director 09: kubrick films

"I am not an animal". one of my favorite films of all time and a genuine cinema classic. spartacus is a grand epic and one of the greatest hero stories ever put to film. definitely my favorite kubrick picture which is ironic because kubrick went on to disown this film because it wasnt "his". He was a director for hire making the film kirk douglas wanted to make. regardless, its my favorite kubrick film and an amazing movie. "Im Spartacus!"

im not sure that the word "epic" should ever be used to describe a horror film, but if it was this would be the film to apply it to. easily one of the smartest and scariest films ever made despite that fact that King, who authored the source material, didnt like the film. the cinematography was outstanding, with epic landscapes and larger than life shots of the hotel and the production of some of the most memorable and iconic images ever captured in a movie. nicholson puts in one of his best performances and the slow pacing gives off a haunting feel. the only thing keeping this film from perfection in my mind was the reality of how warped the story really was. despite the films genius and effectiveness, as a family man i had a hard time enjoying a film about a good dad that tries to murder his family after a bout with insanity. despite this, the shining is possibly the greatest horror film ever made.

four stars is a very high score for me. while i am confident in giving four stars to this american classic, this is probably the highest score ive ever given a film that i had so many problems with. ill start with the negatives.
hal 9000 has to be the most overrated "great" villian in history. because of the extreme lack of diologue in this film he isnt developed much, and his interaction with his human counterparts is so limited that no real tension is built. when hal 9000 goes into preserverence mode, i didnt find myslef caring or being intrigued at all. there were also things in the film left completely unexplained, and although this brings a viewer into a fun place of theory and alegorization it made the film a little less satisfying. the end of the film especially calls for theory and discussion but at the same time it was a dissappointing and anti climatic ending. the film also had lengthy and unneccessary sequences where diologue could have helped.
the reason why i LOVE this film despite these problems is that in the technical elements this film was incredibly perfect in every regard. the cinematography was flawless, among the absloute best i have ever seen. there was not a single throw away shot in the entire film, every single shot was thought through and executed masterfully. the musical score was also genius, adding to the majesty of each shot, and the art direction and set design was amazing. the science of the film was realistic and detailed, and the space shots drew me into awe with the realization that God has created true beauty that man doesnt understand.
the symbolism in the film was also well thought out and truly profound. the dawn of man sequence, while promoting a naturalistic worldview that i reject, was done very well. the bone used as the first tool, being connected to the satellite, made a profound statement about man, his ambition, and the ultimate corruption of many of the things that man creates. while i dont hold to the "cirlce of life" presented in the film, the point was effectively made and the story well told. in all, i had HUGE issues with a few things in the film, and was still completely captivated by it in every way. a truly great and foundational classic.

simple and silly, the subtlety of this movies humor is what makes it so good. a hilarious ending when we see strageloves real alliegences as well as a glum ending add to the fun. this film made fun of things most wouldnt joke about, but it was pleasantly tasteful. good comedy.

a phenomenal crime story. woven tightly and interesting the entire way through, one of kubricks best films.

a great war movie from kubrick. douglas puts in a great performance and the story was well told and very profound. this doesnt play like an anti war film as many claim, it plays more like a film on the evaluation of the philosophy of war. i was drawn into the dilema and emotion stirred as an injustice was served. great film.

the first hour dwells in vulgarity a little too much, and the last five minutes were a little silly for an otherwise serious and emotionally effective film, but in all this is a really good war film. sort of plays like two different films in some ways, but overall very impactful and legitemate in showing the reality of war. good flick.

a tale of two extremes. in some ways, this film is gluttonous with many of the things i hate most about movies. in other ways its diologue and commentary are so brilliant and profound that one cant help but be captured by the films themes. in the end, i am only left recommending this film to people who want to think through what they watch. if you are looking to be entertained and this film entertains you, you are demented and should seek help.

an interesting film with flashes of profundity, but completely unwatcheable at the same time. certainly kubricks demented side comes out here in similar fashion to clockwork orange. while most of kubricks work is marvelous, this film just fell flat at every turn and delved into the realm of the silly. a waste of time.