The following contains spoilers for Gladiator 2, now playing in theatersCaracalla and Geta, the emperors of Rome in Gladiator 2 they were depraved and cruel rulers, and their pale skin strangely symbolizes this. THE Gladiator 2 characters, played by Joseph Quinn (Geta) and Fred Hechinger (Caracalla), act well as antagonists in the revenge story. The brothers rule as one, with disdain and disdain, desiring only entertainment as they lose contact with the Roman people. THE Gladiator 2 The story shows Marcrinus influencing the minds of both rulers and taking the emperor’s throne for himself, resulting in the death of the brothers.
Like Commodus in the first film, they are paranoid and show no respect for the way Rome has traditionally been run. All three also share an undisciplined mentality, which leads to their downfall. Unlike Commodus, however, the brothers are apathetic in their government, interested only in the glory of Rome, feeding their own debauchery. There are signs that Geta and Caracalla were kept out of the public eye, resulting in appearances that reveal much about the rulers. It was noticeable throughout the film that the two were much paler than those around them, and that’s for a reason.
The pale appearance of Emperors Geta and Caracalla is a sign of privilege in Gladiator 2
Gladiator 2’s emperors made sure they were taken care of
For many European cultures throughout human history, having pale skin was important to those they ruled. Having pale skin and wearing white lead-based makeup to lighten skin features visually symbolized their position above the commoner masses. This was a way of showing how perfect the rulers were to those below them. For European rulers, pale white skin was often a metaphor for rulers being beacons of light; it also showed their wealthy status, never having to work outside or in fields like those they dominated. Gladiator 2Geta and Caracalla are no different.
In every scene the brothers appear in, they always have the brightest skin on screen, a shockingly white and unnatural appearance. During the arena scenes, his paleness is especially noticeable. This was a deliberate effort on the part of the makeup department to show how well cared for the brothers are, how soft and pampered. Their pale complexion always allows them to outshine anyone in whatever space they are in. While its power plays a role in your complexion, there is another factor.
Pale skin also proves how protected the twin emperors are in Gladiator 2
Geta and Caracalla are problematic leaders because of protected nature
Anyone paying attention may notice that Geta and Caracalla are never exposed or even in the sun throughout the entire film. Thus, his pale skin is not only a symbol of his government, but also an indicator of his ineffective leadership. The two are distant rulers whose main concerns are expanding and maintaining their power; they don’t really want to go out among the people they supervise or mingle with the public. They rule at a distance from the citizens of Rome, mild people who have never seen the light, both literally and figuratively.
The protected nature of Emperors can occur for several reasons. However, it is suggested that none of the emperors received the same level of education that Lucius (Mescal) received when he was growing up as heir to the throne of Rome. This would likely leave Geta and Caracalla unprepared for their roles in governmentwhich could ultimately contribute to widespread corruption Gladiator 2 references. His sheltered nature allows Marcrinus (Washington) to assume control of the throne with both brothers dead. In the end, they were completely 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 execute General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) in the arena. The two brothers begin to panic, which allows Marcinus (Washington) to manipulate Caracalla (Hechinger) into murdering Geta (Quinn). After this, Caracalla appointed his pet monkey as first consul. His turn to madness has some historical validityas the real Caracalla was supposedly prone to violent outbursts, paranoia, and obsessive behavior.
Before dying, Geta indicated to Marcinus that the reason for his brother’s behavior was syphilis. Historically speaking, it is not known whether syphilis existed in ancient Roman times. The first reported outbreak of syphilis was not recorded until more than 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 of Caracalla in Gladiator 2Historians widely believe that the real Emperor Caracalla had some illness that inhibited his mental function. Regardless of the reason, Gladiator 2 tries to show that his ineptitude is a problem that Lúcio must solve to make Rome’s dream come true.