15 Most Dehumanizing Moments In Stanley Kubrick's Films
15. A Buyers Market Spartacus (1960)
Spartacus begins proceedings and, being the only film where Kubrick didn't have complete artistic control, its position at the bottom of this list seems fitting. Nevertheless, the legendary story of the Thracian gladiator who was sold into slavery, forced to fight for Roman amusement, and led the slave uprising, is classic dehumanization and the picture is full of examples. None are perhaps so casually menacing and powerful than the moment when Spartacus is sold. Peter Ustinovs slave trader Batiatus a role that won him an Oscar has more concern with getting sunburnt than with the human lives hes browsing to buy. As if checking for cracked eggs in the grocers shop, he examines teeth for signs of strength and is confused when subjects dont obey their masters. Soon enough, its clear that every action and piece of dialogue in this scene symbolizes centuries of oppressed human dignity.
Nik's passions reside in writing, discussing and watching movies of all sorts. He also loves dogs, tennis, comics and stuff. He lives irresponsibly in Montreal and tweets random movie things @NikGrape.
