The Stanley Kubrick Archives

Synopsis

In 1968, when Stanley Kubrick was asked to comment on the metaphysical significance of 2001: A Space Odyssey, he replied: "It's not a message I ever intended to convey in words. 2001 is a nonverbal experience… I tried to create a visual experience, one that directly penetrates the subconscious with an emotional and philosophic content."

Now available as part of our Bibliotheca Universalis series, The Stanley Kubrick Archives borrows from the director's philosophy. From the opening sequence of Killer's Kiss to the final frames of Eyes Wide Shut, it allows the masterful visuals of Kubrick's films to impress through a sequence of compelling, mesmerizing stills. We uncover Kubrick's creative process through fascinating archival material, including set designs, sketches, correspondence, documents, screenplays, drafts, notes, and shooting schedules.

Accompanying the visual and archival material are essays by noted Kubrick scholars, articles written by and about Kubrick, and a selection of Kubrick's best interviews. The result is a visual, archival, and scholarly journey through masterworks of 20th-century cinema and the meticulous mind of the director behind them.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Early Years (1928-1951)

* Explores Kubrick's childhood, early interests in photography and filmmaking, and his breakthrough short films.
* Real example: "Day of the Fight" (1951), a gritty documentary short that showcased Kubrick's innovative camerawork and editing style.

Chapter 2: The Transition to Feature Films (1952-1959)

* Discusses Kubrick's first feature films, including "Fear and Desire" (1953) and "Killer's Kiss" (1955).
* Real example: "The Killing" (1956), a heist thriller that cemented Kubrick's reputation as a master of precision and suspense.

Chapter 3: The Commercial Breakthrough (1960-1968)

* Explores Kubrick's breakthrough films, "Spartacus" (1960) and "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964).
* Real example: "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968), a groundbreaking science fiction epic that revolutionized visual effects and cinematic storytelling.

Chapter 4: The Experimental Years (1969-1980)

* Analyzes Kubrick's experimental films, including "A Clockwork Orange" (1971) and "Barry Lyndon" (1975).
* Real example: "The Shining" (1980), a psychological horror masterpiece that became one of Kubrick's most iconic works.

Chapter 5: The Later Years (1981-1999)

* Covers Kubrick's later films, including "Full Metal Jacket" (1987) and "Eyes Wide Shut" (1999).
* Real example: "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" (2001), released posthumously and considered a testament to Kubrick's visionary imagination.

Chapter 6: The Kubrick Archives

* Documents the extensive collection of materials housed at the Stanley Kubrick Archive at the University of Arts in London.
* Provides insights into Kubrick's creative process, research, and collaborations.

Chapter 7: The Legacy of Stanley Kubrick

* Examines Kubrick's lasting impact on filmmaking, including his influence on visual style, narrative structure, and social commentary.
* Real example: Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" (2008), which pays homage to Kubrick's use of wide lenses and meticulous framing.

Additional Points of Interest:

* Extensive illustrations, including photographs, storyboards, and behind-the-scenes footage.
* Interviews with Kubrick's collaborators, family members, and friends.
* An analysis of Kubrick's obsessive attention to detail and technical perfection.