Review of Spartacus (1960) by Nate W — 29 May 2012

Kubrick's lavishly produced swords-and-sandals epic "Spartacus", about a slave revolt in ancient Rome, was born partly out of executive producer and star Kirk Douglas' embitterment at not being cast as the title character in William Wyler's lavishly produced swords-and-sandals epic "Ben-Hur".

Douglas' film is not quite equal to Wyler's, although it does flirt with greatness at moments. Highlights include Spartacus' first gladiatorial combat and subsequent break-out, the signature "I am Spartacus!" scene, and the moving finale.

While boasting expensive sets, costumes, and sweeping dramatic photography (shot mostly by Kubrick himself, although Russell Metty gladly collected the Oscar), the script's intellectual aim-taking lacks focus, clearly the byproduct of conflicting artistic intentions and political philosophies from Douglas, Kubrick, and blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo.

The pace is a tad uneven as well, mired by an arduous second act that indulges in too much political wheelings and dealings. Still, it's hard not to be impressed by the grand scale of the production, and when concentrating on Spartacus' story, it's compelling stuff.