Nov 02 2010
Narcissism as Expressed by General Maximus’s Message to Commodus in the Movie Gladiator: “The Time for Honoring Yourself Will Soon be at an End, Highness”
As the political season of “look how good I am” finally comes to an end, I remembered this classic line from the Academy Award winning movie, Gladiator.
After Commodus taunts Maximus with the brutal murder of his son and wife, Maximus turns to face him with the firm voice of the righteous warrior. His message: “The time for honoring yourself will soon be at an end, highness.”
The little inflection in Maximus’ voice when he says “highness” is classic.
Commodus has placed himself in an exalted role and Maximus is going to appreciate bringing him down.
Commodus, the pathologically narcissistic son so desperate for glory, murders his own father, claims the role of emperor for himself, and circumvents