The Complete Kubrick Book

This is not a book about Kubrick; it is a book about Kubrick's films. Much has already been written about the director of The Clockwork Orange, The Shining and Eyes Wide Shut, and debate still rages about his controversial reputation and auteur style. The Complete Kubrick takes one step back from the fray. Taking each of the director's three short movies and 13 features in turn, David Hughes provides entertaining and easy-to-read companion studies for all. Conversational but still perfectly informed, the writing here is accessible and witty; certainly Kubrick beginners could sit back, learn and enjoy this after stumbling across 2001--A Space Odyssey during a visit to Blockbusters. Introductions to the themes and underlying sub-plots inherent in each movie will interest both these guys and general film buffs, as will Hughes' insight into the casting choices, production, influences and reviews of the time. Fanatics will appreciate the definitive cast lists and fact sections, while everyone else can take a lighter look at Kubrick's influences--learning each film's most quotable lines, or spotting The Simpsons' Kubrick references for ever more. Chapters can be read in order or according to preference, as each represents a complete entity in itself. By introducing each film then completing the reader's knowledge of it--placing it in the cultural context of the time of its release (paying particular attention to the outcry films like A Clockwork Orange and Lolita provoked) Hughes succeeds also in providing insight into a filmmaker's vision and drive. There is an eight page section of small-scale photos to illustrate, plus a substantial list of sources and impressive bibliography at the end. --Helen LamontRead More