Discussion Questions for Gladiator (R. Scott, dir.: 2000)
1. Reflect on the slogan: “strength and honor.” What does this slogan mean to a Stoic? What does this slogan mean in the film?
2. Which figures in the film behave like Stoics? Describe specific examples of Stoic conduct. Who seems to be the most Stoic character?
3. Which figures in the film do not behave like Stoics? Describe specific examples of un-Stoic conduct. Who seems to be the least Stoic character?
4. Which philosophical principles does Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) articulate in the film?
5. What attitude about death does Proximo (Oliver Reed) express? Is Proximo’s view of death consistent with a Stoic view of death?
6. What beliefs about death are expressed by Maximus (Russell Crowe) and Juba the Numidian hunter (Djimon Hounsou)? Are their beliefs about death consistent with a Stoic view of death?
7. Just before the battle at the beginning of the film, General Maximus tells his troops “what we do in life echoes in eternity.” Would Epictetus agree with this claim? Would the historical Marcus Aurelius (the author of the Meditations) agree with this claim? Explain.
8. Proximo tells Maximus that “we are ashes and dust.” What does he mean by this? Would Epictetus agree with this claim? Would Marcus Aurelius (the author of the Meditations)?
9. What is “the dream that is Rome”? Is this political vision Stoic in flavor or not? Explain.