Spartacus

Genre: antiquity drama 

With: Kirk Douglas (Spartacus), Laurence Olivier (Marcus Crassus), Jean Simmons (Varinia), Charles Laughton (Gracchus), Peter Ustinov (Batiatus), John Gavin (Julius Caesar), Tony Curtis (Antoninus), Nina Foch (Helena)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Screenplay: Dalton Trumbo (based on Howard Fast’s novel)

Release: 1960

Studio: Bryna Productions, Universal Pictures

Rating: PG-13

MBiS score: 8.5/10 

 

‟ I'm free. And what do I know? I don't even know how to read.” 

 

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Story-line: in the first century before Christ, Rome was asserting its might as the centre of the ‟civilized” world but its glory was far from immaculate. Power struggles were frequent between members of the ruling class, slavery and colonialism were the drivers of economic growth and jobless Romans were kept quiet with bread and circuses. Spartacus, the proud son of a Thracian slave, a forced labourer and a gladiator in training, will rebel against this world order and confront the Empire.  

Pluses: wondrous acting by Kirk Douglas (rugged, defiant but also tender), Jean Simmons (regal in a complex role), Laurence Olivier (notable for his toughness), Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov and a superior cast, an intelligent screenplay that blends insightful psychological portraits, period detail and virile − even funny − dialogues to compose a striking piece of history, straightforward helming by one of cinema’s great directors (behold the awesome combat choreography), suitable production values, fine editing and an evocative musical score by Alex North.

Minuses: none I can think of.   

Comments: SPARTACUS, a movie epic for all tastes, reminded me of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS and BEN-HUR in its use of atmosphere, colours, landscapes and settings. Although it features some violence, Stanley Kubrick’s work paints an old-world picture of political wranglings (as complex and dastardly as today’s), romance, heartbreak and surprising solidarity. On a historical level, the Roman Empire has never ceased to fascinate and influence our world despite its brutality. On a cinematic level, Kubrick’s oeuvre still enthralls and will remain an object of admiration for decades to come. 

 

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