The release of Ridley Scott’sGladiatorin 2000 saw audiences flocking to theaters to witness the might and spectacle of hand-to-hand combat in the Colosseum of Ancient Rome. Amidst the pageantry and savagery of Gladiator was the political intrigue that took place in the corridors of power and the struggle of its main protagonist against insurmountable odds, as he not only fights on the floor of the Colosseum but wages a crusade against the ruling powers of the Roman Empire. While entertaining, Scott’s big-budget Hollywood epic can trace much of its premise toSpartacus.
Released in 1960 and directed by Stanley Kubrick,Spartacuswas one of many large-scale period pieces prominent in Hollywood at the time. Featuring an all-star cast that included Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, and Tony Curtis, the film is based on the real-life slave revolt that shook Rome to its foundations in the waning days of the republic. Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), a slave forced into the gladiatorial arena, defies oppression, leads a revolt, and takes the fight to the heart of Rome in a struggle for freedom. It’s not just the Roman legions Spartacus must contend with, but forces conspiring against him in the halls of the Senate.
From the Arena of Combat to the Field of Battle
Comparing the mortal combat on the arena floor in bothGladiatorandSpartacusis somewhat sparse, as the films use different methods to bolster their respective narratives. InGladiator,Ridley Scott emphasizes action to entertain his audienceand demonstrateMaximus’ (Russel Crowe) willingness to defythe role assigned to him by those in power.The gladiatorial combat inSpartacusserves more as a catalyst, with the titular character being pushed too far and instigating the revolt that will take the fight directly to his oppressors.
The revolt that Spartacus ignites and wages against the might of the most powerful dominion in Europe is depicted on a broad scale and scope. Yet,it doesn’t glorify warfare and portrays it as a noble struggle for freedom. Spartacus’ revolt is justified and speaks to the desire to be free that many can relate to. The effectiveness of the narrative can be attributed tothe screenplay penned by Dalton Trumbo, who explored the human side of armed conflict inThiry Seconds Over TokyoandJohnny Got His Gun. Besides entertaining audiences with its depictions of struggle, Spartacus gives us all an in-depth look at the desire to overcome a situation assigned by power.
You Need to Watch Stanley Kubrick’s 64-Year-Old War Epic Before Gladiator II
Gladiator II is nearly here, but if you can’t wait for the film, be sure to check out Stanley Kubrick’s war epic, Spartacus.
The Corridors of Power and a Means to an End
Besides the comparisons betweenGladiatorandSpartacusregarding gladiatorial combat and the struggle for one individual to overcome overwhelming odds,both films depict intrigue and the cloak-and-dagger world that exists within the corridors of power. Ancient Rome was a civilization rife with conspiracies, assassinations, and power struggles between several different parties vying for various positions.
Spartacustakes place during a period in Roman history when the Republic was at death’s doorand the beginning of Imperial rule was imminent.ThroughoutSpartacus, numerous individuals seek power, such asCrassus (Laurence Olivier)and Julius Caesar (John Gavin). Within the halls of the senate, a web of intrigue is spun among these individuals, and
Spartacus inexplicably becomes part of the complex political game as a means to an end. With the revolt incited by Spartacus causing panic among the rulers of Rome and several military leaders failing to put an end to it, his demise ultimately becomes a means for those seeking power to obtain it.Spartacus, the individual who sought to obtain freedom from his oppressors, is thrust into servitude once more as a pawn in the game for the consolidation of power.
9 Movies About Ancient Rome You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
These underrated films touch on various subjects and broader issues, such as the consequences of Roman expansion and monotheism.
A Struggle for Freedom Against All Odds
Spartacuswas a defining moment for many individuals involved in the production. For Stanley Kubrick, it was another hallmark of his journey to become one of the greatest directors in American cinema history.For Kirk Douglas, it was a performancethat would further cement his career as one of the prominent leading men of the era. Most notably,the real conquering hero ofSpartacuswasn’t its titular character, but its screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo, as the film would help begin an end to the blacklisting of the Hollywood Ten.
Fans of Ridley Scott’sGladiatorfilms owe it to themselves to revisit a saga of epic proportions that depicts the struggle for freedom against all odds. From its scale, scope, and remarkable cast, who help bring the story to life,Spartacusis a film for all time.
