The following contains spoilers for Gladiator 2, now playing in theatersCaracalla and Geta, the emperors of Rome inGladiator 2were depraved and cruel rulers, and their pale skin is strangely symbolic of this. TheGladiator 2characters, portrayed by Joseph Quinn (Geta) and Fred Hechinger (Caracalla), perform well as the antagonists of the revenge story. The brothers rule as one, dismissively and disdainfully, only desiring entertainment as they grow further out of touch with the Roman people. TheGladiator 2storyshows Marcrinus swaying the minds of both rulers and taking the throne of Emperor for himself, resulting in the brothers' deaths.
Like Commodus from the first movie, they are paranoid and show no respect for how Rome has been traditionally run. All three also share an undisciplined mentality, leading to their downfalls. Unlike Commodus, however, the brothers are apathetic in their rule, only interested in the glory of Rome fueling their own debauchery. There are signs thatGeta and Caracallawere kept out of the public eye, resulting in complexions that reveal much about the rulers. It was noticeable throughout the movie that the two were much paler than those around them, and that was for a reason.
Emperors Geta & Caracalla’s Pale Appearance Is A Sign Of Privilege In Gladiator 2
The Gladiator 2 Emperors Made Sure They Were Taken Care Of
For many European cultures throughout human history, having a pale complexion was important for those who ruled. Having pale skin and using lead-based white makeup to whiten the skin features visually symbolized their station above the plebian masses. This was a way of showing how perfect the rulers were to those below them. For European rulers, white, pale skin was often a metaphor for rulers being beacons of light; it also showed their wealthy status, never having to toil outside or in fields like those they lorded over.Gladiator 2’s Geta and Caracallaare no different.
What Was Wrong With Emperor Caracalla In Gladiator 2?
Emperor Caracalla is suggested to be sick in Gladiator 2, but historians can’t quite agree as to what illness the figure was most likely to have had.
In every scene where the brothers appear, they always have the brightest skin complexion on screen, a shockingly white, unnatural appearance. During the scenes in the arena, their paleness is especially noticeable. This was a deliberate effort on the part of the makeup department to show just how well taken care of the brothers are, how soft and pamperered. Their pale complexions always allow them to outshine anyone in whatever space they are in. While their power plays one part in their complexion, another factor exists.
Pale Skin Also Proves How Sheltered The Twin Emperors Are In Gladiator 2
Geta and Caracalla Are Problematic Leaders On Account Of Sheltered Nature
Those paying attention may notice thatGeta and Caracalla are never exposed or even in the sun throughout the film. Thus, their pale skin is not only a symbol of their rule but also an indicator of their ineffective leadership. The pair are aloof rulers whose primary concerns are expanding and maintaining their power; they have no desire to actually go out among the people they oversee or intermingle with the public. They rule at a distance from the citizens of Rome, soft things who have never seen the light, both literally and figuratively.
The sheltered nature of the Emperors could be for a variety of reasons. However, it’s hinted that neither of the emperors received the same level of education that Lucius (Mescal) did when he was growing up as heir to the throne of Rome.This would presumably leave Geta and Caracalla unprepared for their roles in government, which could ultimately contribute to the widespread corruptionGladiator 2references. Their sheltered nature allows Marcrinus (Washington) to assume control of the throne with both brothers dead. In the end, they were wholly unprepared for the world.
Was Emperor Caracalla Sick In Gladiator 2?
This Could Also Explain The Pale Skin
In the film’s third act, riots break out in Rome after the emperors have General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) executed in the arena. The two brothers begin panicking, which allows Marcinus (Washington) to manipulate Caracalla (Hechinger) into murdering Geta (Quinn). After that, Caracalla appointed his pet monkey as the first consul.His shift into madness has some historical validity, as the real Caracalla was supposedly prone to violent outbursts, paranoia, and obsessive behavior.
Could Gladiator 2’s Caracalla Actually Have Had Syphilis? Historian Weighs In
A Roman historian discusses the historical accuracy behind the erratic behavior of the young emperor Caracalla in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2.
Before he died,Geta indicated to Marcinus that the reason for his brother’s behavior was syphilis. Historically speaking, it is unknown if syphilis was around during the time of Ancient Rome. The first reported syphilis outbreak wasn’t recorded for over a thousand years after the rule of Geta and Caracalla. Another explanation could be lead poisoning, which is believed to have been common in Ancient Rome. Whatever the case may be for Caracalla inGladiator 2, historians widely believe that the real Emperor Caracalla had some disease that inhibited his mental function. Regardless of the reason,Gladiator 2attempts to show that their ineptitude is a problem that Lucius must address to achieveRome’s dream.
Gladiator II
Cast
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
