Yes, epics are almost always long, but Spartacus (at 195 minutes or so) is overlong, particularly the denoument. Director Kubrick might have been able to tighten this up a bit, but, at this time (he was only 32 years old), he did not have final cut.
Some of the acting styles in the film seemed to clash. The two main "Hollywood" figures, Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis, seem to be in an entirely different film from the more understated Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, and Jean Simmons.
Other than length and disparity of acting, this film is sheer bliss. Alex North's score is a terrific feat, ranking up there with Herrmann, Goldsmith, Korngold, and Steiner as one of the all-time great film composers. The visuals (assisted by film visionary Saul Bass) are magnficent, such as the battle scene, for instance. Mel Gibson must have seen this many times (as well as Alexander Nevsky) before making Braveheart. Speaking of Saul Bass, he worked on the titles for many, many great movies, but his work here is extraordinary. The combination of his titles with the majestic music of Alex North really makes you sit up and take note.
The script, by blacklisted Dalton Trumbo, is impressive, particularly the exciting gladitorial training sequence, as well as the scenes of Roman intrigue. The acting is very good; the laurel should probably go to Charles Laughton for the world-weary Gracchus. Also notable: Peter Ustinov (who won an Oscar) as Spartacus' former owner, and an unrecognizable Herbert Lom as a pirate king.
Be sure to see the restored version: never has such a socialist film ever been released a Hollywood studio: good for Kirk Douglas for having the cojones to make it, restoring Dalton Trumbo's name and helping to make Stanley Kubrick's.
Copyright 1997 by Dale G. Abersold
