Spartacus the 1960 Film Spartacus,

Spartacus

The 1960 film Spartacus, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a historical drama that also demonstrates different leadership goals, motives, and methods. Between Spartacus, Crassus, and Gracchus, only Spartacus demonstrates a noble form of leadership because he is selfless, courageous, and true to his ideals.

Unlike Crassus or Gracchus, Spartacus's goals, motives, and methods are all selfless. Both Crassus and Gracchus are politicians who desire to rule Rome. In one scene in the movie, Crassus stands before a crowd of Romans including the army. The army and audience chants "Crassus! Crassus!" Crassus seems to enjoy the adoration because he walks proudly and claims to be the leader who can fight the "evil" that is threatening civilization. Interestingly, Spartacus does exactly the opposite. Spartacus most clearly demonstrates his selfless nobility in the scene when all the slaves stand up and state, "I am Spartacus!" Here, Spartacus was ready to take responsibility and present himself to Crassus. He was willing to martyr himself for the greater good of the whole. Spartacus knew that he could have saved the lives of the other slaves if he turned himself in, which is the opposite of what either Crassus or Gracchus do throughout the movie. For example, Crassus does whatever he can to retain political power, including buying off people. Crassus's goal is power, his motives are selfish, and his methods are cruel. Gracchus is especially selfish and manipulative in his leadership style. His goal is also power, his motives are selfish, and his methods are unethical. Spartacus's main goal is liberty and justice for all the slaves. Spartacus is motivated by ethical duty. His methods are those of a warrior, but he never betrays a friend. Therefore, Spartacus is an extremely selfless leader, one who puts principles before his own personal glory.

Although Crassus and Gracchus act bravely at times, their courage is not nearly as genuine as Spartacus's. The final battle scene of the film illustrates the sharp difference between Spartacus's courage and Crassus's courage. Crassus has the political support of the Senate, and Gracchus also has his legion of followers such as Julius Caesar. This enables both Crassus and Gracchus to seem courageous. He sits on his horse, looking strong. Yet it is important to point out that unlike Spartacus, Crassus does not actually lead his horse into battle. Moreover, Spartacus and his army use creative methods such as the fire logs to launch an offense. Even if their offense might fail, Spartacus is willing to do what it takes to achieve his goals. Of Spartacus, Crassus, and Gracchus, Gracchus is the least courageous because he commits suicide at the end of the film. His suicide shows that Gracchus did not have the bravery to face reality. Spartacus, on the other hand, remains strong even when he was going to be crucified. Spartacus's bravery is one of the main reasons why he is the most outstanding leader of the film.