Customer Reviews

Stanley Kubrick: Seven Films Analyzed

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This is almost an academic text that examines every possible nook and cranny of Kubrick's last seven films (Strangelove, 2001, Clockwork, Lyndon, Shining, Full Metal and Eyes Wide Shut). Though certain technical and historical aspects are noted, Rasmussen focuses on the stories, themes and concepts of the films themselves. Each film is given its own chapter where an almost scene by scene analysis dissects their unique symbolic elements, psychological themes and aesthetic qualities. "Stanley Kubrick : 7 Films Analyzed" is either a great companion for admirers, or a 'skeleton key' for those that never fully understood what made Kubrick such a important figure in modern cinema.

This book is meant to be a complete breakdown of the themes, styles and subject matter of some of Stanley Kubricks best films, and it succeeds on every level. For anyone who has been confused as to what messages Kubrick was trying to convey to his audience, this is the book for you. It describes in detail every message, every detail about how someone should go about viewing any and all of Stanley Kubrick's greatest films. This is a great reference for anyone who has ever questioned Kubrick's style as a director. It also bring into light the ideals Kubrick wanted his audience to see through his films, the main one being "humanity and the world that we live in." If anyone is a fan of Stanley Kubrick's films, his life or film in general than I suggest you get this book!

My understanding is that this is book is a textbook. I feel sorry for the people who have to wade through it. It's painful. The author attributes a significant amount of thought to various themes/concepts, but I found it way overboard.

This is the first book I've read which analyzes films/books in this manner, but the over-analysis of everything sucks the life/joy out of the process of analysis.

If you're someone who enjoys thinking about/discussing movie thematics with friends/family, I don't see you enjoying this book. There are a few interesting nuggets here and there, but the tone of the book comes off as pretentious dribble.