With Spartacus, Stanley Kubrick (ironically?) bends his will to the studio, and comes up with his most mainstream, some would say compromised, effort - a big sword & sandals epic with a veritable cast of thousands. Less daring, then? It's less experimental for sure, though the restored version does include some fierce violence and an amazing scene where Laurence Olivier threatens Tony Curtis with his bisexuality, all cut from 1960's theatrical version, of course. Whether because of studio interference or not, Spartacus may also be Kubrick's most emotionally engaging picture, with Kirk Douglas in the title role and Jean Simmons as his wife a well-matched pair of defiant slaves who put everything on the line, at all times, to assert their freedom. As the action tips from slave revolt to Roman politics and back again, Kurbrick shows his hand more. The editing is great, and the story feels very Shakespearean in those sections. If I rate it more highly than Ben-Hur, it is in part because it's a more focused story. We see how freedom becomes viral, is put down, but survives, and the film bitterly notes how long it'll take to run its course. I'm well impressed.
Considering Kubrick's epic success in other "epics" of various sorts (like Barry Lyndon, 2001, and even Paths of Glory), I found Spartacus to be much more detached. The characters didn't really resonate with me and the only scene that really had an effect on me was the brooding beginning of the war.
Maybe a little naive for our modern taste, but still a great epic movie, better than many others of the same genre.
Of course Kubrick gave us such masterpieces as 2001 or A Clockwork Orange, so in comparison this isn't one of his best works.
A special mention for the cast full of amazing actors.
a marvellous film. the first segment is brilliant in introducing the story and from there it just carries on with brilliant scene after brilliant scene. what a cast!
if you're complaining about length, then just watch up to the intermission one day then finish the remaining 1hr25 the next.
It's like other Kirk Douglas vanity projects, only this time, overwrought, long, and self-righteous. He didn't get the lead in Ben-Hur, so he pouted, and bought the rights to bring Spartacus to life. Derivative and bloated, the only saving grace is the great supporting cast (Olivier, Peter Ustinov, and Charles Laughton).
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Siskoid
With Spartacus, Stanley Kubrick (ironically?) bends his will to the studio, and comes up with his most mainstream, some would say compromised, effort - a big sword & sandals epic with a veritable cast of thousands. Less daring, then? It's less experimental for sure, though the restored version does include some fierce violence and an amazing scene where Laurence Olivier threatens Tony Curtis with his bisexuality, all cut from 1960's theatrical version, of course. Whether because of studio interference or not, Spartacus may also be Kubrick's most emotionally engaging picture, with Kirk Douglas in the title role and Jean Simmons as his wife a well-matched pair of defiant slaves who put everything on the line, at all times, to assert their freedom. As the action tips from slave revolt to Roman politics and back again, Kurbrick shows his hand more. The editing is great, and the story feels very Shakespearean in those sections. If I rate it more highly than Ben-Hur, it is in part because it's a more focused story. We see how freedom becomes viral, is put down, but survives, and the film bitterly notes how long it'll take to run its course. I'm well impressed.Dieguito
A good movie, but probably the worst from Kubrick.. I other words, a great epic, but the only Kubrick I didn't favorited..Andrewski
Considering Kubrick's epic success in other "epics" of various sorts (like Barry Lyndon, 2001, and even Paths of Glory), I found Spartacus to be much more detached. The characters didn't really resonate with me and the only scene that really had an effect on me was the brooding beginning of the war.Earring72
All Time classic. Remains greatLilirose
Maybe a little naive for our modern taste, but still a great epic movie, better than many others of the same genre.Of course Kubrick gave us such masterpieces as 2001 or A Clockwork Orange, so in comparison this isn't one of his best works.
A special mention for the cast full of amazing actors.
jacktrewin
a marvellous film. the first segment is brilliant in introducing the story and from there it just carries on with brilliant scene after brilliant scene. what a cast!if you're complaining about length, then just watch up to the intermission one day then finish the remaining 1hr25 the next.
fetzu
I just love it how they always manage to sneak some quick gore shot in those films.Paper_Okami
The most under rated Kubrick imo. A brilliant epic drama!Mackmannen
"I am Spartacus!"The_Comatorium
Now I know where "I broke the dam came from".Jonathan_Hutchings
It's like other Kirk Douglas vanity projects, only this time, overwrought, long, and self-righteous. He didn't get the lead in Ben-Hur, so he pouted, and bought the rights to bring Spartacus to life. Derivative and bloated, the only saving grace is the great supporting cast (Olivier, Peter Ustinov, and Charles Laughton).Sobchak
They didn't have flat-tops in Ancient Rome!Pretty far from Kubricks best imo
starnamedstork
"I am Spartacus!"roobin_22
My favourite kubrick I guess.Rohit
Great Movie!Showing items 1 – 15 of 16