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Demetrius, and his jealous rage when Peter heals him, it is suggested, by
Jesus’ love. These scenes may reflect contemporary anxieties about the
failure of medical science in the face of the irrational and mysterious
nature of disease.
Finally, The Robe initiates a visual tendency in epic “toga” films to focus
on the display of the male rather than the female body as an alluring,
sexualized object. Critics suggest this heightened imagery of masculine
intimacy indicates the male characters’ yearning for closer bonds within
the harsh, competitive structures imposed by Roman society (Fitzgerald,
36–42). The scene at the Jerusalem garrison where a half-naked Marcellus
receives a rub down near a pool of boisterous, drunken Roman soldiers
sets a cinematic standard for male bath scenes that would reach a voyeuristic
peak in the films Ben-Hur and Spartacus.
CORE ISSUES
1 How does the film present the struggle between traditional order and personal freedom in
the clash between Romans and Christians?
2 How does the film characterize Marcellus Gallio? What is Roman about him? Does he
have “Christian” aspects to his character?
3 How does the film use visual spectacle to highlight the conflicting themes of Roman rule
and the hopeful quality of Christianity?
4 How does the film characterize the relationship between Marcellus and Demetrius? How
are they redeemed through each other’s friendship?
5 How does the film characterize the relationship between Marcellus and Diana? How are
they redeemed through each other’s love?
58 THE ROBE (1953)