Stanley Kubrick Directs (Abacus Books) Book

A prolific film critic as well as a friend of the late director, Alexander Walker has written what amounts to the only authorised guide to the work of Stanley Kubrick. First published in 1971, this updated edition of Stanley Kubrick, Director takes the reader through Kubrick's films from Fear and Desire to Eyes Wide Shut, discussing the genesis and production of each film, as well as offering an account which deals with some of Kubrick's key concerns. The director's fascination with drawing out the flaws in "perfect" plans, and his interest in communication(with its inherent tendency to break down), are among the themes discussed in relation to various films. However, Walker does not concentrate on a thematic approach, instead arranging the text chronologically, dealing with each film in turn. He is at pains to discover what makes each film distinctly Kubrick's, but at equal pains to show that this does not always mean shared themes, or even a common visual style.Walker's analysis is assisted by a wealth of illustrations, many of them from the director's own archive, which allow the critic to make specific reference to framing effects, use of symmetry and the like. However, there are occasions where the stills are used simply to illustrate the progression of the plot, something which a viewing of the film can do rather more effectively. This confusion of purpose is typical of the book, with Walker constantly shifting between a retelling of the events of a film, and his attempts to engage with and analyse Kubrick's technique. While this lack of focus, and some puzzling problems with the book's structure, might deter readers already acquainted with critical writing on Kubrick, Walker's volume nevertheless serves as a very useful and readable introduction to its subject. --John OatesRead More