July 26 1928 saw the birth of arguably the most influential filmmaker of all time. A man who’s unspoken understanding of cinema was so finely tuned every one of his works have been analysed and adored in the same level of detail one would apply to a Beethoven symphony or a Shakespeare play.
It is not an understatement to say that Stanley Kubrick’s shadow looms large over the film industry.
Without his unique personality and film making style Science-Fiction would be decades behind where we are (2001: A Space Odyssey). Horror (The Shining) and war films (Full Metal Jacket, Paths of Glory) wouldn’t have some of their brightest sparks. Comedies and in particular political comedies (Dr Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb) would be at a loss.
No director of the modern era would ever be able to tackle stories like ‘A Clockwork Orange’, ‘Barry Lyndon’, ‘Lolita’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and create the same lever of quality Kubrick delivered with blood, sweat and tears.
Stanley died less than 12 hours after finishing his, self-proclaimed, masterpiece. This is truly a man who gave his life to the industry and the world should be forever grateful.
Thank you Stanley Kubrick on what would be your 88th birthday.
