No it is not.It's about...Say what the hell is it about? Oh well it's a great film anyway.

I enjoyed "Eyes Wide Shut," but I was let down that there wasn't any sex going on (the orgy scenes were a joke since they're "Blocked"). It promised, but didn't deliver.

And...how in blue blazes did they know, out of all the masked people, who Tom Cruise was? Who was the Whisperer/Warner? And it couldn't have been a dream, cause he...he...well, he returned the cape/mask, but then didn't he find the mask on his pillow? Yeah, I would love someone to explain this to me. It will not fall on deaf ears, believe you me.

Amadeus - Um, yeah, I think we get your point... You know what they say about opinions and everyone has one... However wrong it may be. Your puke on 2001 is noted... Question > What is 2001 about? You've obviously no real understanding of the depth of Kubrick's films - judging from your opinion of EWS and your FMJ poll thread - so I would be interested in seeing exactly what you know about 2001, other than you did not like it. Why?

Buttmunker - I would simply ask that you watch EWS again and draw your own conclusions beyond what you've been told that EWS is about... But, if you need someone to tell you, it's a film about faith and the importance of honesty, integrity and morality in this society - where these things mean little - that we live in. For starters. There's MUCH more there that will be revealed - as with ANY Kubrick film - with multiple viewings. Sexual obsession is merely the catalyst that propels the tale... Now, my basic interpretation is just that, basic, and is what I have taken from the film in my five viewings... The beauty of Kubrick's work is that it can have many meanings for many different people, and none of them can be the same... His films are about what resides in each of us... The comments that Stanley's films are cold and non-human could not be farther from the truth... They all require introspection to fully understand. So, I simply ask you to watch EWS again and look beyond the superficial.

So, you approached EWS as a sex film instead of with an open mind as to what Kubrick was trying to tell you... Same mistake most of the critics of this film have made.

To answer your questions, you weren't paying attention to the film.



One can not watch a Kubrick film once and "get it". It's been said a million times, they require multiple viewings... The man did not make movies with simple plots to entertain... Even his "less complicated" films like The Killing, Lolita, Full Metal Jacket and The Shining are about more than what resides on the surface.

I can't imagine why someone who likes Kubrick films wouldn't pay $2 to rent 2001, to find out for themselves if they like it or not. Whatever pops your clutch, I suppose.

For those in the Los Angeles area, the New Beverly theater is showing 2001 and A Clockwork Orange on Feb. 23, 24, 25. $6 for the double feature. I can't wait.

I didn't like 2001 because it was boring, had a crappy plot, not much dialogue, bad characters and a stupid little computer.It was just bad! And i still have no idea what the hell's it about?

So, in having no clue what-so-ever as to what 2001 is actually about, you just thought you would come in here and puke on it based on your opinions that the film was boring, had bad characters, not enough dialogue and a stupid little computer. Your analysis of the film will carry much weight on this thread, I'm sure... Might I suggest a little effort on your part next time before you proceed to enter a discussion on a film that is regarded as one of the true classics of cinema. Like I said, you're certainly entitled to your opinons, but have a leg to stand on if you wish to be taken seriously.

Sadly i'm not a gifted film reviewer like our fellow reviewers here at dvd talk. And please, don't insult me again.

Ladies, please.

Punk.

Not meant to insult, merely to defend my position on the film. Nothing personal, just an observation that you're not prepared to discuss the film. You're welcome to your opinions, I simply ask that you be prepared to defend them. A "this film sucks" with no explanation as to why means little.

And to switch gears... Buttmunker, you make no mention of The Killing, Paths Of Glory, Spartacus, Lolita or Barry Lyndon... Since this is your thread, I would ask if you have seen them and, if you have, your opinions on those films... A films of Kubrick discussion could not be complete without his "lesser known" work.

I would be glad to share my thoughts on those and highly recommend several viewings of all...

Sparticus usually isn't considered a Kubrick film by the Kubrick followers, though BL is often polled as his best film by his hardcore fans.

and this Even his "less complicated" films like...Full Metal Jacket and The Shining isn't true.

I'm so glad someone started a thread on Kubrick films. He's my favorite director, and the only one whose entire body of work I've seen. And I agree with pagos-no one else has done such a broad range of genres so greatly. My opinions are as follows:

Fear and Desire-Kinda cheesy, but nicely photographed and shows his potential.

Killer's Kiss-Predictable, but again nicely photographed and again not a bad way to spend an hour.

The Killing-Really good crime drama.

Paths of Glory-I LOVE this movie. So tragic, and so captivating. Anyone who says Kubrick's movies are "cold" will be silenced by a glimpse of this.

Spartacus-Dosen't feel like a Kubrick movie, since he didn't direct the first half and was only a director for hire on the second, but still one of the all-time great epics.

Lolita-OK this is one I didn't like. I just thought it was strange without much of a point. The tagline says "How did they ever make a movie out of Lolita?" By dancing around the main subject.

Dr. Strangelove-Hilarious. One of my favorite movies.

2001-The most hypnotic, majestic movie ever. One of my favorite movies.

Clockwork Orange-Terrifying, shocking, moving and biting. One of my favorite movies.

Barry Lyndon-Really underrated. Long and slow and depressing-and a masterpiece.

Shining-Very very scary and stylish.

Full Metal Jacket-I thought the boot camp part was excellent, but the part in Vietnam forgettable. I didn't care about any of the characters except Pyle.

Eyes Wide Shut-Could have been a classic, but tied things up much too neatly. I still enjoy watching it a lot.

That's (unfortunately) true. However, I'm a follower and I love it. It has many, many of Stan's touches. Much of the visual splendor is owed to his vision (for lack of a better term.)

If you see Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures, (which everyone should, it's a brilliant documentary), it becomes clear just how much he was involved with the greeatness of that film.

Yeah allright.Well i don't know about you, but i'm getting tired of discussing about a film i hate.So until the next "2001 = " post i make, i'm out.

I haven't seen those yet. Someday, someday...

I have a laundry list of old films I have to rent because, somehow or other, I've missed them.

Buck is correct... Spartacus is very much a Kubrick as director picture. It was not Stanley's film from conception and Kirk Douglas had a lot of control over it, but Kubrick did mold it into what it became. The direction is superb.

Phyre - Just my opinion... FMJ and The Shining are "less complicated" to this viewer. Like I said in my EWS rant, all Kubrick films seem to be open to multiple interpretations.

Amadeus - Fine by me... Thanks for the "discussion".

Mindhead - Stanley directed the vast majority of Spartacus, the exception being the opening scenes.

Buttmunker - I would also suggest renting Stanley Kubrick: A Life In Pictures. It's a superb documentary and will give you a lot of insight into Stanley the man as well as his films.

just a couple of quick comments:

-- Paths of Glory is essential. it might be my personal favorite of Kubrick's filims.

-- i would suggest giving 2001 a try. i know many people that hate it, for the many of the reasons amadeus mentioned. i can't blame them and i can see how it definitely isn't suited for everyone's tastes. that being said, if you have an appreciation for film as art at all, i think you'll love 2001. if you pull yourself out of the mindset that all films should be based on obvious narrative action, and instead submit yourself to having a cinematic experience in which you might have to look at things a little deeper to see what's going on, then 2001 will be an experience you won't forget.

-- the others are correct in saying that Eyes Wide Shut is not about sex. i think all of the pre-release buzz and the misleading ad campaign (hey, sex sells) set people up for dissappointment. not because it wasn't good, but because it wasn't the deviant sexual tale that people expected. i came in with very few expectations and was completely enchanted. i think it's the Vertigo of this generation in more ways than one. definitely give it another chance, but loosen your expectations beforehand.

Kubrick has been one of my very favorite directors for years. Whenever I want to watch a film that strikes up true emotion in me, he is the one I look for (contrary to the critics who label Kubrick films as cold and harsh). I have not yet had the chance to see some of his earliest films (Paths of glory, killer's kiss, the killing, and fear and desire). My take is this:

Spartacus: Again, I've heard the tales that Kubrick didn't have nearly as much involvement with this film as with his later projects. Kirk Douglas very much tried to control this project and Kubrick came on after production had started. I simply love this film though and really like the criterion dvd edition Jean Simmons was simply gorgeous.

Lolita: I haven't watched lolita as much as any of his other films. I've read the book and seen the adrian lynne remake. The film's ok for a kubrick film but it's not the book that's for sure and I think does something of a disservice to the material due to content restrictions of the period. However, I still occasionally pop it in

Dr. Strangelove: Awesome comedy..gut-bustingly funny "He's taking pictures of the Big Board(tm)!" or "If you don't get the President on the phone, you're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola Coporation" just make me laugh so hard Right about now I'm wondering if we can allow there to be a MineShaft Gap with Iraq:P

2001: Perfect film...No film before or since has truly captured the awesome majesty of space travel as realistically as this film...having someone like Arthur C Clarke co-write the script and advice the making of the film probably doesn't hurt either...I can understand that this film might not appeal to audiences of a more modern style of cinema but that really doesn't lessen the impact of this film. I really wish I could see it in the theater.

Clockwork Orange: My 2nd favorite Kubrick film and one of my top ten of all time. I love everything about this film and Malcolm mcdowell in particular. It may be too violent for some but I think this film is still as relevant today as it was in its own time.

Barry Lyndon: My favorite Kubrick film of all time; THIS Is what every film should aspire to be in my opinion It may be long and period pieces aren't usually looked favorably upon by the mass audiences but I don't notice at all..I am enraptured from the opening scene to the closing credits...mesmerized by how much care and love must have gone into the production of this film.

The Shining: Yes, I've read the book but I find Kubrick's film a masterful tale of suspense in its own right. Never a big shelley duvall fan though but she handles the character of the abused spouse well.

Full Metal Jacket: Contrary to some, I don't find the second half throwaway at all. Granted, not as much really happens compared to boot camp but I love the last scene where Joker is standing over the Vietnamese sniper girl in the burned out building; an image straight out of Dante screams to my mind while watching.

Eyes Wide Shut....Not one of my favorites ; Perhaps I have as much trouble connecting the two halves of the movies as would Tom Cruise while living through it. There are several parts I really like in this film but I just don't think it holds together quite as well as some of my favorite Kubrick films. And, I wasn't going into it looking for a film showing people having sex either

I sorely miss Kubrick and am sure he had many more great movies in him if he had lived longer.

Michael

Every time someone mentions "Barry Lyndon," they always talk about that its a period piece, they talk about the production...but wasn't Ryan O'Neal the star of that picture? How was his performance? Any opinions on the screenwriting?

In general Kubrick's films are more about the ideas behind the imagery than specific performances or clever writing. Which is way Modine, O'Niel and Cruise were all accused of not turning in spectacular performances. You will note that the most interesting acting in Kubrick films are usually by actors who already have singular talent, Nicholson, and Sellers most notabley

Just a bump for anyone in Los Angeles, 2001 & A Clockwork Orange tonight at the New Beverly. 7:00. $6.

I am generally not a fan of Ryan O’Neil’s work. Yet, he is perfect in the lead role as shallow pretty-boy who lives off the fortune of his good looks. It’s an amazing movie; not just technically (though the candle light scenes are beautiful), the movie satisfies emotionally and intellectually as well. Why not rent it and make up your own mind?

I have to agree that Barry Lyndon is Kubricks best film....it is, in a word, sumptuous. Every frame is a painting and the languid pace of the movie is just enthralling. It's a beautifully realized film, and while i've read complaints about Ryan O'Neal's performance, I thought he was perfect as the hard to sympathize with anti-hero who you end up feeling sorry for in the end after all. When I saw this the first time, i sat my Fiance down and made her watch it with me again the next night. It is a true masterpiece in every sense of the word.

Apparently, rather than having a costume designer, the characters all wear actual antique clothing - just one example of the touches that Kubrick added - you can tell that every single frame of this film is composed, and it is done so with utter perfection.

Lolita is the only one I have yet to see, but for reference i'd say my second favorite is either Dr. Strangelove, Clockwork Orange, the Shining, or Full Metal Jacket....depending on the time of day 2001 is in a class by itself, but it's not something i feel compelled to watch more than every few years - and it's more in a visiting a museum to appreciate the beauty than entertainment sense. And Eyes Wide Shut is an interesting case that I waffle on. I loved it in the theater, but think i've allowed too much of the negative press color my appreciation of it. It's the only one of the box set i've yet to acquire, but that's partly because of the censorship issue. I've held off on principle, even though I know there's no chance of an unaltered R1 release....eventually i'm confident that these 'regions' will go away or i'll get a code-free player, then i'll pick up the European release to see it as Kubrick filmed it.

So to summarize. Barry Lyndon - not only an underrated Kubrick movie, but one of the single most under appreciated films in history. Rent it if you must, but i'd say just buy it and settle in for a true experience in cinematic perfection.