Description
University Press of Mississippi Stanley Kubrick by Edited by Gene D. Phillips
From his first feature film Fear and Desire (1953) to his final posthumously released Eyes Wide Shut (1999) Stanley Kubrick excelled at probing the dark corners of human consciousness. In doing so he adapted such popular novels as The Killing Lolita A Clockwork Orange and The Shining and selected a wide variety of genres for his films black comedy (Dr. Strangelove) science fiction (2001: A Space Odyssey) and war (Paths of Glory and Full Metal Jacket). Because he was peerless in unveiling the intimate mysteries of human nature no new film by Kubrick ever failed to spark debate or to be deeply pondered. Kubrick (19281999) has remained as elusive as the subjects of his films. Unlike many other filmmakers he was not inclined to grant interviews instead preferring to let his movies speak for themselves. By allowing both critics and moviegoers to see the inner workings of this reclusive filmmaker this first comprehensive collection of his relatively few interviews is invaluable. Ranging from 1959 to 1987 and including Kubricks conversations with Gene Siskel Jeremy Bernstein Gene D. Phillips and others this book reveals Kubricks diverse interests nuclear energy and its consequences space exploration science fiction literature religion psychoanalysis the effects of violence and even chess and discloses how each affects his films. He enthusiastically speaks of how advances in camera and sound technology made his films more effective.Kubrick details his handson approach to filmmaking as he discusses why he supervises nearly every aspect of production. All the handheld camerawork is mine he says in a 1972 interview about A Clockwork Orange. In addition to the fun of doing the shooting myself I find it virtually impossible to explain what I want in a handheld shot to even the most talented and sensitive camera operator. Neither guarded nor evasive the Kubrick who emerges from these interviews is candid opinionated confident and articulate. His incredible memory and his gift for organization come to light as he quotes verbatim sections of reviews books and articles. Despite his reputation as a recluse the Kubrick of these interviews is approachable witty full of anecdotes and eager to share a fascinating story.show more