# Spartacus

> 1960 film directed by Stanley Kubrick

**Wikidata**: [Q108297](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108297)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spartacus_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spartacus-q108297

## Summary
*Spartacus* is a 1960 film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the historical figure of the same name—a Thracian gladiator who led a major slave rebellion against the Roman Republic during the Third Servile War (73–71 BCE). The film is a dramatic adaptation of the rebellion, blending historical events with cinematic spectacle and political commentary.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: October 8, 1960 (U.S. premiere).
- **Director**: Stanley Kubrick.
- **Based On**: The life of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator and leader of the Third Servile War.
- **Genre**: Drama, historical film, war film, biographical film, epic film, action film, sword-and-sandal film.
- **Production Company**: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Awards**: Nominated for 4 Academy Awards (Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Sound).
- **Box Office**: Estimated $22.8 million worldwide (adjusted for inflation).
- **Runtime**: 197 minutes.
- **Starring**: Kirk Douglas (as Spartacus), Laurence Olivier (as Marcus Licinius Crassus), Jean Simmons (as Varinia), Charles Laughton (as Crixus), Peter Ustinov (as Lucius Cornelius Sulla), John Gavin (as Cato), Tony Curtis (as Batiatus), Jean Marsh (as Lucilla), John Ireland (as Glaucia), Martin Gabel (as Lentulus Batiatus), John Derek (as Gaius Claudius Glaber), John Mills (as Gaius Claudius Glaber), John Ireland (as Glaucia), Martin Gabel (as Lentulus Batiatus), John Derek (as Gaius Claudius Glaber), John Mills (as Gaius Claudius Glaber).
- **Wikidata Description**: "1960 film directed by Stanley Kubrick."
- **IMDb ID**: tt0054331.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 94% (Certified Fresh).
- **Metacritic Score**: 87/100.
- **AFI Catalog Number**: 336548.
- **National Film Registry**: Selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in 1988.
- **Preserved in**: The Library of Congress National Film Registry.

## FAQs
**What is the historical basis of *Spartacus*?**
The film is based on the life of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who led the Third Servile War (73–71 BCE) against the Roman Republic. The rebellion began when Spartacus and fellow gladiators escaped from a Roman training camp and organized a massive slave uprising.

**Who directed *Spartacus* and what was its production background?**
The film was directed by Stanley Kubrick and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). It was a high-budget production, blending historical drama with cinematic spectacle, and was nominated for four Academy Awards.

**What are the key themes of *Spartacus*?**
The film explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and the struggle against oppression, framed within the context of Roman slavery and military power. It also critiques political corruption and the brutality of war.

**Who are the main actors in *Spartacus* and what roles do they play?**
Kirk Douglas stars as Spartacus, Laurence Olivier as Marcus Licinius Crassus, Jean Simmons as Varinia, Charles Laughton as Crixus, and Peter Ustinov as Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Other notable actors include John Gavin, Tony Curtis, and Jean Marsh.

**What awards did *Spartacus* receive?**
The film was nominated for four Academy Awards (Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Sound) and won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

## Why It Matters
*Spartacus* is significant as a landmark film in the historical and epic genres, blending dramatic storytelling with large-scale production values. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, it marked a departure from traditional Hollywood epics, incorporating political and social commentary alongside cinematic spectacle. The film’s portrayal of the Third Servile War challenged audiences to reflect on themes of resistance, freedom, and the consequences of power. Its selection for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress underscores its cultural and historical importance, preserving it as a key work in the history of cinema.

## Notable For
- **Historical Adaptation**: One of the most ambitious and visually striking films about the Third Servile War.
- **Cinematic Innovation**: Stanley Kubrick’s direction brought a fresh perspective to the epic genre, blending drama with political critique.
- **Box Office Success**: A financial success upon release, earning over $22.8 million worldwide.
- **Award Nominations**: Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.
- **Cultural Legacy**: Selected for preservation in the Library of Congress National Film Registry, ensuring its enduring relevance.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Featured a roster of prominent actors, including Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, and Jean Simmons.
- **Genre-Blending**: Combined elements of drama, historical film, war film, biographical film, epic film, action film, and sword-and-sandal film.
- **Political Commentary**: Critiqued political corruption and the brutality of war, adding depth to its historical narrative.

## Body
### Historical Context
*Spartacus* is based on the real-life events of the Third Servile War (73–71 BCE), led by the Thracian gladiator Spartacus. The rebellion began when Spartacus and approximately 70–80 fellow gladiators escaped from a Roman training camp in Capua. Organizing the escaped slaves into a military force, Spartacus established a base at Mount Vesuvius and fought several battles against Roman forces, including the decisive Battle of Mount Vesuvius in 73 BCE. The rebellion grew to include thousands of slaves and freedmen, challenging Roman authority and military forces. Ultimately, the rebellion was suppressed by Roman forces led by Marcus Licinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompey, with Spartacus being killed in battle.

### Production and Direction
The film was directed by Stanley Kubrick and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). It was a high-budget production, blending historical drama with cinematic spectacle. Kubrick’s direction brought a fresh perspective to the epic genre, incorporating political and social commentary alongside large-scale production values. The film’s production included extensive filming locations, including Italy, where many of the battle scenes were shot.

### Cast and Characters
The film features a star-studded cast, including:
- **Kirk Douglas** as Spartacus, the charismatic leader of the slave rebellion.
- **Laurence Olivier** as Marcus Licinius Crassus, the Roman general tasked with suppressing the uprising.
- **Jean Simmons** as Varinia, Spartacus’s wife and a key figure in the rebellion.
- **Charles Laughton** as Crixus, a fellow gladiator and close ally of Spartacus.
- **Peter Ustinov** as Lucius Cornelius Sulla, a Roman politician and military leader.
- **John Gavin** as Cato, a Roman centurion who becomes disillusioned with the Roman system.
- **Tony Curtis** as Batiatus, the Roman commander who trains the gladiators.
- **Jean Marsh** as Lucilla, a Roman noblewoman who becomes involved in the rebellion.
- **John Ireland** as Glaucia, a Roman soldier who joins the rebellion.
- **Martin Gabel** as Lentulus Batiatus, the Roman commander who trains the gladiators.
- **John Derek** as Gaius Claudius Glaber, a Roman senator involved in the rebellion.
- **John Mills** as Gaius Claudius Glaber, a Roman senator involved in the rebellion.

### Themes and Critique
*Spartacus* explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and the struggle against oppression, framed within the context of Roman slavery and military power. The film critiques political corruption and the brutality of war, presenting a complex portrayal of the Third Servile War. It challenges audiences to reflect on the consequences of power and the potential for organized resistance against oppression.

### Awards and Recognition
The film was nominated for four Academy Awards:
- Best Art Direction
- Best Costume Design
- Best Film Editing
- Best Sound

It also won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama. Additionally, it was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress National Film Registry, ensuring its enduring relevance in cinematic history.

### Legacy and Influence
*Spartacus* is remembered as a landmark film in the historical and epic genres, blending dramatic storytelling with large-scale production values. Its selection for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress underscores its cultural and historical importance, preserving it as a key work in the history of cinema. The film’s portrayal of the Third Servile War and its themes of resistance and freedom continue to resonate with audiences, making it a significant contribution to the genre.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.johnbuster.com/JohnBuster/JB_Main.php?search=herbert)
2. [Source](http://www.allmovie.com/movie/spartacus-v306481/releases)
3. [Source](http://www.allmovie.com/movie/spartacus-v45948/corrections)
4. [Source](http://filmklub.kinema.sk/m/movie.php?id=3855)
5. [Source](http://www.subsynchro.com/1960/spartacus.html)
6. [Source](http://www.boxoffice.com/statistics/movies/spartacus-1960)
7. [Source](http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spartacus.htm)
8. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
9. [Anthony Jochim - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0423460/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t12#actor-tt0054331)
10. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1961)
11. The Movie Database
12. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
13. Spartacus. Rotten Tomatoes
14. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=10675&type=MOVIE&iv=Basic)
15. Lexicon of international films
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Carol Daniels - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0199859/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr40#stunts-tt0054331)
18. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/spartacus/)
19. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
20. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
21. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/23721)
22. Cineplex
23. Online-Filmdatenbank
24. Bechdel Test Movie List
25. mymovies.it
26. Spartacus
27. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/91249)
28. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/84158)
29. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
30. Trakt.tv
31. FilmVandaag.nl