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.” 

 

QuickView 

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. 

 

MBiS 

© 2022 – All rights reserved

Joker Is Wild (The)

Genre: biographical drama (in black and white)

With: Frank Sinatra (Joe E. Lewis), Mitzi Gaynor (Martha Stewart), Jeanne Crain (Letty Page), Eddie Albert (Austin Mack), Beverly Garland (Cassie Mack), Jackie Coogan (Swifty Morgan), Barry Kelley (Captain Hugh McCarthy), Ted de Corsia (Georgie Parker), Leonard Graves (Tim Coogan)

Director: Charles Vidor

Screenplay: Oscar Saul (based on the book by Art Cohn)

Release: 1957

Studio: AMBL Productions

Rating: Approved

MBiS score: 8.3/10 

 

‟Make me laugh.”

  

QuickView

Story-line: Chicago in the mid-1920s. When Joe E. Lewis, a singer at Georgie’s 777 Club, receives an offer from the rival Valencia Club, he readily takes it because the Valencia is ‟a classy joint where they carry the drunks out instead of throwing ’em in the street”. Georgie, who doesn’t like the idea, warns him outright: his bar may be a speakeasy but employees don’t ditch him easily. As things turn out, Joe’s decision will impact his whole life.

Pluses: superb acting by Frank Sinatra, Eddie Albert, Mitzi Gaynor and a radiant Jeanne Crain, competent and well-paced direction, a thoughtful and realistic screenplay true to the mood of the times, irreproachable cinematography and fine production values (costumes especially).

Minuses: didn’t find any, baby!

Comments: Frank Sinatra − who has played in some 40 movies and won an Academy Award for FROM HERE TO ETERNITY − once mentioned that his most Oscar-worthy performance came in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM. I wouldn’t dare challenge his opinion but THE JOKER IS WILD amply demonstrates his overall range as a lead actor, playing drama impeccably, showing perfect timing as a comedian and hitting the right notes as a happy, sad, funny and frustrating character. And the movie itself is much more than a reverential show-biz biopic; in vivid, lively fashion, it tells the tragic story of an entertainer tottering between the limelight and skid row. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something in Joe’s life that approaches Frank’s times with the Rat Pack. Thus a great fit for the Chairman of the Board…

 

MBiS 

© 2022 – All rights reserved