01/20/07

"Strength and Honor"
Newline Design Miniatures 25mm  "Maximus"

This Newline figure captures the flavor of Maximus, the Roman General portrayed by Russell Crowe in the movie "Gladiator".

The model comes complete with horse, war dog, and a shield (not shown).  I preferred not to add the round shield as that wasn't used in the movie.

There are a number of details where this model deviates from the movie 'costume' of Maximus..in many ways bringing it more in line with an actual Roman General of the middle Imperial era. The horse trappings are somewhat different, and Maximus carries a gladius rather than the spatha shown in the film.  Also, he is wearing a animal fur cloak that he didn't wear in the battle sequences... although he did have a wolf skin draped over a red cloak.  Later in one scene he wore an ermine cloak which is the closest garb that matches this figure.
I mimicked his movie prop greaves also.. the model has normal bronze style ones that look more real... but I tried to capture the movies' look here instead.
(see my reference shots below)

The strongest aspect of this figure is it's striking representation of Russell Crowe, and the excellent details on the armored breastplate.   Argento and Scarto are clearly visible! The only detail missing is the Generals sash... too bad this wasn't included as this was the actual badge of rank for generals.

His shoulder pieces look correct, even though this is "Hollywood" armor... which gives Maximus a sort of symbolic bridge  that makes him seem more a regular Joe than an aristocratic Roman Officer.

The war dog is nicely done, but seems a little large...more Wolf sized than even my 85 pound lazy lummox in the backyard!!

But all in all an excellent model... well done Sean!!

 


Again this figure really captures Russell Crowe's features.. I wish there wasn't so much moustache and beard details.  That way I could have painted on Maximus' scruffy beard.  It's  almost too much in relief. I toned it down some by streaking in some flesh tones lightly.  

The figure was painted with off the shelf acrylics and some dyes (mostly on the cloak).

So far I'm very impressed with both of Newline's character models..I can't wait for Darius III, Antigonus, Pyrrhus...where is that shopping list :)