Stanley Kubrick’s Boxes

July 18th, 2008 link to (permalink)

Jon Ronson’s Documentary about Kubrick. What the hell is he talking about at the start?

If an artist painted each picture she did in a different style, we would think her a fraud, or at least derivative. One way of showing you meant something and to demonstrate a style is to repeat it. A single Jackson Pollock might have looked accidental and wouldn’t have made a splash, as it were.

Kubrick set out to create definitive films in different genres and with different styles (Sci Fi: 2001, Horror: The Shining, War: Full Metal Jacket, Epic: Spartacus). Astoundingly, he pulled it off.

tags: biography

3 responses so far »

Tom Whitwell : Jul 18, 2008 at 3:18 pm

Thanks! That was wonderful. Makes me want to get down to Elephant and Castle right now…
TND : Jul 18, 2008 at 5:04 pm

What you are referring too is precisely the definition of genius.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVPduOOODzo (first 57 secs)
Steve P Brown : Jul 19, 2008 at 5:14 pm

Truly amazing.

I remember reading the guardian article on Jon Ronson’s visit. I emailed him years back asking when the documentary would be made and put on air. He had no idea. It’s finally here and has made my day. I missed this on Tuesday, which was rather frustrating. Things are a lot better now I’ve seen it, so thank you.

I made the trip out to frankfurt in 2004 to see his archive on show in public for the first time. The trip changed my life. I only wish I could have worked with such a master. Stanley, a true genius!