Spartacus is a 1960 American historical drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas in the title role. The film is based on the events of the Third Servile War, where Spartacus, a slave, leads a rebellion against Rome. The film was adapted by Dalton Trumbo from Howard Fast's 1951 novel of the same title.
The film has a runtime of approximately 196 minutes. It was Kubrick's first in color and his first using a widescreen format. The final battle scene between Spartacus' fighters and the Roman army is considered a stunning visual achievement. The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike and was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning four.
Spartacus is considered a classic of the historical epic genre, known for its sweeping scope, strong performances, and stunning visuals.
Plot
Set in 73 BC Rome, Spartacus, played by Kirk Douglas, is a Thracian slave captured and condemned to the brutal world of gladiatorial combat. Sold to the cunning trainer Lentulus Batiatus, Spartacus endures harsh training and dehumanizing treatment.
He finds solace in a bond with Varinia, a fellow slave, and refuses to participate in the barbaric practice of killing another human for entertainment. This defiance sparks a fire within him, igniting a desire for freedom that resonates with other gladiators.
Seizing an opportunity, Spartacus leads a daring escape, rallying the oppressed slaves to his cause. Their rebellion quickly blossoms into a formidable army, challenging the might of the Roman Republic. As their numbers swell, Spartacus emerges as a charismatic leader, driven by a burning desire to not only break free from the shackles of slavery but also carve a path home for his fellow rebels.
However, their triumphs are met with relentless pursuit by the Roman forces, led by the ambitious senator Marcus Licinius Crassus. The rebels face brutal battles, internal conflicts, and the allure of a luxurious life offered by Crassus in exchange for surrender.
Spartacus must grapple with difficult choices, torn between leading his people to freedom or accepting a life of comfort that betrays their shared dream. The film culminates in a thrilling and tragic showdown, testing the resilience of the rebellion and highlighting the enduring fight for liberty in the face of overwhelming odds.
Trailer
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Cast
Main Cast:
- Kirk Douglas as Spartacus: A Thracian slave who leads a rebellion against the Roman Republic.
- Laurence Olivier as Marcus Licinius Crassus: A wealthy and powerful Roman patrician who defeats Spartacus.
- Jean Simmons as Varinia: A Roman noblewoman who falls in love with Spartacus.
- Charles Laughton as Gracchus: A cynical and hedonistic Roman senator who is Spartacus' friend and mentor.
- Peter Ustinov as Batiatus: A cruel and greedy gladiator trainer who owns Spartacus.
- John Gavin as Julius Caesar: A young Roman general who later becomes emperor.
- John Dall as Marcus Glabrus: A Roman praetor who is defeated by Spartacus.
- Nina Foch as Helena Glabrus: Marcus Glabrus' wife, who is seduced by Spartacus.
- John Ireland as Crixus: A Gaulish slave who is Spartacus' friend and rival.
Supporting Cast:
- Herbert Lom as Tigranes Levantus: A pirate envoy who negotiates with Spartacus.
- Charles McGraw as Marcellus: A Roman centurion who befriends Spartacus.
- Joanna Barnes as Claudia Marius: A Roman noblewoman who is interested in Spartacus.
- Harold J. Stone as Varinius: Varinia's father.
- Woody Strode as Draba: A Nubian slave who is Spartacus' friend.
- Peter Brocco as Ramon: A Spanish slave who is Spartacus' friend.
- Paul Lambert as Gannicus: A former Gaulish gladiator who fights alongside Spartacus.
- Robert J. Wilke as Oenomaus: A Gaulish slave who is Spartacus' bodyguard.
- Nicholas Dennis as Dionysius: A Greek slave who is Spartacus' translator.
- John Hoyt as Caius: A Roman senator.
- Frederic Worlock as Laelius: A Roman senator.
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Writer: Howard Fast, Dalton Trumbo, Calder Willingham
Box Office Gross: $1,844,917
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 7, 1960
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Apr 28, 1991
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2015