Spartacus

Spartacus (1960)

Spartacus is based on the true story of the historical figure and the events of the Third Servile War. Produced by Kirk Douglas, who also starred as the rebellious slave, it was the largest film Kubrick had directed — with a cast of over 10,000 and at the time the most expensive film ever made in America.

Kubrick was hired to take over direction after Douglas fired Anthony Mann. It was Kubrick's first use of the anamorphic Super Technirama process, capturing panoramic scenes including one with 8,000 trained Spanish soldiers.

Cinematographer Russell Metty threatened to quit after Kubrick kept instructing him how to photograph scenes, but later muted his criticisms after winning the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Despite conflicts with Douglas over the screenplay and creative control, the film received six Academy Award nominations and won four.

Spartacus became the last film in Kubrick's career where he lacked full creative control. Every subsequent film was made on his own terms — a distinction he would fiercely protect for the rest of his life.