Intro to HBO's Rome Analysis

 

How rank and status is portrayed in the opening sequence of Rome

Visually the opening sequence is the strongest signifier in terms of identifying rank through multiple connotations. The opening narration of the story is the first depiction of rank and status through the demonstration of power in the usage of brutality and violence in the beating of men. The clothing of the generals is more opulent with the bold red coloring. This symbolises power and authority. The generals plume represents; high status, power, and increases height. His clothing also differentiates himself to the rest of the people below him through the extravagance-ness and the uniqueness of it. We see a loss of dignity and status in the consequence if it is removed with speaker ‘A’ who objects to the general. It weakens him and contributes to the loss of power he seemed to previously have before it was knocked of his head by the general. This also further attributes the generals high powered status with the fact that he firstly has the power to do so and there is no objection from the person who previously tried to go against the generals command. The most powerful and authoritative fighters take the leading position standing at the front of the army emphasising the power in terms of them being the leaders of the army. Strength of status is also emphasised in terms of possession of the winning side having appropriate necessities of defense such as the shields which the opponents do not seem to have. This is further accentuated in terms of connecting with auditory effects that it has, as we can ‘hear’ the effects of what they have. Visual associations of rank and power are portrayed with the big open spaces that they seem to possess, shown following the battle. This is also an indication that they have won as the general returns unharmed. The large amount of horses as well as the big open spaces in there possession, indicates their wealth which is conquered through their strength; which accentuates and heightens their power.  The public beating of the man is also another reminder of their strength and power, who has disobeyed the orders of this army. As a result he is publicly beaten several times with a whip and then sent to be hanged. The public-ness of the beating seems to be a way of inflicting fear on the onlookers, reinserting the power that they possess and the consequences that they face if any of them disobey, or go against Caesar’s army. A man who seems to have previously been an important figure is Stripped naked at his most vulnerable and is ordered to bow down to what the viewer presumes is an important signifier of the Amy’s assertion and power, followed by the chant of Caesar’s name, stating that he is the leading position of status and power out of everyone in the army. There are also symbolic associations of rank; such as the use of fire used on the winning team’s side which is a demonstration of man controlling natural elements to his advantage; epitomising the intended effect of power and danger. It is also a very victorious element.

The opening sequence of Rome consists of mainly diegetic sounds with no accompaniment of a soundtrack. However several references to rank can be identified with the audio effects made throughout the opening.  This is shown firstly through the use of the whistle blown a number of times during the battle, representing rank through its very piercing and powerful sound, furthermore accentuating status for the man using it; representing his commandment of order and organisation and is a supplement to his nobility. It is also a representation for strength and power on the winning team’s behalf, being able to cut through everything making a sound at that present moment. The force of the stabbings and the sounds made throughout the battle also re-iterated and re-affirm the strength of the winners who are also what the viewer presumes is the focal point of the series. The sounds of the clashing and cutting of swords and shields moreover supplement in the establishment of a more dramatic and realistic effect. The whistle blower whom the audience would presume is the leader is well-spoken which gives connotations that he is well educated and belongs to a higher rank then the people he orders at the battle. The public usage of the whip given as a form punishment to the man at the end of the sequence is a very threatening sound. We know that Caesar has the leading role of dominance not only because of the camera angling, but also because of the Chanting of his name, paid in respect by what we presume is his army.

In terms of camera angling there are several indications that can be identified with the intended effect of rank. Firstly with the Shot reverse shot from general to people, when shot returns to the general; signifying his status. This is not only shown in the battle but also in the following scenes after they return from it.  Dominance and importance of characters are also shown through the amount of camera time they individually receive. For example on the general and on Caesar. The shot held on Caesar in particular is not only for a couple of seconds but is shot from a low angle, as if viewer were to be looking up to him. This shows his dominance and power. Caesar also lingers in the focus of several shots, further contributing to the presumption that he is a leading and important central figure. During the battle, the camera work is much steadier when focusing on the generals perspective as he is clearly the most dominate fro the reasons being that he is the most ‘clear minded’.