The newly restored version of Kubrick’s first great film, “The Killing”, has just come out on DVD. Peter Rainer does an excellent job of analyzing this thrilling caper film, which brought Kubrick together with master pulp novelist Jim Thompson.
Don’t miss this one.
For a real treat, view “The Killing” in parallel with John Huston’s “Asphalt Jungle.” Not only do they both feature the criminally underrated Sterling Hayden, but they’re a great lesson in how two masters can deploy their very different sensibilities to breath new life into the classic caper film
And then watch Kubrick’s film from a year later, “Paths of Glory”, which I consider one of the greatest films ever made, possibly the very best war/anti-war picture, at least in English.
I couldn’t agree more. Both “The Killing” and “Paths of Glory” are Kubrick movies that pretty much everyone will admire, even if you dislike his later work. “The Killing” is especially fun to rewatch, as it’s quite complicated and tricksy.
‘The Killing’ is great fun - and the end is quietly devastating.
‘Paths Of Glory’ overall is stunning.
Great comments all. The look on Hayden’s face at the end is unforgettable.
I may make Paths of Glory a weekend pick here someday, great anti-war war film, and one of a number that showed that Kirk Douglas really could act.
Leaving aside whether Kirk Douglas could really act, I never really liked watching him in anything. He just turned me off. But then I saw “Paths of Glory”, only a few years ago, and my response really changed. He’s riveting in this, as are the usually kind of negligible George Macready and Adolphe Menjou.
Speaking of “Paths of Glory”: “Tunes of Glory”. Another favorite, with Alec Guinness, John Mills, Susannah York, among others, directed by Ronald Neame. Kind of a downer, but a beautiful film.