Review of Spartacus (1960) by John W — 26 Mar 2014

Of all the old school Hollywood Golden Age Roman Era epics, this one is probably my favorite of them (with Ben-Hur coming in closely behind) and one of my favorite films of all time. While not particularly showered with complete and utter praise on original release (still contending with the wrath of the McCarthy Era whist having a script credit openly attributed to a blacklisted screenwriter and Anti-McCarthy subtext) it today is held up as an all time classic. And has been particularly influential on many other films of the genre ever since. Essentially being a father of sorts to films like the critically acclaimed modern favorites "Braveheart" and "Gladiator" for instance both taking a good deal of guidance from it. It's one of the ultimate underdog stories, as slaves fight back to try and win their freedom. Spartacus himself willing to die with his men and send his message to the world.

It is often hailed as the "Thinking Man's Epic" given all of its serpentine political intrigue and close look into the Roman Senate with the displaly of Crassus/Julius Ceaser's rise to power and such. With it also being notable at the time for being one of the first films of its kind not to be a Bible story or center heavily around Christianity. (Like say "Ben-Hur", "The Ten Commandments", and "Quo Vadis") Though there are two references to it (The opening narration talks about Christianity helping to bring down the empire, and it's no coincidence that are self-sacrifcing messianic hero dies via crucifixion) But whilst having something of a spiritual edge to it, it's not the forefront of the film. (not that I have an issue with that at all, but it's interesting to see things get shaken up).