Stanley Kubrick: The Killing Discussion

Join movie club member Nick M for the first film in a series focusing on the works of Stanley Kubrick! Responsible for films like 2001: A Space Odessey, Full Metal Jacket, and The Shining; he influenced directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, George Lucas, and Paul Thomas Anderson. We're going to begin our examination of Kubrick with an earlier film; The Killing (1956). Here's how it works:

1. We'll meet at Lucky Lab in SE at 2pm (map), we'll have a sign at our table (be sure to check outside just in case the weather is nice).
2. Grab a drink and we'll spend some time discussing the film with us (NOTE: Just like a book club, we watch the movie before we meet, streaming links below).

Movie Spotlight: The Killing (1956)
The Killing is a 1956 film noir directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel "Clean Break" by Lionel White. The movie follows a group of small-time crooks, led by Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden), as they plan and execute a complex heist at a racetrack. The team, which includes a corrupt cop, a wrestler, and a cashier, aims to steal a large sum of money from the track's counting room. As the story unfolds, the characters' motivations and backstories are revealed, adding depth to the narrative. The film's non-linear storytelling and use of overlapping timelines add to the tension and suspense.

The Killing received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a classic of the film noir genre. The movie was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1995, deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Although it did not receive any major awards at the time of its release, The Killing has been recognized as one of the greatest films of all time by various organizations and critics. It has been named as one of the 100 Best Films of All Time by The Guardian and has a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising its influential direction, strong performances, and gripping storyline. The film's success can be seen as a milestone in Kubrick's career, showcasing his unique visual style and storytelling ability, which would go on to influence many other filmmakers.

About Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick (1928–1999) was an American filmmaker and photographer, widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time. Born and raised in New York City, Kubrick displayed a keen interest in literature, photography, and film from a young age. After graduating from high school, he taught himself all aspects of film production and direction. His films spanned various genres and were often adaptations of novels or short stories. Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail, innovative cinematography, extensive set design, and dark humor set him apart. Notable works include “Paths of Glory” (1957), an anti-war film, and the historical epic “Spartacus” (1960), both collaborations with actor Kirk Douglas. In 1961, Kubrick left the U.S., settling in England, where he continued to create groundbreaking films. His science fiction masterpiece “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) earned him an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and is considered one of the greatest films ever made.

Kubrick’s artistic control extended to writing, editing, color grading, promotion, and exhibition. His perfectionism led to painstaking research, innovative staging, and multiple retakes of scenes, sometimes frustrating his actors. His legacy endures through films that broke new ground, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.

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Tips:

1. Haven't seen the movie in a while? You're in for a treat - try to watch the movie sometime before we meet (streaming options). Just like a book club we don't watch the movie at our meetup, just discuss it. You don't have to watch the movie to join us, but it'll be more fun if you can
2. I usually take a few notes while I watch to keep from forgetting the most interesting stuff. If you think of some interesting discussion topics while you watch, bring 'em with you!

Movie Resources:

• Letterboxd page
• Movie on YouTube