Review of Spartacus (1960) by Jeffrey C — 31 Jul 2010

An uneven but ultimately effective epic from a newcomer who was soon to become the cinema's greatest handler of the spectacle. The film drags a little in the center, but the first and third hours are terrific entertainment and even emotionally stimulating.

The "I'm Spartacus" scene remains as powerful and unforgettable- it is chilling and inspiring, and even after its many imitations and parodies it still gives me the chills. But Spartacus is a very human hero, and he has to earn his supporters; Kirk Douglas- one of the most intense of all actors- is the man for the job, and we surrender our allegiance to him almost instantly.

Despite some troubles Kubrick ran into in working on such a major studio project (many of which are clearly visible), the film remains a wonderful showcase of his skill, and the blend of indoor stages and actual locations makes for an interesting production.

There is also a lot to be said about the story's ending which is very unconventional and powerfully tragic.