Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix)’s Timeline and Summary
- Commodus arrives in Germania, convinced his father will name him emperor.
- He assumes he'll be named emperor, but then Marcus Aurelius tells him he won't be made emperor. He is clearly upset about this, especially since Maximus is to have Marcus Aurelius' powers.
- After appealing to his father's pity, Commodus smothers him, and becomes emperor by default.
- He informs Maximus' of Marcus Aurelius' death, and asks for his loyalty.
- Commodus knows Maximus has figured out the truth, and in a scene we do not see, orders Maximus executed.
- He returns to Rome amidst cheering and festivities. A few senators greet him, with whom he soon argues inside the Senate building.
- In a conversation with his sister shortly after, Commodus decides that he'll give the people of Rome a vision of greatness: games.
- Commodus is looking intently at Lucilla's son. Shortly thereafter, he converses with his sister and considers dissolving the Senate.
- He enjoys the reenactment of the Battle of Carthage, and then decides to the visit the gladiators. He discovers that he was lied to, and that Maximus is still alive. He's the gladiator they call the Spaniard.
- Commodus arranges (off screen) for Tigris of Gaul to fight Maximus. He also arranges for a bunch of tigers to kill Maximus in the arena. His arrangements fail.
- Commodus meets Maximus in the arena afterwards, and dares to suggest that they're not so different. He tries to rile Maximus by telling him sordid details about his wife and son's death. Maximus doesn't take the bait, and Commodus is left looking like a fool as the crowd keeps chanting his name.
- Commodus complains about the people's love for Maximus. Falco, who is listening, gives him a plan of action: wait and let his enemies come to him.
- While playing, Lucius refers to Maximus as the "savior of Rome." Commodus is suspicious, and gets Lucius to let him in on a little secret.
- When Lucilla returns, Commodus threatens her in no uncertain terms: unless she tells him what is going on, he'll kill Lucius.
- After foiling Maximus' escape plans, Commodus tells Lucilla that if she looks at him the wrong way or tries to kill herself, he'll kill her son. He also mandates that she give him an heir. Ew. Ew. Ew.
- Commodus visits with Maximus below the Colosseum and then stabs him in the back.
- Commodus fights Maximus. He loses his sword, and tries to cheat again by asking the praetorians and Quintus to give him a sword. They refuse
- Eventually, Maximus gains the upper hand and kills him.