The conversation then continues between the two with continuous short edits, then the camera has a long edit on Maximus's face after Commodus stabs him, this makes you feel sorry for Maximus and again makes you feel distant from Commmodus. The camera focuses on Maximuses facial expressions when he is stabbed and I think the director has done this to get across his inner feelings to the audience.
The two then arise on a lift into the stadium with the light from above basking on Commodus, while Maximus appears to cower in the edge of the shot, this symbolises that Commodus likes the fame and the limelight and to show off, but Maximus prefers to stay away from the fame and is more spiritual. They then enter the arena and there is a pan shot to show how full the stadium is and the mass support for Maximus. The long shot viewing the two gladiators from the eyes of the audience, also a short spiritual chant lasting a short twenty seconds when Maximus picks up the earth beneath his feet, again showing that he is spiritual, and that he believes that the ground can help him. Maximius then glances up at Lucilla, using crosscutting this shot is used to show feeling between two characters and support and love comes through in this shot. The music then stops and the arena is silent until the two pieces of metal on the edge of the swords meet and the fight begins, around the edge of the arena there are red rose petals symbolising blood. As the fight begins there is a huge cheer from the crowd, showing support for Maximus and hatred for Commodus, who is dressed in party like cloths as if the fight is a game, this shows that Commodus expects to win, Maximus is in farm like work clothes again showing his belief that dressing up and showing off does not help you win.
The battle shots are mainly viewed from the audience and crosscutting between Maximus and Commodus, the crosscutting shows intense fear and nerves, the longer shots in the battle tend to be on Maximus clinging to his left arm, this gives you the impression that Maximus is inferior in the battle and that Commodus will prevail.
