Stanley Kubrick

 Deservedly considered among the ten greatest directors, though, like Welles, he  dominated thinking about contemporary film for decades while producing little work. The influence of Kubrick and Hitchcock combined is about 90% responsible for everything good in subsequent big budget film-making. First and foremost a photographer, Kubrick's films have a unique look: strikingly colored sets with high walls (and ceilings) shot with wide-angle lenses from  low perspectives, creating a look that was both expansive and claustrophobic. Like Vermeer his dazzling genius was singular, so he can be imitated but not incorporated. In that sense his influence will be shallow. Aside from the general defense of individuality that most artists manifest, it's hard to generalize about his films' content. About the only director who could rely on zooms without appearing ridiculous.

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Paths of Glory (DVD)    1957
DVD / Region 1 (USA)
 $9.89 Add to Cart
Stanley Kubrick's gut-wrenching anti-war drama stars Kirk Douglas as an individualistic World War I officer defending three men tried for cowardice when an ill-advised "suicide mission" fails. George Macready, Adolphe Menjou, Ralph Meeker and Wayne Morris also star. 86 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French; theatrical trailer.

Cast:Richard Anderson, Fred Bell, Harold Benedict, Peter Capell, Timothy Carey, Susanne Christian, Kirk Douglas, Bert Freed, Jerry Hausner, George Macready, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, Emile Meyer, Wayne Morris, John Stein, Joseph Turkel

 
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