Editing Commodus (Gladiator) (section)

== Trivia ==

* Commodus is based on the historical Roman emperor of the same name, who also had a fascination with gladiatorial combat and participated in the arena, although the film takes significant creative liberties with his life and reign.
* In history, Commodus ruled as emperor from 180 to 192 AD and declared himself the reincarnation of Hercules, often appearing in public dressed as the mythological hero.
* Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Commodus in ''Gladiator'' earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His chilling and layered performance was widely praised and remains one of his most iconic roles.
* Commodus’s fixation on gladiator games and his dramatic presence in the Colosseum reflects his historical counterpart’s obsession with spectacle, as the real Commodus reportedly fought in hundreds of staged gladiatorial bouts.
* The scene where Commodus strangles Marcus Aurelius deviates from history, as the actual cause of Marcus Aurelius's death remains unclear, though illness is the most accepted explanation.
* The character's unsettling relationship with his sister, Lucilla, echoes rumors about the historical Commodus, who was accused of plotting against her and eventually had her executed.
* Joaquin Phoenix improvised some of his character's most memorable moments, including Commodus’s trembling reaction during his father’s rejection. This added depth to his portrayal of the character’s vulnerability and rage.
* Ridley Scott drew inspiration for Commodus's personality from Shakespearean villains, such as Claudius in ''Hamlet'' and Iago in ''Othello'', emphasizing his manipulative and treacherous traits.