The Gladiator, is a film which revolves around two main characters, protagonist Maximus Meridius and antagonist Commodus. Through the film, we are able to see the struggles and accomplishments of both these characters. We are also able to differentiate each of their own unique personalities, how they are motivated in achieving their goals and how they leave an impact on others around them.
Need-Based Theories
Both Maximus and Commodus are motivated differently through the many need-based theories described by Sniderman, Bulmash, Nelson, and Quick (2010). The theories as explained in the textbook, includes Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Alderfer’s ERG theory, McClelland’s theory of learned needs, and Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory. According to Sniderman et al. (2010), Maslow’s theory suggests that people start from the bottom of needs and move up in the hierarchy and that as each need is achieved, they will no longer motivate the person. He or she would then need to move up to the next level of the hierarchy in order to be motivated, which is also known as the progression hypothesis. From the beginning of the film, Maximus was already seen at the highest level of needs, which is self-actualization (Sniderman et al., 2010). The audience never gets to see Maximus go through the different stages of needs, because the first scene of the film is already showing his victory on the battlefield. However we can see just by his character that he has already fulfilled the lower level needs. For instance, physiological and safety needs includes his honorary role as the General of the Army and the offer from Maximus to temporarily become the ruler, alone is enough to prove Maximus worthy of obtaining his job. Next in Maslow’s need hierarchy is belongingness, as this can be seen by the loyalty of his army. His army is still loyal to him, even after Maximus becomes a