- Hardcover: 336 pages
- Publisher: Faber & Faber; 1 edition (Sep 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0571199860
- ISBN-13: 978-0571199860
- Product Dimensions: 28.2 x 22.9 x 4.1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,478,961 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This complex and excellently written Kubrick book is without doubt the finest of it's kind-Ciment clearly has an affinity.
Many of Kubrick's obssessions-twins, wheelchair-bound men, Irises, and rebirth (physical and mental), and the production of each movie...
Each film is covered with in depth and beatifully illustrated-b/w and colour pictures and highlight principal ideas with Stanley Kubrick's movie career.
Collaboraters are interviewed at length-Malcolm Mcdowell(Clockwork orange), The late John Alcott(DOP)& Frederick Rapheal(Eyes Wide Shut).
This is highly recommended and thorough book--Kubrick movie's are a very much personal "thing", my wife cant understand why i think Dr Strangelove is so brilliant--I saw it when i was about ten, a crucial age, in seeing any Kubrick Movie, and on that basis, Ciment's book is very similar--an acquired taste.
On the other hand if you are already a Kubrick fan , and dont have this book-go and buy it straightaway, probably the finest and most precise Kubrick around.
Most importantly Kubrick himself is interviewed-thus dispelling any myths that while he was alive, he was a complete recluse, that the media purported him to be, also looking at his life at home with wife and children, this is a remarkable book..about a remarkable movie maker.
Many of Kubrick's obssessions-twins, wheelchair-bound men, Irises, and rebirth (physical and mental), and the production of each movie...
Each film is covered with in depth and beatifully illustrated-b/w and colour pictures and highlight principal ideas with Stanley Kubrick's movie career.
Collaboraters are interviewed at length-Malcolm Mcdowell(Clockwork orange), The late John Alcott(DOP)& Frederick Rapheal(Eyes Wide Shut).
This is highly recommended and thorough book--Kubrick movie's are a very much personal "thing", my wife cant understand why i think Dr Strangelove is so brilliant--I saw it when i was about ten, a crucial age, in seeing any Kubrick Movie, and on that basis, Ciment's book is very similar--an acquired taste.
On the other hand if you are already a Kubrick fan , and dont have this book-go and buy it straightaway, probably the finest and most precise Kubrick around.
Most importantly Kubrick himself is interviewed-thus dispelling any myths that while he was alive, he was a complete recluse, that the media purported him to be, also looking at his life at home with wife and children, this is a remarkable book..about a remarkable movie maker.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
12 reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
DEFINITIVE, INDEED!
30 Nov 2001
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
An excellent overview of entire Kubrick's career
11 Jan 2004
Format:Paperback
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.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
The most precious visual book about Kubrick.
1 Jan 2001
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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!
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