Customer Reviews

Kubrick

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am glad Mr. Ciment waited until Kubrick's oeuvre was completed before updating what is, indeed, the very last word on this very unique artist's films. Everything is here from the first edition which was out-of-print for quite awhile plus the films that were made after. With Stanley Kubrick's death we now have the very best study of the themes, techniques and recurring visions of a very singular artist. Anyone who wants to understand the evolution of Stanley Kubrick can disregard all the other flawed books out there and put this one on the shelf as a keeper. With detailed analysis and tons of pictures, any serious fan of his films will appreciate this as only the subtitle says it is - the definitive edition.

With Stanley Kubrick dead and his final film released, Michael Ciment had the opportunity to update his biography/analysis of the great director's career. Rather than rewrite the entire book, he's decided to update it with new interviews and an additional chapter or two on Eyes Wide Shut. (The previous edition was updated to include Full Metal Jacket.) He's also added a lot more photographs --- stills from the films and images of Kubrick at work. The photos of Kubrick working on EWS are particularly interesting.

Early in the book, after a short biographical chapter, Ciment goes through a list of common motifs in Kubrick's films. These include the use of masks, actors in dual roles, character playing games such as chess and cards within the film, circular set design, and a close shot of a main character's eye. Because this section was not updated to include Full Metal Jacket or Eyes Wide Shut, you can decide for yourself if these motifs were carried on in the those two films. (In my opinion, many of the motifs are not found in his last two films.)

This is followed by an essay on 'Kubrick and the Fantastic,' a dull and pretentious piece that doesn't add much. It leads to the best part of the book, the second half, in which Kubrick and his collaborators are interviewed. Kubrick responds to questions with answers that are full of information, but he's evasive when he describes his own films. Later on, the author explains why: Kubrick felt his movies should be self-explanatory (after multiple viewings) and didn't like the "What's this movie about?" question.

The interviews with actors, set designers, co-writers, and costume designers are very good. Everyone has the same reaction: Kubrick exasperated them as he demanded their best work . . . but they wouldn't trade that experience for anything in the world. It's a testament to Kubrick that he choose people who were not petty. (The only sour note is Frederick Raphael, the co-screenwriter for Eyes Wide Shut. He seems smart, but not in Kubrick's league.)

If you're a casual Kubrick fan, this book is a worthwhile introduction. The photos are very good and, as an overview, it's excellent. It is, however, pretentious at times in the analysis of the films. For the hardcore Kubrick fan who has read (or is planning to read) everything on the director, this book ranks third or fourth. Read Baxter's and Herr's books first.

Now I own this book. 5,6 years ago, I bought this at second hand book store. So book I have is second handed one, and Japanese special edition. As other reviewers say, it's very very great pity that this book is out of print now. I think some publisher had better make new edition title, added to a visualy wondeful film-Eyes Wide Shut!! If you have found it at bookstore and you are a Kubrician, you must take it, buy it, bring it your home, and enjoy these so many precious fotos or very important his interviews in this book. I have various books about Kubrick, but this Michel Ciment's Kubrick is the best book in published ones ever I think. Do your best for finding one!! All your efforts for this book would not be wasted, EVER!

This book has been held in high regard ever since it first appeared. Earlier editions were becoming collectible and were always disappearing from libraries.

I guess it was safe for a reappearance following the passing of Stanley Kubrick and the completion of his body of work. The book has been reworked beautifully, including all of the amazing color photos, essays, and interviews from before plus some new additions, namely chapters on Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut chapters. There are additional interviews with various collaborators.

In short, in the wake of Kubrick books that sprouted up following the director's death in 1999, Ciment's Kubrick ranks right at the top. It's a gorgeous volume, and the interviews (done by Ciment following Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, and The Shining) are some of the most enlightening words from the director.

Highly recommended for the Kubrick fan and the film buff. Also recommended is Thomas Allen Nelson's Kubrick: Inside a Film Artist's Maze.

I know it's been said before, though never with this sense of urgency: this book is a MUST HAVE for anyone into Kubrick's work, anyone with a passion for film-making or simply anyone looking for a great book on art & film. Profusely illustrated with rarely seen images and written in a style that goes from the intimate to the most general aspects of Kubrick's life, going through this book will make you feel like an acquaintance of the great master witnessing a friendly discussion on set. A must have indeed.

One of the most interesting books I have read on Kubrick.Plenty of set photos. A great addition to any Kubrick library.

I have an earlier version of this book. It's no matter. Such is the wonderful thing about scholarship, that in pouring over an over-examined subject, the analysis of a nimble mind can leave one in awestruck appreciation; at what the author has been able to get at. Though perhaps less than 5 pages, the essay here on 2001 is as smart and generous as any essay ever written about the film. And the wondrous thing about it, is that any two sentences of this essay could yield other entire essays. I recommend reading it once quickly, then going back to ponder it slowly.

I am here to repay Ciment's short excellent essay on 2001 with a rave. For the record I am not a Kubrick fanboy, and find several of his works to be sub-par, but he was an unusually thoughtful man; and that is quite rare.

Beyond essential. A wonderful and beautiful book full of great photos of all Kubrick's films up to "The Shining." There is a cool photo of Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove costume, standing alone in the war-room; very noir. Another great photo from "The Shining" set of Kubrick seated w/ Danny Lloyd in one arm, as they watch some daily rushes. Hope this rare book comes back into print, so more people can get a chance to check it out. I picked-up two copies of this hardcover book at a garage sale recently along with a very mint "Shining" soundtrack album. Great book, hope you can find it.

With the passing of Mr Kubrick, it's nothing short of a crime that what is really the only definitive study of his work is unavailable. Please, for all the Kubrick fans out there, let's see this book back in print.

A book that any Kubrick fan should certainly take a look at. It is filled with terrific photographs from all his films up to "The Shining". Like a lot of books of this type, some of the analysis gets a bit overheated. The last sections of the book are some very interesting interviews with Kubrick and members of his team, like lighting cameraman John Alcott. .