Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (2001)

Sadly Over-hyped

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

An excellent examination of an excellent artist, but also, an honest one. "A life in pictures" depicts every essential moment in Stanley Kubrick's life, not leaving aside any detail, just as he used to do at the moment of making a film. It is true, he was an odd person and different from others, some hated him and others loved him; at the end, he wasn't praised for being an example of human being, he was praised for the quality of filmmaker and artist he was.The film has the testimony of people who knew him, from schoolmates to actors. This gives you a more wide perspective of who he was as a person, and as a filmmaker. It will prove a challenge to label him as a person, especially when you see his relationship with Shelley Duvall, but his work as a director is miraculous. One thing that I found amusing was the fact that he shared one specific characteristic with Alfred Hitchcock: he assumed complete control of his movies. That's what made his movies, well, HIS MOVIES! Gloriously detailed work from the life of undeniably, the best movie director of all time.FINAL CONSENSUS: From birth to death, from personal footage to actual interviews, A Life in Pictures portrays in an excellent manner both the man and artist that worked behind the lens.

Because of his reclusive nature, Stanley Kubrick was never the best choice of subject for a documentary, in life as well as in death. Then again, that depends on who's behind the camera - in this case, the late director's brother-in-law and collaborator Jan Harlan, who also appears as one of the interviewees.Harlan's choice is very simple: skip any attempt to understand the man and just focus on what we have, namely the pictures (hence the film's title). Not just the movies, but also the photos he took in his youth, before discovering cinema. This aspect is covered through comments by friends and family members. Fans, however, are probably more interested in what people have to say about the films, and so we've got some of the key cast and crew of almost all of his movies (one notable exception is Dr. Strangelove, given Peter Sellers and George C. Scott died a long time before Harlan shot the documentary) describing their experiences. In addition, other filmmakers express their sincere admiration for Kubrick, with heaps of praise coming from Scorsese, Spielberg (who directed the Kubrick-inspired A.I.) and Woody Allen (the original choice for Sydney Pollack's role in Eyes Wide Shut).All possible anecdotes surrounding the man and his methods are recounted with joy, and the effect his films had on culture and society are explored in detail. Hearing Allen's first impressions of 2001 is refreshing (he didn't like it at first), whilst Scorsese's reaction to Paths of Glory is a perfect tribute to that picture's power ("It was so honest, it was shocking!"). The most famous controversy remains that surrounding A Clockwork Orange, and it's almost touching when Kubrick's widow recalls his decision to withdraw it from theaters in England until his death. We don't learn anything new about the great director, but hearing it from those people completely justifies Harlan's effort.That said, there is one little problem in the film, and that's the fact that everyone is completely incapable of saying anything bad about Kubrick. Okay, maybe his death has something to do with it, but after dozens of occasions during which both Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall berated him for how he treated them on the set of The Shining, hearing them say it was generally a positive experience is surprising to say the least. The closest anyone comes to a bit of criticism is when Malcolm McDowell, always the ultimate Kubrickian icon, describes their relationship like this: "I loved him one moment and wanted to kill him the next!".Overall A Life in Pictures doesn't add much to what we knew about one of the world's best filmmakers, nor does it take anything away. But remembering him through his work and the people who appeared in his movies is the most appropriate way to make a chronicle of his eventful life.

"Stanley Kubrick: A Life In Pictures", is clearly a fine and well done documentary that pays a fine homage and tribute to this legendary master and unique film director. It's narrated by actor Tom Cruise and it starts by showing Stanley's very early beginnings from pictures of him growing up showing his days of school and being with family. Also much historical info is provided by showing how Kubrick done his early films, and it was also nice to learn how that Kubrick had his first job as a photographer for "Look" magazine in which that would inspire him to later direct films. Each of Stanley's films are highlighted in which this doc shows clips and footage and each picture is broken down by very well dead on analysis from the actors who played in them and many film critics and other directors give their take on many of the fine works of Stanley. Rare interviews are provided here in this doc from many that have appeared in Stanley's films like Malcom McDowell, Jack Nicholson, and even Nicole Kidman. From the man who many thought was wrapped in mystery and suspense this documentary brings light and fine info on the very private and compelling Stanley Kubrick it certainly is a tribute and homage to watch. This documentary is a must watch for any Kubrick lover, I think he without a doubt was one of our times better film directors so this is a must watch it's a great visual complement to his films combined with a intimate picture of his personal and professional life.

This film brings me to tears every time I watch it. Jan Harlan's fantastic documentary about the great Stanley Kubrick is a true masterpiece. By giving insight into his past, films, family, and unfinished projects, Jan Harlan gives Kubrick fans a new look at a man who's greatness will never be equaled. The pacing of this documentary is wonderful, and ever second of it is informative and entertaining. Tom Cruise does a fabulous job of narrating it, as well. Jack Nicholson is the one who says it all; "Everyone pretty much acknowledges he's the man, and uh, I still think that underrates him." STANLEY KUBRICK: A LIFE IN PICTURES is one of the greatest films ever made.