There have been two common assumptions about Stanley Kubrick: that his films portray human beings who are driven exclusively by aggression and greed; and that he pessimistically rejected meaning in a contingent; postmodern world. However; as Kubrick himself remarked; "A work of art should be always exhilarating and never depressing; whatever its subject matter may be." In this new interpretation of Kubricks films; Julian Rice suggests that the directors work had a more positive outlook than most people credit him. And while other studies have recounted Kubricks life and production histories; few have offered lucid explanations of specific sources and their influence on his films.In Kubricks Hope; Rice explains how the theories of Freud and Jung took cinematic form; and also considers the significant impression left on the directors last six films by Robert Ardrey; Bruno Bettelheim; and Joseph Campbell. In addition to providing useful contexts; Rice offers close readings of the films; inviting readers to note details they may have missed and to interpret them in their own way. By refreshing their experience of the films and discarding postmodern clicheacute;s; viewers may discover more optimistic themes in the directors works.Beginning with 2001: A Space Odyssey and continuing through A Clockwork Orange; Barry Lyndon; The Shining; Full Metal Jacket; and Eyes Wide Shut; Rice illuminates Kubricks thinking at the time he made each film. Throughout; Rice examines the compelling political; psychological; and spiritual issues the director raises. As this book contends; if these works are considered together and repeatedly re-viewed; Kubricks films may help viewers to personally grow and collectively endure.
2015-12-09 2015-12-09File Name: B0195T85TE
Review
