Listening fourteen. The Gladiator.

1. Read the following text carefully to familiarize yourself with the names in the story.

Gladiator, starring the actor Russell Crowe, was one of the first great movie hits of the 21st century. It tells the story of a heroic Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is captured by the evil emperor Commodus. He is forced to work as a gladiator, fighting for his life for the entertainment of the crowds. Commodus hates Maximus, because Commodus' father, Marcus the old emperor, loved Maximus more than his own son.

2. The scene on Track 20 takes place early in the movie, and it partly explains why Commodus hates the gladiator. Marcus, the old emperor, sends for his son Cammodus to see him. Listen to Track 20 and answer the questions.

a What does Marcus tell Commodus about the future?

b Who is going to take over from Marcus when he dies, at least for a time?

c What does Marcus want to happen to Rome in the future? What does that mean?

d What does Commodus say that Marcus didn't want?

e What would have been like the 'sun on my heart for a thousand years' for Commodus?

f Who has failed, according to Marcus?

g What is the one thing that Commodus says he wants?

h What do you think happens at the end of the scene?

3. Match the words (most of which come from Track 20) and the definitions.

a ambition

b butcher

c courage

d devotion

e fortitude

f justice

g resourcefulness

h smother

i temperance

j wisdom

1 desire to succeed

2 bravery when in danger

3 courage shown when you are in difficult situations

4 fairness in the way people are treated

5 intelligence gained through experience

6 ability to find ways of dealing with practical problems

7 love and loyalty that you show to someone

8 not drinking alcohol because of moral or religious beliefs

9 a verb which means to kill someone by putting something over their face to stop them breathing

10 a verb which means to kill someone, or a lot of people, in a cruel and violent way

4. Listen to Track 20 again. Which of the qualities were on Marcus' list? Which are the qualities that Commodus says he has?

5. Read the following acting 'directions' from the original film script. Where do you think they occur? Write down the words for which these directions are given.

a He kneels in front of his son.

b He stretches his arms out to Commodus, seeking forgiveness. Commodus slowly embraces him, together they weep.

c Holding his fingers to his lips.

d In anguish and tears from the disappointment of Marcus' decision

e Marcus moves his hand to touch Commodus' face and Commodus pulls away.

f Marcus still kneeling, Commodus presses his father tightly against his body, smothering him, as Marcus struggles to be free, but fails. All the while, Commodus cries and moans in pain, as though a child.

g Surprised at Commodus' reaction, Marcus sits.

h The smile quickly vanishes, leaving in its place painful bewilderment.

i With a slight smile on his face

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14