Analysing Opening Sequences - 'Gladiator'

The second opening sequence I am going to be looking at is from 'Gladiator', directed by Ridley Scott, which is part of the epic genre.

This opening sequence contains the following conventions:

• Production company logos at the beginning (Dreamworks Pictures and Universal Studios), which are in sepia tones to reinforce the genre
• Titles (the production companies, the film name, exposition and the location, all at the beginning)
• Indication of genre (iconography is used to highlight that the film belongs to the epic genre, including the setting of the battlefield with men riding horses whilst wearing armour, helmets and holding weapons. Additionally the use of powerful music helps emphasise the genre of the film, as does the font used for the titles)
• Introduced to protagonist/main character and his traits (audience assume he is the protagonist as he is giving orders to all the soldiers, he seems respected, brave, in control)
• Enigma is created (through the protagonist running his fingers through the fields of wheat, with no explanation of why he is doing so)