Spartacus
Uncut and Fully Restored.
Director Stanley Kubrick tells the tale of Spartacus, the bold gladiator slave and Varinia, the woman who believed in his cause. Challenged by the power-hungry General Crassus, Spartacus is forced to face his convictions and the power of the Imperial Rome at its glorious height.
The inspirational true account of man's eternal struggle for freedom, SPARTACUS combines history with spectale to create a moving drama of love and commitment.
Member Reviews
Epically Epic - ShawnConnery
Acting, action, music, camera work, lighting, and real emotion...this movie had it all. The performances live up to the status they have received, and though it has a little more violence and innuendo wise than other movies, it is up there with other epics around the same time. Great story and 3-dimensional characters.I Am Spartacus? - Gregg
Based on a true story, Spartacus is the story of slave revolt against the Roman Republic led by a gladiator. The film details both the conditions and the struggles of the slaves as well as the reactions from the Romans and the political intrigue involved in the response to the rebellion. There is of course also a love story which is well handled but not entirely in keeping with the rest of the film. The film moves along effectively but does clock in at over 3 hours.
The films great cast includes; Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov and Tony Curtis. The film was directed by Stanley Kubrick
The score by Alex North is very effective for a score of that era.
Script was penned by Dalton Trumbo a blacklisted writer, who was credited for his efforts and effectively ended the blacklisting. Many blacklisted writers and other film makers had been working in Hollywood for some time but they were not credited or acknowledged for their efforts and instead used pseudonyms. Based on a novel by Howard Fast, who was also blacklisted and briefly imprisoned, which is where he would begin writing the novel.
The film has been almost entirely restored including scenes that had been cut for being to controversial at the time, but today seem remarkably tame.
The commentary track which includes the Kirk Douglas (Producer and Star), Peter Ustinov, Saul Bass (Design Consultant and Title Design), Howard Fast (novelist), Edward Lewis (producer), Robert A. Harris (Restoration Expert). The contributions are all recorded separately but well handled and some of the participants are more than willing to discuss both the films and crews shortcomings.
The film despite the controversy would go onto to be nominated for 6 Oscars of which it would win two; including Cinematography and a Supporting Actor nod for Peter Ustinov.
The film despite its age remains quite powerful especially the iconic I am Spartacus sceneBroad Scope, High Quality - xenologue
This is an unmitigated masterpiece and fascinating to watch. The greatness of Rome as well as the feel of the period is breathtakingly conveyed, with complex and compelling stories, themes, and characters. Although the film doesn't get it all right historically, there are many delightful accuracies to warm the heart of any ancient history buff. Peter Ustinov richly deserved his Academy award for his portrayal of the avaricious and semi-scrupulous Batiatus. The "oysters and snails" scene, cut from the original film, is restored with Laurence Olivier's dialogue relooped by Anthony Hopkins. Not to be missed!
Member Reviews
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Epically Epic - ShawnConnery
Acting, action, music, camera work, lighting, and real emotion...this movie had it all. The performances live up to the status they have received, and though it has a little more violence and innuendo wise than other movies, it is up there with other epics ...I Am Spartacus? - Gregg
Based on a true story, Spartacus is the story of slave revolt against the Roman Republic led by a gladiator. The film details both the conditions and the struggles of the slaves as well as the reactions from the Romans and the political intrigue involved in ...Broad Scope, High Quality - xenologue
This is an unmitigated masterpiece and fascinating to watch. The greatness of Rome as well as the feel of the period is breathtakingly conveyed, with complex and compelling stories, themes, and characters. Although the film doesn't get it all right historically, ...