Gladiator Movie in ebook:  The Dirt

Here is another excerpt from the Gladiator chapter in the electronic book, How To Watch Movies As A Director, Actor, Screenwriter:

"Another detail is the gesture of Maximus always picking up dirt into his hands before a fight.  Once again, in an interview, it is revealed that Crowe came up with this detail to help depict Maximus' character.  In this movie, this gesture is powerful.  Somehow, when it is repeated, Crowe does not make it appear redundant or silly, and thus is his ability to act.  This gesture of picking up the soil shows how Maximus is bigger than life because he sees a connection between himself and the “earth,” the ground, dirt, around him, and by picking up the dirt to rub in his hands, he is visually portraying how he is calling on “nature” to help him as he is about to set out to fight.  It is a powerful mix of humility fueled by universal strength."

Take a break in your day with incredible Gladiator actor, Russell Crowe!