(Yes, yes, I know, it’s not the tv series “Spartacus”. But you should still watch the tv series! It’s on Netflix/DVD/Blu-Ray and despite a shaky beginning, it’s ends up being a fantastic show. Seriously, you won’t regret it! (Not for kids though as there’s a ton of nudity and swearing.))
2.
cathyx
We need our own Spartacus? Elizabeth Warren?
3.
Baud
@cathyx: I hope not. If I recall correctly, Spartacus lost in the end.
Maybe not so much, if we still talk about him a couple of millennia later.
7.
DonkeyKong
I’m Elizabeth Warren.
8.
Arclite
Wow, I never realized that Kubrick directed that movie. It’s a classic.
9.
JPL
From the comments
…..Jack The Hat……………………………………
…8/7/11…………………………………………
Where do I start, well lets say congradulations to Mr. Kubrick and Mr. Duglas for the return of there Hollywood communist friends (black listed)as being a part of this film. Did you know that there is a communist organization called “Spartacus”. The love of communision in Hollywood is very much like a religion. It’s mentioned that Mr. Kubrick and Mr. Duglas were courgeous in bringing back there black listed friends well, what would have been more courgeous is to see a film coming out of Hollywood that promotes the American way?
Jack needs reading lessons, too. It doesn’t say “Duglas” in the credits…
20.
Jay B.
When half of the commentariat here is whining about cops being persecuted and protests against unchecked capital/authority are met with blank stares or criticisms, it’s safe to say they have no idea what the fuck the movie is going on about.
By the end of 73 BC, Spartacus and Crixus were in command of a large group of armed men with a proven ability to withstand Roman armies. What they intended to do with this force is somewhat difficult for modern readers to determine.
__
…no historical account mentions that the goal of the rebel slaves was to end slavery in the Republic, nor do any of Spartacus’ actions seem specifically aimed at ending slavery.
The TCM page BBDJ links to doesn’t mention Tony Curtis at all. What’s up with that?
And is anyone here familiar with Kirk Douglas’ recollections about screenwriting credit for Dalton Trumbo? I don’t know if they’re accurate or just reflect the animosity that grew between the real-life combatants over the script’s vision.
29.
KS in MA
@karl: Haven’t read Douglas’ recollections about Trumbo, but the original novel was written by another old Red, Howard Fast. The Wikipedia page says:
“The novel was self-published in the USA by Howard Fast during the McCarthy era in 1951. He began writing it as a reaction to his imprisonment for charges stemming from his involvement in the Communist Party USA. He refused to disclose the names of contributors to a fund for a home for orphans of American veterans of the Spanish Civil War (one of the contributors was Eleanor Roosevelt), and he was imprisoned for three months in 1950 for contempt of Congress. The final page of the first edition describes some of the difficulties in its publishing:
“‘Readers who may wonder at the absence of a publisher’s imprint are informed that this book was published by the author. This was made necessary when he learned that no commercial publisher, due to the political temper of the times, would undertake the publication or distribution of the book. …'”
30.
The Pale Scot
Lets flip the switch on the the ol’ WayBack machine Doug..
It’s a good movie, although a bit long. Gore Vidal isn’t credited as a screenwriter, but he actually was…and claims he threw in some S&M elements as a joke.
32.
Mnemosyne
If it’s the restored version, the dialogue had been lost for several of the scenes and was dubbed back in with — not a joke — Anthony Hopkins doing his very good Laurence Olivier impression.
33.
sherparick
Jeanne Simmons was seriously beautiful. A great cast. The Oliver and Curtis scene, “oysters and snails” alone makes this an extraordiary movie. Watching the scenes with Laughton and Ustinov together are also a delight.
34.
HeartlandLiberal
If you have never seen Kirk Douglas’ “Spartacus”, please do so.
It is one of the greatest of the Hollywood historical epics, and Kirk Douglas shining moment in film history. It rose far above the weaknesses of the genre films of the period, with an all star cast including a magnificent performance by Tony Curtis.
I saw it in theaters in original release as a teenager. I did not realize until many, many decades later when I watched it on DVD how many images from the film had so thoroughly impressed themselves in my consciousness and how my mind thought of ancient Rome and its history.
The final battle scenes towards the end, when Kubrick recreates a classic Roman military operation and formations, are absolutely compelling.
Thematically, the film is a classic effort to confront the notions of how we as humans enslave and oppress our fellow humans, and how there will always be those who not only yearn to be free, but will risk all, including life and family, to gain freedom.
There is of course the fact that Spartacus really did lead a slave revolt, that for a couple of years threatened the Roman Empire to its core. Many historians suggest that the aftermath of Spartacus’ revolt helped lay the groundwork for the collapse of the Republic and emergence of the Empire.
35.
HeartlandLiberal
Since we are on the subject of Hollywood historical epics, let me also recommend Burton, Harris, and Taylor in “Cleopatra”.
Also a very long movie, and as much as my wife and I love the film, the second half starts to bog down, especially when you realize you really do not like Burton’s character Marc Antony, as he devolves into self pity. We watched the film again last year, and about 45 minutes from the end we were both cheering him to go ahead and kill himself NOW and get it over with, either that or Cleopatra should just put him out of his whining misery.
But here, again, the second half of the film is worth watching for the recreation of the naval battle at Actium, one of the most famous naval engagements in history, and the turning point in history that gave Octavian sole control of the Empire.
The first half with Rex Harrison as Caesar is simply magnificent. You will never forget the scene when his ships arrive in the harbor of Alexandria. You feel like you are there, two thousand years ago, walking right into history.
36.
Shlemizel
Reading that review by Jack the asshat reminded me of a guy I used to work with. He had just seen “Time Bandits” and spent a hour explaining to me how it was a condemnation of “liberalism”. These poor putzes will find politics in Word Of the Day and Hints From Heloise. The only thing more pathetic is their lack of understanding of history . . . or much of anything.
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efroh
R.I.P. Andy Whitfield.
(Yes, yes, I know, it’s not the tv series “Spartacus”. But you should still watch the tv series! It’s on Netflix/DVD/Blu-Ray and despite a shaky beginning, it’s ends up being a fantastic show. Seriously, you won’t regret it! (Not for kids though as there’s a ton of nudity and swearing.))
cathyx
We need our own Spartacus? Elizabeth Warren?
Baud
@cathyx: I hope not. If I recall correctly, Spartacus lost in the end.
SiubhanDuinne
I am Spartacus.
MikeJ
Yeah, but a rookie catcher just hit his first ever MLB homer to make it Bos 5 – 1 Bal.
SiubhanDuinne
@Baud:
Maybe not so much, if we still talk about him a couple of millennia later.
DonkeyKong
I’m Elizabeth Warren.
Arclite
Wow, I never realized that Kubrick directed that movie. It’s a classic.
JPL
From the comments
Jack needs spelling lessons.
MikeJ
@efroh:
Kids love nudity and swearing.
Baud
@Baud: True, but we talk about the Roman Empire too.
Calouste
@JPL:
Indeed. For example, he forgot “Ass” in his name.
Arclite
@JPL: Jeez Jack, the 80’s called and said it wants its paranoia back.
cathyx
@Baud: Yes, Spartacus lost the battle but ultimately (albeit centuries later) won the war.
MikeJ
@cathyx: Yes, all the slaves of the Roman empire are at this point in time not in servitude.
Woodrowfan
I’m Brian and so’s my wife! wait, nevermind…
Ripley
@JPL: Isn’t crucifying do-gooders the American Way?
Southern Beale
Damn. This is probably the best thing I’ve read in months:
There Is No Republican Establishment Anymore
Villago Delenda Est
@JPL:
Jack needs reading lessons, too. It doesn’t say “Duglas” in the credits…
Jay B.
When half of the commentariat here is whining about cops being persecuted and protests against unchecked capital/authority are met with blank stares or criticisms, it’s safe to say they have no idea what the fuck the movie is going on about.
MikeJ
@Jay B.: Spartacus fought with drum circles?
Really, you can’t say he had a muddled message.
Cacti
Yet again, the Braves are all but gift wrapping a playoff spot for the Cardinals…
and yet again, the Cardinals are struggling against the Lastros.
Yarrrrrggggg!
Mr Stagger Lee
Sorry to hear about Andy Whitfield. I love the Starz version of Spartacus. Blood rains down from an angry sky, My **** rages on!!! My **** rages on!
sistermoon
Why is Ice-T’s dog on TCM?
Davis X. Machina
@MikeJ: From the Wiki-thingy:
My belief is that they were demanding the creation of a high-level consular commission to study the problem.
khead
Kirk Douglas is 94 years old and had a stroke 5 years ago – yet I’m sure he could still kick Jack’s ass.
Anoniminous
Ending slavery in the Ancient World would be like the average American giving up the internal combustion engine.
karl
The TCM page BBDJ links to doesn’t mention Tony Curtis at all. What’s up with that?
And is anyone here familiar with Kirk Douglas’ recollections about screenwriting credit for Dalton Trumbo? I don’t know if they’re accurate or just reflect the animosity that grew between the real-life combatants over the script’s vision.
KS in MA
@karl: Haven’t read Douglas’ recollections about Trumbo, but the original novel was written by another old Red, Howard Fast. The Wikipedia page says:
“The novel was self-published in the USA by Howard Fast during the McCarthy era in 1951. He began writing it as a reaction to his imprisonment for charges stemming from his involvement in the Communist Party USA. He refused to disclose the names of contributors to a fund for a home for orphans of American veterans of the Spanish Civil War (one of the contributors was Eleanor Roosevelt), and he was imprisoned for three months in 1950 for contempt of Congress. The final page of the first edition describes some of the difficulties in its publishing:
“‘Readers who may wonder at the absence of a publisher’s imprint are informed that this book was published by the author. This was made necessary when he learned that no commercial publisher, due to the political temper of the times, would undertake the publication or distribution of the book. …'”
The Pale Scot
Lets flip the switch on the the ol’ WayBack machine Doug..
https://balloon-juice.com/2007/10/28/very-funny/
Larry Craig
It’s a good movie, although a bit long. Gore Vidal isn’t credited as a screenwriter, but he actually was…and claims he threw in some S&M elements as a joke.
Mnemosyne
If it’s the restored version, the dialogue had been lost for several of the scenes and was dubbed back in with — not a joke — Anthony Hopkins doing his very good Laurence Olivier impression.
sherparick
Jeanne Simmons was seriously beautiful. A great cast. The Oliver and Curtis scene, “oysters and snails” alone makes this an extraordiary movie. Watching the scenes with Laughton and Ustinov together are also a delight.
HeartlandLiberal
If you have never seen Kirk Douglas’ “Spartacus”, please do so.
It is one of the greatest of the Hollywood historical epics, and Kirk Douglas shining moment in film history. It rose far above the weaknesses of the genre films of the period, with an all star cast including a magnificent performance by Tony Curtis.
I saw it in theaters in original release as a teenager. I did not realize until many, many decades later when I watched it on DVD how many images from the film had so thoroughly impressed themselves in my consciousness and how my mind thought of ancient Rome and its history.
The final battle scenes towards the end, when Kubrick recreates a classic Roman military operation and formations, are absolutely compelling.
Thematically, the film is a classic effort to confront the notions of how we as humans enslave and oppress our fellow humans, and how there will always be those who not only yearn to be free, but will risk all, including life and family, to gain freedom.
There is of course the fact that Spartacus really did lead a slave revolt, that for a couple of years threatened the Roman Empire to its core. Many historians suggest that the aftermath of Spartacus’ revolt helped lay the groundwork for the collapse of the Republic and emergence of the Empire.
HeartlandLiberal
Since we are on the subject of Hollywood historical epics, let me also recommend Burton, Harris, and Taylor in “Cleopatra”.
Also a very long movie, and as much as my wife and I love the film, the second half starts to bog down, especially when you realize you really do not like Burton’s character Marc Antony, as he devolves into self pity. We watched the film again last year, and about 45 minutes from the end we were both cheering him to go ahead and kill himself NOW and get it over with, either that or Cleopatra should just put him out of his whining misery.
But here, again, the second half of the film is worth watching for the recreation of the naval battle at Actium, one of the most famous naval engagements in history, and the turning point in history that gave Octavian sole control of the Empire.
The first half with Rex Harrison as Caesar is simply magnificent. You will never forget the scene when his ships arrive in the harbor of Alexandria. You feel like you are there, two thousand years ago, walking right into history.
Shlemizel
Reading that review by Jack the asshat reminded me of a guy I used to work with. He had just seen “Time Bandits” and spent a hour explaining to me how it was a condemnation of “liberalism”. These poor putzes will find politics in Word Of the Day and Hints From Heloise. The only thing more pathetic is their lack of understanding of history . . . or much of anything.