Comments on: Taste Test: Spartacus (1960) vs. Gladiator (2000)

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:08:09 +0000

Kalai: What an extraordinary career and life your father had. I'll always remember Woody Strode as "Pompey", John Wayne's guardian angel in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, as well as his synchronicity with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus. The fact that Douglas attended your father's memorial in 1995 speaks for itself. What a legend. Patrick: I like your observations about Spartacus. I think you almost convinced me! I found Gladiator just as poignant though in its themes, which had less to do with freedom perhaps, but speak to morality. "What we do in life echoes in eternity." Great dialogue from William Nicholson.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:54:46 +0000

Nice writeup, and a nice reminiscence from Kalai. I think I’m more partial to Spartacus, maybe because I’ve sort of “known” the movie (like an old friend maybe) for 25 years or so. I think it’s a little more poignant – there is the life of hopelessness Spartacus leads as a slave, then the chance of freedom and a normal life, and finally it is taken away.

By: Kalai Strode

Kalai Strode — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:15:59 +0000

Thank you for an excellent review and comparison of Spartacus and Gladiator. Woody Strode was my father and I was actually on the set when Charles McGraws’ head was dunked into the soup at the gladiator school. If you watch that scene carefully, you may notice that Mr. McGraw clipped his chin on the edge of the cauldron as it went into the soup. The whole time that his head was under water, he was unconscious. Everyone noticed (even me) except Kirk, who was into the scene. The moment Kubrick called “cut,” everyone rushed in and pulled Mr. McGraw’s head out the soup. He was unconscious, to Kirk’s surprise. Kirk Douglas is one of the most generous and talented stars of old Hollywood and I will always be thankful to him for not only giving my father this part as Draba, the Ethiopian, but because he also attended my father’s memorial in 1995.

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:50:35 +0000
Dad: I don't think people are illiterate, but must admit that many come fully equipped with short attention spans. Reader feedback is the most enjoyable aspect of writing though, so thank you for commenting. Croc: Unless Connie Nielsen comments here soon, your approbation and support remains my favorite. Thanks again for the kind words. Amanda: I think a case can be made that unless you had Russell Crowe as your star, the historical epics that came after Gladiator all failed. Crowe may be the only movie star around today who has the same shitkicking swagger as O'Toole or Burton. It takes more than a personal chef and a publicist to lead an army. Crowe has that quality. Kelsy: If you want to see what Joaquin Phoenix's potential was before he started acting like Grizzly Adams, I recommend the extended version of Gladiator. He's an extraordinarily smart actor and if the theatrical version left any doubt, the extended cut proves it. Thanks for commenting!

By: kelsy

kelsy — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:25:13 +0000

I’ve never seen Spartacus, although every time I watch That Thing You Do I’m motivated to since Guy declares “I am Spartacus” so many times.

But Gladiator is a pretty solid film. I wouldn’t call it a favorite of mine, but it’s enjoyable enough. Plus, you’ve got me interested in seeing an extended cut of the movie.

By: AR

AR — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:41:54 +0000

Interesting choice of winner.

I haven’t seen Spartacus in a really long time. It’s definitely on the list of movies to watch again, especially since it’s Kubrick. The screenshot w/the matte painting looks fantastic.

As far as Gladiator, I’ve always felt in the minority of film geeks who actually like the film. I’m not sure it should have won Best Picture, but as far as historical epics go, I think it deserves classic status.

By: Croc

Croc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:18:50 +0000

A very bold result but after your thorough analysis, I have to admit you somewhat persuaded me. Damn, your writing and witty, informative review is really one of the best on and off the internet.

By: Joseph R. Valdez

Joseph R. Valdez — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:09:45 +0000

I happpen to agree with your analysis. Most striking is its ending where you ask “what are your thoughts?” How rare in a society where we are TOLD what to think and even having a commentator read to us. “THANK YOU”, but when we’re reading along on the screen while the commentator is reading the exact thing aloud for us do they assume we’re illiterate too?