The legendary tale of Maximus in Gladiator captivated audiences worldwide. The movie became an instant hit. It won an Oscar for Best Picture (including four others) at the 2001 Academy Awards. The great thing about the movie is its powerful words that were used throughout. The quotes from Gladiator highlighted the influence of storytelling in shaping crucial events.
The movie certainly took creative license with the factual events of Ancient Rome, and it also reflects real historical truths. But it didn’t follow the strict adherence to historical accuracy, all thanks to Ridley Scott. There was an instance, too, when the aversion allowed Russell Crowe to improvise one of the memorable lines in the movie.
Russell Crowe Improvised An Iconic Line in Gladiator
In an interview, Russell Crowe was asked on The Graham Norton Show (via Time Out Motivate) if he chucked in his old-school motto and things for the film. The actor replied:
“Yeah, well, that’s where strength and honour came from. My school motto was ‘veritate et vertute,’ ‘truth and virtue.’ So, I said to Ridley, ‘I want the character to say something like that,’ you know.”
He explained to Ridley Scott that his character should say something like that whenever he greets soldiers’ regiment or whenever he’s leaving them. Crowe told Scott, “I want them to say Forsa e honorum.”
To this, Scott seemed totally confused and asked the actor, “What does that mean?” Crowe then explained it to him, saying, “Strength and honor,” and the director excitedly confirmed, “Say that.”
Scott didn’t use the original motto in Latin because even though it would have been historically accurate, the audience might not understand it. It could have led to a loss of intensity in the motto.
It’s not like Scott didn’t follow strict rules while making his 2000 iconic film. He does, and he did. There was a moment when Crowe attempted to make a line sound good for his character, but the director rejected the idea.
Russell Crowe’s Attempt to Improvise Another Gladiator Line Rejected by Director
An article published in The Guardian reveals Russell Crowe attempted several improvisations for a line in Gladiator. But Ridley Scott insisted on sticking to the original script.
Crowe had an issue with the line, “And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.” Despite attempting improvisations, the line was cut. The line comes at a critical point when Maximus reveals his true identity and intentions to Commodus.
The above line sums up the character’s primary goal and touches on death and perseverance themes in the film. Crowe didn’t disclose his preferred alternative for what he wanted Maximus to say, but he expressed, “It was sh*t. But I’m the greatest actor in the world, and I can make even sh*t sound good.”
Watch Gladiator on Prime Video.
