Jessica L. Cormier
Augoustakis, Antony and Cyrino, Monica S., ed.
Starz Spartacus: Reimagining an Icon on Screen
. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2017.
While this curriculum unit focuses solely on the 1960 film version of
Spartacus
, other on-screen adaptations Spartacus’s history do exist. This book analyzes the 2010-2013 Starz television series
Spartacus
through essays. If a teacher has extra time at the end of the unit, or wishes to adapt the unit to analyze more than one on-screen depiction of Spartacus, this book could be used as a guide. Chapter 2 “From Kubrick’s Political Icon to Television Sex Symbol” by Nuno Simões Rodrigues helps to provide a clear segue between film and television, as well as an overview of the many adaptations Spartacus has underwent throughout history.
Cornelius, Michael G., ed.
Of Muscles and Men: Essays on the Sword & Sandal Film
. . Jefferson: McFarland & Company, 2011.
Though often referenced, this collection of essays does not solely focus on Spartacus. The essays in this book focus mainly on how gender and masculinity are defined and portrayed by “sword and sandal” films, such as
Spartacus
. This book could provide background for some really interesting conversations about the way films adapt history in depicting machismo, violence, muscles, and heteronormativity.
Cornelius, Michael G., ed.
Spartacus in the Television Arena
. Jefferson: McFarland & Company, 2015.
While this curriculum unit focuses solely on the 1960 film version of
Spartacus
, other on-screen adaptations Spartacus’s history do exist. This book analyzes the 2010-2013 Starz television series
Spartacus
. If a teacher has extra time at the end of the unit, or wishes to adapt the unit to analyze more than one on-screen depiction of Spartacus, this book could be used as a guide.
Davis, Natalie Zemon.
Slaves on Screen: Film and Historical Vision
. Toronto: Random House Canada, 2000.
Chapter 2, “Resistance and Survival:
Spartacus
” provides excellent analysis of the different ways, both historically accurate and inaccurate, slaves are portrayed throughout the 1960 film
Spartacus
.
Stothard, Peter.
On the Spartacus Road
. London: Harper Press, 2010.
This book is included more for teacher enjoyment than instruction. This book is a true story, following the author’s actual journey across Italy while battling cancer. The book melds the ancient history of Spartacus with personal experiences. It does, however, help the reader to better understand the physical landscape of Rome, and the journey taken by slaves during the Servile War.
Theodorakopoulos, Elena.
Ancient Rome at the Cinema: Story and Spectacle in Hollywood and Rome
. Exeter: Bristol Phoenix Press, 2010.
This book contains a number of essays on different Roman history-based films, such as
Ben-Hur
and
Gladiator
. These could be useful for other film units. However, chapter 3 specifically focuses on
Spartacus
and the “politics of story-telling.” This chapter provides great analysis of the film itself, including an examination of script, actors, background/landscape, and its classification as an “epic” or “spectacle”.
Trow, M.J..
Spartacus: The Myth and the Man
. Phoenix Mill: Sutton Publishing, 2006.
I would highly suggest teachers read specifically chapters one and eleven within this book. Both chapters provide helpful analysis concerning the legends and realities of the historical Spartacus, while also connecting back to the film.
Winkler, Martin M., ed.
Spartacus: Film and History
. Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2007.
This collection of essays provided some of the most useful information on the production of the film and its historical relationship to the time-period in which it was created. Chapter 1, by Duncan Cooper clearly explains the behind-the-scenes production of the film, focusing on Trumbo, Kubrick, and their differing opinions. Chapter 9, by Martin M. Winkler, does an excellent job in relating the events and characters of the film to the real-world events and leaders of the 1950’s and 60’s.