The making of the epic film "Spartacus" was fraught with challenges, from a change in directors early in production to the groundbreaking decision to credit a blacklisted screenwriter. These behind-the-scenes struggles ultimately shaped the film and left a lasting impact on Hollywood. The project was spearheaded by Kirk Douglas, whose company, Bryna Productions, was responsible for its creation. Douglas's commitment to the film extended beyond acting,
as he played a crucial role in navigating its complex production.
A Change in Direction and Creative Tensions
Initially, Anthony Mann was hired to direct "Spartacus." However, after only three weeks of shooting, Kirk Douglas made the decision to remove Mann from the project. Douglas then turned to Stanley Kubrick, with whom he had previously collaborated on the 1957 film "Paths of Glory," to take over as director. This transition was significant because "Spartacus" would become the only film directed by Kubrick where he did not possess complete artistic control. This dynamic likely contributed to the film's unique creative process, as Douglas, as producer and star, maintained a strong influence.
Kubrick's eagerness to take credit for the screenplay, despite it being written by Dalton Trumbo, further highlighted the tensions surrounding creative ownership during the production. Douglas and producer Edward Lewis found Kubrick's suggestion "revolting," emphasizing the ethical considerations at play. This incident underscores the complex power dynamics and creative clashes that can occur on major film productions, especially when multiple strong personalities are involved.
Breaking the Blacklist: Dalton Trumbo's Return
One of the most significant aspects of "Spartacus's" production was its role in breaking the Hollywood blacklist. Dalton Trumbo, the screenwriter, had been blacklisted as one of the "Hollywood Ten" and had even been jailed for contempt of Congress in 1950. During this period, he survived by writing screenplays under assumed names. Howard Fast, the author of the novel "Spartacus," was initially hired to adapt his own work, but his first draft was deemed a "disaster, unusable" by Douglas.
Pressed for time and facing competition from a rival project, Douglas turned to Trumbo. Although Trumbo reportedly did not like Fast due to his "narrow-minded" Marxist views, he agreed to write a treatment. When Fast refused to follow Trumbo's treatment, Douglas hired Trumbo to write the final screenplay. Douglas insisted that Trumbo receive screen credit for his work, a bold move that publicly challenged the blacklist. This decision was further bolstered when President John F. Kennedy publicly ignored American Legion picket lines to view the film, an act that significantly helped to end the blacklisting era in Hollywood. Douglas's actions not only restored Trumbo's name but also paved the way for other blacklisted artists to return to their careers, marking a turning point in the industry's history.
