Mise-en-scene is used in a number of ways to represent the theme of imperial domination in the Gladiators opening battle.
 

 

Firstly, in this shot we can see the costume and props have been used to present the theme of imperial domination. I know this because, the soldiers are all in the same militarily well dressed uniform and all are wearing heavy armour (props). This represents the theme of imperial domination because it connotes that the Roman army is much civilised and may hint the strength of the empire (armour) and the unity of the empire as the soldiers are all equal.  Furthermore, imperial domination is also illustrated through the use of performance. This can be evident, whilst the diegetic sound, dialogue states “some people should know when their conquered”. This is said by one of the senior commanders within the army to the leader Maximus. His facial expression suggest that he knows what the end result will be and is full of confidence, therefore this shows imperial domination.

 

Secondly, in this shot the director Ridely Scott uses elements of mise-en-scene to demonstrate imperial domination. This can be demonstrated when looking at the performance of the German soldier. His body language shows that he is standing fiercely with full confidence, while holding a Roman soldiers head. This shows imperial dominance as it shows that the Germans are brutal as well as being extremely fearless as the German soldier at the front is parading round with the opponents head. In addition, the uses of props present the Germans as savage. This is because; the German soldier has just cut someone’s neck of and still has his axe in his hand. This may portray them as a brave and wild army, linking to imperial domination.

 

Lastly, in this shot prop is used to illustrate imperial domination. For example, the Roman army’s white horse used can represent bravery and loyalty as it carrying back a dead roman soldier. This connotes imperial domination of the Roman army because it shows even the horses know who their owners are as it came back to its keeper. Also, lighting is used to present the Roman army more imperially dominant than the German army. This is because, whenever the camera is in German army’s territory low key lighting is can be seen, whereas when looking at the Roman army high key lighting is shown to be used. This connotes imperial dominance of the Roman army as the use of high key lighting portrays them as a much brighter and stronger empire than their opponents.