This is the scene where Maximus has just beaten the the famous gladiator known for being undefeated. In this shot the audience is looking up at Maximus to show how powerful he is. The sun is shining on him and the handle of the axe is now golden and shining. His skill in battle is so good that some could even call it god like. The spectators chant his name as if he is some sort of divinity amongst them. He also makes the choice to not kill the man even though the emperor has motioned him to do so. The crowd seems to love this act of kindness and uproars even louder chanting his name. Also in this scene he is somewhat playing god because it is ultimately his choice if the other gladiator lives or dies. Symbolically he is taking the role of emperor away from Commodus because it is the emepors choice who lives or dies and Maximus makes that decision rather than the emperor.