Stanley Kubrick: American Filmmaker

A captivating biography of the influential filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, exploring his life, career, and Jewish identity. The book offers a fresh perspective on his films through interviews and archival material.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2020
Publisher: Yale University Press

A captivating and meticulously researched exploration into the remarkable life and career of one of the most influential filmmakers in cinematic history. This captivating book delves into the intricate details of Stanley Kubrick's life, from his humble beginnings in the Bronx to his ascent to cinematic greatness.

Born to a medical family, Kubrick's early interests were diverse, encompassing photography, chess, and a profound fascination with movies. Despite his lack of formal education in filmmaking, Kubrick was a self-taught visionary who emerged as an outsider within the Hollywood mainstream. His Jewishness played a significant role in shaping his identity as an outsider, fueling his obsession with rebellion against authority, war, and male violence.

Yet, behind his rebellious exterior, Kubrick was a calm, meticulously masterful creator who possessed a rare ability to immerse himself in his work. He was a talkative, ever-curious polymath who cherished his friendships and family, always seeking new insights and experiences to enrich his artistic journey.

In this comprehensive book, author David Mikics delves into the personal side of Kubrick's films, drawing on extensive interviews and newly discovered archival material. Through his meticulous research, Mikics provides a fresh perspective on Kubrick's life and work, shedding light on the influences, inspirations, and creative processes that shaped his iconic films.

From his early experimental works to his later masterpieces like "2001: A Space Odyssey," "A Clockwork Orange," and "The Shining," Kubrick's films exist in a unique world of their own, defying conventional storytelling and pushing the boundaries of visual and narrative innovation. Mikics explores the themes and motifs that permeate Kubrick's oeuvre, examining the ways in which he used imagery, sound, and editing to create profound psychological and philosophical explorations.

Furthermore, the book delves into Kubrick's complex relationships with his colleagues, actors, and collaborators, shedding light on the collaborative nature of his filmmaking process. Kubrick's ability to inspire and nurture talent, as well as his meticulous attention to detail, made him a sought-after director who worked with some of the most renowned actors and artists of his time.

In conclusion, "Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures" is a must-read for anyone interested in cinema, art, and the human psyche. This captivating and meticulously researched book offers a deep and insightful exploration into the life and work of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. By providing a fresh perspective on Kubrick's personal life and creative processes, Mikics has created a valuable contribution to the literature on Kubrick and his enduring legacy in the world of cinema.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 159 x 216 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300224405