11. Spartacus (1960)
Spartacus is one of the greatest historical epics of all time, alongside Gore Vidal and Ben-Hur. A few days into filming, the director, Anthony Mann, was fired and replaced by Kubrick, who star Kirk Douglas had worked with on Paths of Glory and thought him a fine choice to direct. But the problem throughout filming was that Kubrick did not retain full control, something he needed in order to fulfil his own visions. Despite this, he went on to direct a great picture which made a
Killing at the box office. The film is notable for not only its great length but also its wonderful cast which includes the aforementioned Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Peter Ustinov and the legendary stage and screen wonder that is Laurence Olivier. The film proved problematic for Kubrick, who is said to have not enjoyed filming it as much as was first believed because he did not possess hat fastidious control he so loved. From there on in he demanded entire control over his pictures, knowing that his vision would lead the films to success. Was he wrong? I don't think so. The film is also noteworthy for helping to end blacklisting because screenwriter Howard Trumbo was part of the blacklist in Hollywood and when the disappointing John F Kennedy crossed picket lines to see Spartacus, the blacklist was near the end. The film won four Academy Awards for Actor In A Supporting Role (Ustinov), Art and Set Decoration, Cinematography and Costume Design.