The Military Elite of Ancient Rome as the Object of Deconstmction within the Framework of the Hollywood Discourse
The article is devoted to the representation of the Roman army in Hollywood cinema production. Using categorical apparatus by M. McLuhan, R. Barthes, and J. Baudrillard, the author examines perceptions of the Roman military organization in popular culture as a product of modern idealized stereotypes of Antique history. In the 1950s, the peplum genre became one of the main trends of Hollywood mainstream and exploited subjects of Ancient history. The creators of such films intentionally or unintentionally distorted the images of the Antique past, adapting them to today's realities. Those images had a strong influence of modern liberal-democratic values. For example, Marcus Vinicius and Maximus, the characters of films "Quo Vadis" and "Gladiator", do not accept tyranny and protest against actions of the emperors Nero and Commodus. At the same time, both characters are excellent military officers. This is not surprising because the legions had been associated with power and majesty of the Roman Empire. Imperial Rome had the republican past. This time, among the most conscious and responsible citizens of Rome (we mean the personages of the peplum films), was considered as "the golden age". They often realized the necessity of recovering the Republic for the sake of honest government. Rome's expansion in the Mediterranean led to massive losses of life. However, the Empire brought to this vast region lasting peace, political stability, and economic prosperity. In addition, "the barbaric peoples" gave an opportunity to join the achievements of ancient culture. Therefore, the characters of these films remain faithful to the sacred mission of Rome bearing enlightenment and civilization.