You might be surprised to learn these lesser-known facts about the iconic 1960 film, Spartacus, a cinematic masterpiece that resonates through time. From unexpected directorial changes to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, here’s a peek into the hidden gems of this epic production.
Directorial Shuffle: Mann to Kubrick
Initially helmed by Anthony Mann, the film underwent a surprising shift in direction with Kubrick taking the reins. Mann’s departure resulted in Kubrick stepping in, although Mann stayed on for specific quarry scenes.
Kirk Douglas’ Battle for Role
Interestingly, it was Mann who brought Kirk Douglas on board. When Kubrick took over, attempts were made to replace Douglas, but they proved futile despite Mann’s efforts.
Kubrick’s Improvisation Stance
Kubrick had a distaste for actors who improvised on set, except for one exception: the elderly actress playing the slave aunt. Her natural outburst in a scene, despite direction, impressed Kubrick so much that he kept it in the final cut.
Oscars and Dilemmas
During Oscar nominations, a producer faced a dilemma between Peter Ustinov as Batiatus and Charles Laughton as Gracchus. In a casual conversation with writer Dalton Trumbo, the dilemma was resolved with Trumbo’s assurance that the film’s brilliance would triumph regardless of the nominee chosen.
Censored Scenes and Wit
Dalton Trumbo, known for his humor, often teamed up with Peter Ustinov to prank Kirk Douglas. One memorable prank involved a fake script where Douglas’s character, Spartacus, escaped in women’s clothing. Douglas’s willingness to play along astonished both Trumbo and Ustinov.
Delayed Release and Political Tension
The film faced a year-long delay due to screenwriter Trumbo’s alleged socialist ties, causing unnecessary censorship.
Cast and Controversies
The film boasted a whopping 10,500 cast members, recruited through unconventional means, overshadowing other productions in Los Angeles. Audrey Hepburn was initially cast for the role of Varinia but withdrew due to exhaustion, paying a penalty of $20,000.
Directorial Dilemmas
Kirk Douglas had his moments on set, especially with co-star Jean Simmons. In a famous swimming scene, Douglas insisted on not exposing Simmons, resulting in unsuccessful attempts to merge shots of 13 topless extras. A dedicated team, including Douglas, director, and crew, later re-shot the scene.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
From 1960 to 1963, Spartacus held the title of the most-watched film annually in the United States. Preserving its legacy, there exist 20 digital and 20 physical copies to ensure it remains a part of American cultural heritage.
READ MORE: 10 Signature Elements of Stanley Kubrick’s Filmmaking Style!
Kubrick’s Misunderstanding
The most surprising revelation: when initially offered the project, Stanley Kubrick had no idea who Spartacus was. Upon acceptance, he received the script after ten days, initially assuming it to be a love story set in the Napoleonic era.
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Last modified: February 1, 2024
