Gladiator (2000) · Maximus
Maximus removes his helmet in the Colosseum and turns to lock eyes with Commodus, declaring his name.
Crowe slowly raises his eyes to meet the emperor's. The deliberate timing of the look — slow up, then locked — gives the gaze maximum impact. Pacing your eye contact is as important as holding it.
What to observe
Practice Guide (5 steps)
Stand tall and remove an imaginary helmet while slowly raising your eyes to meet your audience's gaze. Hold this eye contact for a few seconds to create a moment of connection.
Pro tip: Focus on one person's eyes to deepen the intensity of your connection.
Once you establish eye contact, narrow your focus solely on the person you're looking at, blocking out all distractions around you. Maintain a steady, unwavering gaze to convey determination.
Pro tip: Picture the person as your only opponent to enhance your focus.
Before making your declaration, slightly lower your gaze for a moment, then raise it again to lock eyes with your audience. This build-up creates anticipation for what you will say next.
Pro tip: Use your body language to emphasize the build-up, such as leaning slightly back before leaning forward again.
After making your declaration, hold your gaze firmly on the audience without looking away, showcasing your confidence and resilience. This will reinforce your message and character strength.
Pro tip: Visualize the audience's reactions to bolster your defiance and power.
Briefly break eye contact to scan the audience before returning your gaze to a specific point. This momentary break engages the audience and heightens the significance of your return gaze.
Pro tip: Use this break to take a deep breath, which will help you reset and enhance your presence.