The Eagle Alternative Ending and Commentary
You can watch this video on www.livejournal.com
Here are three interesting parts from the commentary. In the first one, the director Kevin Macdonald commented on how fit Jamie was in the arena scene. Then he basically said Uncle Aquila bought Esca for Marcus as a pet to give him a reason to live. Later the director commented the surgery scene. He said the two young men had feelings for each other, but were embarrassed to be with each other. They were forced to be in this physical proximity. You can tell how Kevin loves the scene.
http://www.box.net/shared/7rq73mvnp5um8av3kl9n
The second part is about the scene in the rain. Kevin said the way Jamie delievered the lines was full of affection and warmth, but at the same time, Esca was angry with Marcus because Marcus hadn't treated him as an equal friend until that moment. Kevin said Esca has grown to love Marcus. Kevin loves the gesture of Marcus and Esca hand on hand. He finds the scene very moving.
http://www.box.net/shared/clgeenkprr2hj6psi07g
The third part is about the ending. Kevin explained why they changed the ending. He felt it's more rewarding that Marcus and Esca returned the eagle to Rome. And it shows that Marcus has learned Romans are flawed as well. In the end, the eagle is no longer important to Marcus. He leaves the eagle behind and walks out on Rome. Marcus rejects the ways of Rome and chooses to be a free man of the culture bully. Kevin also commented on Jamie's smugness. He loves the 'you decide' line. He thinks it shows that Jamie is in charge or at least Marcus and Esca are equal partners at the end of the movie.
http://www.box.net/shared/mcsm27h5hup1rd508tr9