Term Paper: Stanley Kubrick

Alicia V. Mucha
November 11th 2008
102 C
Term Paper

Stanley Kubrick



Stanley Kubrick defined himself through being one of the most prominent American film directors, screenwriters and producers of his time. Kubrick directed several highly commended films that never fit the norm, but instead were always successful without mimicking or being influenced by the work of others. The means in which he took to set himself aside from others gave him the reputation of “the scrupulous care with which he chose his subjects, his slow method of working, the variety of genres he worked in, his technical perfectionism, and his reclusiveness about his films and personal life.” This statement clearly desribes not only the determination of this film director, but also his persistence and knowledge of how important design and well as the minute details which all contributed to a successful piece of art, which is how his films can be characterized. “I would not think of quarreling with you interpretation nor offering any other, as I have found it always the best policy to allow the film to speak for itself (Kubrick, www.Kubrick.com).”

Below is a link from a multitude of films depicting scenes which expressed the precision and attention that Kubrick put into each and every moment he captured on film, creating nothing but perfection:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfC2GHP6neQ

As a film director, Stanley Kubrick displays a style, which allowed for much interpretation and one that also evoked the imagination of his audience, both creating an open ground of free interpretation for the meaning behind his work as well as actively engaging his viewer. “How could we possibly appreciate the Mona Lisa if Leonardo had written at the bottom of the canvas: ‘The lady is smiling because she is hiding a secret from her lover.’ This would shackle the viewer to reality, and I don’t want this to happen…. (Kubrick,www.kubrick.com).” With the utilization of though provoking pictures, Kubrick managed to make his work unique and solely attributed to him. With films such as: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Full Metal Jacket, Barry Lyndon, Dr. Strangelove, The Shining, Eyes Wide Shut, and Clockwork Orange, this film director left his mark in the completion of creative film and to prove his talent he expressed his skills without limiting himself to exclusively one genre.



Not only were the works this artist produced uniquely, but also the steps Kubrick incorporated in order to create these masterpieces was in itself astonishing. Kubrick displayed a passion for detail and always managed to factor this aspect into all his works. “Kubrick’s attention to detail was really his great gift. Just look at the movies he made and it comes through in every single frame (www.pages.prodigy.com).” Although Kubrick was often criticized for the time and labor he put forth in the creative process of his works, it is this very quality which distinguished Kubrick’s movies, making them noticeable and clearly his own. “They were not simply slices of boloney like so much junk Hollywood throws out. He took the time, the care, and the administrative effort to make things right and strived not to be interfered with so he could make it right. Because of this Kubrick turned out one resonant image or sound or effect after another (www.pages.prodigy.com).”



In Conclusion, Stanley Kubrick without a doubt proved himself to be one of the most prominent American film directors, screenwriters and producers of his time. This distinguished individual directed several highly commended films that stood out amongst the rest of the films of that time.