Director Series Review: Stanley Kubrick

This week, I decided to steer away from the movies themselves once more and concentrate on yet another director that has shaped the way I think with his amazing films.  This time around, I bring to you perhaps the greatest American director of all time (at least in my opinion), Stanley Kubrick.  In my mind, Kubrick sits on a very high pedestal, up there with the likes of Japanese great Akira Kurosawa and Korean guru Park Chan-Wook.  He is a master of conveying complex social issues in a way that is both entertaining and enlightening. 

If there’s one bad thing I could say about Kubrick, it’s that he made far too few films during his 70 years.  Even though he had several projects going at almost all times, many of those would end up as dead ends due to the typical issues that plague most Hollywood directors.  His career would span from the late 50s through the late 90s, although there were some very large gaps in there, the biggest being nearly a decade up until 1987 when he released Full Metal Jacket.  Only Eyes Wide Shut would follow, though Kubrick would pass away before the movie was even released.  At the time, he was working on A.I. (Artificial Intelligence), but his long-time friend, Steven Spielberg had to finish that one.  Still, even though he wasn’t around to direct it, you can see much of Kubrick’s influence in the dark humor and social commentary of the final product.

Kubrick’s’ reputation was that of a true perfectionist.  He would get his hands into virtually every aspect of the film’s production, a trait he shared in common with Kurosawa.  From camerawork to editing to sound, cinematography and producing, when Kubrick had a vision he went out of his way to make sure it came out pure.  In fact, more than a few actors and crew members had issues with Kubrick for the slave-driver mentality that he possessed, though somehow I think that the end result probably proved worth the blood, sweat and tears to most of them.  It was, after all, rare that a Kubrick film didn’t get nominated for at least a few Academy Awards.  Though, as an interesting and amusing side note, The Shining actually got nominated for a Razzie - Worst Director.  Of course, the same year saw a Saturn Award nomination for Best Director for the same flick.  No accounting for taste, I suppose.

To top it off, I’m going to relate the three Kubrick films that I personally consider to be my favorites.  No, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange and Lolita are not on this short-list.  Though I loved all three, these are the ones that I find myself returning to over and over.

Spartacus (1960) -

Until just a few moments ago, I never even realized that Spartacus, a movie that I love, was directed by Kubrick.  I honestly feel like a very poor fan right now.  But regardless of my ignorance, this is a film that I truly enjoy.  Being a fan of historical drama, it was nice to see one that addressed both the hero’s story as well as the grim realities of the time period.  Kubrick managed to create a three hour masterpiece that remains engaging the entire time.

Dr. Strangelove (1964) -

I have already mentioned my love of this film in another blog I did about some of the most rewatchable films of all time.  It also happens to be my favorite Kubrick film of all time.  A work of pure comedic genius and brilliant political satire, what many people don’t realize is that Dr. Strangelove originally started off as a serious drama.  During the time period, taking nuclear war and making light of it was not only frowned upon, but was considered box office poison.  But during the writing phase, Kubrick (looped up on coffee and no sleep) decided that it was all too ludicrous to take seriously.  Thus, the Dr. Strangelove we have all grown to know and love was born.  This movie, by the way, has achieved the impossible with an amazing 100/93% at Rotten Tomatoes.  For once the critics know what they’re talking about.

Full Metal Jacket (1987) -

And last on the list, Full Metal Jacket.  I know I’ll probably get crap for choosing this over 2001 or Clockwork, but to me this is the best Vietnam flick ever made.  Yeah, Apocalypse Now was great, but Kubrick really brings out the human element of the war while still retaining a healthy dose of enlightened commentary on war in general.  From his look at the dehumanizing efforts of basic training to the complexities of war itself, Kubrick’s’ remarkable insight really shines through.  Thus, I can watch this film regularly and still always get something new from it.

I can only say so much about the man, but for a great bio on Kubrick (for those that want more learning), check out this site.

Photo Credits -           

Stanley Kubrick courtesy of awesomepeople.com.ua

Spartacus courtesy of fanpop.com

Dr. Strangelove courtesy of voo-du.net

Full Metal Jacket courtesy of screeninvasion.com