Quo Vadis - 1951, LeRoy
In the film, Quo Vadis, there was a strong theme of lust versus faithfulness. Early on in the movie, the audience can see that Marcus is a driven man who will stop at nothing for what he wants.
When Marcus first arrives to the edge of the city, he learns that he can’t enter yet. Wanting to seek answers, he rushes in his chariot right to where Nero is. This act of defiance illustrates that Marcus has a weak character because he ignores the orders of the emperor. Even though in the film, the Emperor is persuaded very easily and overlooks Marcus’s actions. Nevertheless, Marcus’s character can illustrate that his selfish desires will lead him to a troubled road.
Another aspect where the theme between lust and faithfulness is presented is when Marcus and Lygia meet. In the beginning, it is unrequited love but as the film moves forward, the relationship between the two builds. Marcus wants to have her demonstrating to the audience how selfish he his; while Lygia is clinging onto her religion. In a sense, Lygia is remaining faithful to God. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing battle inside of her. Lygia wants to remain with Marcus; since her religion doesn’t allow her to be with a person like Marcus - dismissive of Christianity - it constantly pains her to be away from him.
Although Marcus understands this, he finds it hard to believe that Lygia would rather have Jesus in her heart than him. This demonstration further illustrates to the audience that Marcus is an arrogant who chooses to his desires over everybody else’s. Regardless of the troubles between Lygia and Marcus, Nero’s lustful actions against the Christians led to the rise of an organized revolt set by the people who are tired of Nero’s selfish actions. These senators remain faithful and essentially cling onto the Rome’s past glory and wish to see it again.
Gallindo, Juan. "Quo Vadis? (1951). Regia: Mervyn Le Roy. Musica Di MIKLOS ROZSA." YouTube. YouTube, 13 Aug. 2013. Web. 04 Apr. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS9SvREwQDs>.
