, please! (Pause) Through the market- through the market and from there-
Commodus
- Stop. Enough. The solution is not to run away from Maximus and give the rule to that tyrant.
Commodus softly smiles to Lucilla. He calmly says-
Commodus
It's the only way. It's the only thing they won't expect- and this way I at least have a chance!
Lucilla looks at Commodus for a moment. She then slowly turns her face and gazes at the arena.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
The herald walks out into the arena and loudly proclaims-
Herald
Citizens of Rome! Today, we are privileged to behold a unique spectacle! A battle between two living
legends!
The crowd cheers loudly.
INT. COLISEUM- INNER CHAMBER. DAY.
Maximus tells himself-
Maximus
Raised head. Straight back. Authoritativeness.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Herald
First to enter the ring is the general turned gladiator- the esteemed commander who became a slave- (Pause) Maximus!!!
Many in the crowd protest, and numerous cries of scorn and contempt are heard as Maximus walks into the ring and approaches the herald.
INT- THE SENATORS' AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Emillianus rises from his seat and begins signaling something with his hands to the soldiers. Aquila quickly rises as well and forcefully seats Emillianus down.
Aquila
Wait a moment- you'll ruin everything! Let Tigris get to the stage first!
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Herald
Facing Maximus is the great hero- the only unbeaten warrior in the Coliseum's history- (Pause) Tigris!!!
The crowds cheer loudly, and many stand in order to see the warrior now entering the ring. Tigris is an intimidating, enormous man, who is wearing a head mask made from a tiger's actual head. He faces Maximus and bows. He is at least a foot higher than Maximus. Maximus bows back to Tigris, with a little smile. Tigris turns to face Commodus. He salutes him.
Tigris
Long live the emperor!
Maximus turns to face Commodus and doesn't say anything (he doesn't salute Commodus as well).
INT. THE EMPEROR'S AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus rises from his seat and bows to the two fighters. As he sits down, Lucilla grabs his hand and whispers to him-
Lucilla
Go away now! Please!
Commodus replies, without turning his face to Lucilla-
Commodus
My decision is made.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Herald
Warriors, Rome salutes you. Fight, and die with honor!
The herald exits the ring to the sound of the crowd's loud cheers. Several openings in different parts of the ring suddenly open upwards, and from within emerge tigers and lions tied to leashes (which still enable them a quite large moving space). The crowd cheers. Tigris turns towards Maximus and positions himself in battle posture. Maximus glances at the senators.
INT. THE SENATORS' AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Aquila rises, and signals with his hand to Marius, the commander of the soldiers encircling the arena. The commander nods and raises his hand. He opens his mouth in order to speak, but at this moment Commodus rises from his seat and loudly says-
INT. THE EMPEROR'S AREA- COLIEUM. DAY.
Commodus
Maximus Decimus Meridius, I challenge you to a duel!
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
The rebellious commander quickly lowers his hand. Maximus seems very surprised. Tigris (as well as the crowds) confusedly looks at Commodus.
INT. THE EMPEROR' S AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus
You've shown me complete disrespect by not saluting me before your battles. You've shown lack of respect to your friends when you tried to achieve glory by yourself, at their expense. (Pause) And now, you've committed a grave offence- an attempt to lead a
rebellion against me and Rome itself!
The dumbstruck crowd is completely silent for a short moment. Many people rise from their seats and yell-
Different spectators
Death to Maximus! / Throw him to the lions!
INT. THE SENATORS' AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Aulus rises and yells to Marius-
Aulus
Marius, now!!!
Marius looks at Aulus and shakes his head.
Aulus
Now! Or you'll regret it!
Marius frustratingly shakes his head, but he raises his hand and shouts-
Marius
Soldiers- attack!
The soldiers enter the stands. The shocked crowd is very noisy- numerous cries and shouts are heard, many rise up and throw different objects at the rebellious soldiers, who begin approaching the emperor's area.
INT. THE EMPEROR'S AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus, who is still standing upright, points a finger at Maximus.
Commodus
You want to be the emperor, Maximus? Fight me for it. Show the people you're worth it.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Maximus angrily stares at Commodus, as the soldiers continue approaching the emperor.
INT. THE EMPEROR'S AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Lucilla rises from her seat and tries pushing Commodus towards the exit from the emperor's private area.
Lucilla
Run!!! Run already!
The rebellious soldiers are already adjacent to the emperor's area. Commodus' own guard of soldiers moves closer to him, ready to defend him at all costs. And yet Commodus stays static in his place, directly looking at Maximus.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Maximus says loudly-
Maximus
I accept your challenge.
Yet the soldiers and the crowd don't hear him.
Maximus
(Shouting) I will fight you, Commodus!
The soldiers and the crowd quiet down and turn their sights towards Maximus.
Maximus
I accept your challenge. I will beat you in front of all these spectators, and they will know- everyone here
will know who's really worthy of being the emperor!
INT. THE EMPEROR'S AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus begins walking out of his private area towards the ring. Lucilla, who begins weeping, tries to stop him, but Commodus frees himself from her hold.
INT. THE SENATORS' AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Aquila angrily tells Emillianus-
Aquila
Idiot! He is just an idiot! The uprising would have worked!
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus walks out into the ring and goes all the way to Maximus (and Tigris). There is complete silence across the ring- and the Coliseum. Everyone's stares are glued to the ring.
Commodus
You're free to go, Tigris.
The warrior bows to Commodus.
Tigris
(Embarrassed) Good luck…
Tigris hands Commodus his sword and shield and walks out of the ring. Maximus scornfully smiles at Commodus.
Maximus
Does this battle also take place in your prophecy?
Commodus nods.
Maximus
Indeed? Than what does your stupid prophecy show? What's going to happen? Will you beat me?
Commodus
I don't think it's a prophecy.
Maximus makes a (purposefully) exaggerated surprised look.
Maximus
No? And what, if I may ask of course, do you think it is?
Commodus smiles.
Commodus
My little guide. The Gods have sent it to me, and it helps me understand what I need to do. (Pause) When I understand it properly.
Maximus nods mockingly.
Maximus
Wonderful. Emperor Commodus, (pause) I hope your guide will be of use to you now. Because I don't see any other chance of you surviving.
Maximus smiles at Commodus and draws his sword. Commodus draws his sword as well. The crowd awakens immediately again, and the vast majority of spectators cheers for Commodus.
Maximus
They can't save you from the stands, emperor.
Maximus lifts his sword with a shout. Commodus is able to block the strike with his shield.
Commodus
They might not need to. Judging by your
performances thus far.
Maximus lifts his sword again. Commodus manages to withhold this attack as well, and launches his own counterattack, loudly cheered by the crowd. The defending Maximus draws back, and gets dangerously close to one of the lions. The lion leaps at him and sends its wide palm towards the gladiator. It lightly scratches Maximus' (armored) back. Maximus is surprised by this, and he momentarily looks over his shoulder. He is terrified by what he sees. The frightened Maximus instinctively jumps forward towards Commodus, and clumsily bumps into him. Both men fall to the ground, with Maximus being on top of Commodus. Maximus punches Commodus' face a few times.
Maximus
I am the emperor!
Maximus raises his sword, but Commodus quickly strikes his abdomen with his shield, and continues with another shield strike to Maximus' head. Due to the strike, Maximus' helmet moves out of its place, thus rendering Maximus unable to see. He quickly tries fixing this with one hand (leaving his shield), while with his other hand he tries to blindly strike Commodus with his sword. Commodus pushes Maximus away with his feet, and the gladiator falls on his back. Commodus rises and stands above Maximus, who hurries to fix his helmet's position. After he succeeds in doing this, Maximus stares at Commodus standing above him, pointing his sword at Maximus' neck.
Different spectators
Kill him! Kill him!
Maximus
What are you waiting for? Can't you hear them?!
INT. THE EMPEROR'S AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Lucilla covers her mouth with her hand and worryingly looks at what's happening.
INT. THE SENATORS' AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Senator Aulus rises from his seat and fearfully stares at Commodus and Maximus.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus stays static in the same position for a long moment.
Maximus
You weakling! You can't do it!
Maximus surprisingly kicks Commodus' knee. There is a light sound of a bone being shattered. Commodus releases a sharp cry and instinctively bends down, but also manages to hurt Maximus' hand with his sword (while bending down). The sword, which strikes Maximus' hand slowly (for Commodus wasn't able to properly swing it while bending down in pain), stays stuck inside. Maximus screams in pain and tries to take the sword out with his other hand. Commodus, who is clearly having difficulties standing due to the injury he's sustained, limps a few steps towards Maximus and tries to pick up Maximus' sword, but as he bends down (in order to pick it) he screams in pain and quickly straightens himself up again. His knee is broken. Commodus removes Maximus' hand from the stuck sword inside his other hand and begins extracting it, but Maximus grabs the sword lying on the ground (the one Commodus was unable to pick up) in his healthy hand and sticks it in Commodus' stomach. Commodus emits a short scream, more due to his surprise than to his pain, and confusedly looks at Maximus.
INT. THE EMPEROR'S AREA- COLISEUM. DAY.
Lucilla
Commodus!!!
Lucilla begins running towards the ring. Soldiers from Commodus' guard approach her.
Lucilla
(Screaming) Leave me alone!!!
The soldiers let her pass.
INT. COLISEUM. DAY.
Commodus stumbles backwards, thereby helping Maximus rise back up to his legs. The two fighters are now "joined" by their two swords- one stuck inside Maximus' hand, the other stuck in Commodus' abdomen. Maximus releases his grip on the sword stuck inside the dying Commodus' stomach. Commodus is partly walking, partly stumbling backwards, and doesn't try to defend himself anymore. He unknowingly approaches one of the tigers closer and closer. Maximus manages to pull out the sword from his hand, while screaming in pain. He glances at Commodus, who has blood coming out of his mouth while he continues walking backwards uncontrollably. Maximus' hurt hand is completely limp and flaccid, and blood is flowing from the deep wound inside it.
Maximus
I am the emperor now!
Maximus swings his sword and begins running towards Commodus (the flaccid hand is dragged uncontrollably, and slows him down). Commodus struggles to focus his sight on Maximus, and eventually succeeds in this.
Commodus
No!!!
Maximus reaches Commodus and lowers his sword in order to hit him, but Commodus manages to avoid the strike, which isn't particularly fast and powerful, and pushes Maximus' back with his shield, thereby causing Maximus to continue for a few more steps in the same direction he was running at. Maximus screams in dread before a large tiger leaps at him, kills him and begins devouring him. Commodus, who momentarily looks at Maximus, collapses to the ground. He breathes heavily and coughs. Lucilla enters the ring and runs towards him. She reaches him crying, and sits by his side.
Lucilla
Commodus!
Commodus notices Lucilla only after several seconds. He focuses his sight on her, and utters with great difficulty-
Commodus
So it… (Pause) probably was a prophecy… (Pause) after all.
Lucilla
(Crying) No… Why couldn't you walk away when I asked you to…
Commodus coughs. After a few seconds he says-
Commodus
Nevertheless… I believe… I've done the right thing.
Commodus coughs once more, lightly moves his head, and dies. Lucilla puts her head on his chest. The crowd, the senators and the soldiers are completely silent, as they gaze on their dead emperor, lying at the center of the arena alongside his mourning sister.
EXT. BUS STOP. NIGHT.
Back in the year 2030. It is night. The two janitors are sitting in a bus station, with the lit sign of the police station visible in the near distance. They're gloomily staring at the pavement. They're silent. A police car stops beside them, and the policeman inside asks-
Policeman
Sure you can return home?
Ponytail
(Silently) Yes.
Policeman
It's a pretty dangerous neighborhood. I'm not sure when the next bus is coming.
Ponytail nods and doesn't respond.
Policeman
O.K… Hope you've learned your lesson. No more bullshit, o.k.?
No response. After a brief pause-
Policeman
Sure you can get back home? Who's picking you up?
Ponytail embarrassingly replies-
Ponytail
My mom…
The officer nods and smiles slightly.
Policeman
O.K then. Take care. Watch out for the dodos.
The janitors seem perplexed by the last comment.
Policeman
(Chuckles mockingly, to himself) "My mom…"
The police car continues on its route. Ponytail angrily looks at the distancing car, and frustratingly says to Average-
Ponytail
I can't believe that instead of changing the entire course of human history, our offence wasn't even serious enough to keep us here overnight.
Average nods, and says in a reflective tone after a moment-
Average
You know, it's probably because nothing's changed.
Ponytail turns towards Average and angrily stares at him.
Ponytail
(Cynically) No… you think?
Ponytail returns to staring at the floor and frustratingly shakes his head. A frightened scream is dimly heard in the background, followed by a strange quack. The janitors look at each other with a puzzled look. Average shrugs his shoulders, and quietly says after a moment-
Average
I hope we don't get fired for this…
Ponytail
(Angrily) I couldn't care less whether we get fired or not. (Pause, a bit more quietly) And besides, that asshole Tom always puts us on nightshift anyway…
Average nods, and says-
Average
Right.
The janitors continue sitting silently for a moment. Suddenly, Ponytail turns to Average and says in an alarmed, worried tone-
Ponytail
Fuck! We should be working now!!!
Average ponders this for a moment, and then says-
Average
I guess now Tom will really fire us.
Ponytail frustratingly shakes his head, and the pair grows silent again. After a moment, Average starts quietly humming the chorus of the jovial Ricky Martin song "She Bangs" to himself. Ponytail tells him, without turning his face towards him-
Ponytail
Shut up.
Average shuts up. The two janitors continue gazing at the pavement.
Average
If only something had changed, anything-
Ponytail
- Shut up!
The janitors gloomily gaze at the pavement, unaware of the group of utterly terrified grown men quickly running through the frame behind the bus station, shortly followed by two small dodos, menacingly quacking at them as they head in their direction.
THE END
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