Given my noted lack of enthusiasm for Kubrick films, I figured I should let you guys know I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. It not only painted Kubrick in a whole new light for me, but it also dispelled some of the myths I had bought into surrounding his persona (like that he was an egomaniac, for example). Not only that, but it deepened my appreciation for his body of work as each one was different, and yet each one was significant for one reason or another. He was not only constantly reinventing himself, but also constantly pushing the art form forward. Also learning that he refused to sacrifice an iota of quality in his eyes for convenience was incredibly admirable.
That is not to say that I suddenly think, for example, A Clockwork Orange is any better or more entertaining now, but just that I see it from a different perspective. Again, even if I don't really think a particular film of his is all that great, I have a deeper level of respect for him as an artist. Does that make sense? I hope it does.
Lastly, what really did it for me is that I see much of myself in his story. No, not that I arrogantly consider myself to be some great artist who is going to change the game, but that I am a mid-twentysomething with a passion for film and a deep desire to make it my life's work. Kubrick made his first film at the age of 28, and ended up making some of the most revered films of all time. I am turning 27 in a couple months, and am constantly battling with negative thoughts like "you've already passed your prime era to get a foothold in filmmaking" and other sentiments. Seeing the story of this man and his career was rather inspiring, to say the least.
Anyway, if you've never seen it, I highly recommend it.
That is not to say that I suddenly think, for example, A Clockwork Orange is any better or more entertaining now, but just that I see it from a different perspective. Again, even if I don't really think a particular film of his is all that great, I have a deeper level of respect for him as an artist. Does that make sense? I hope it does.
Lastly, what really did it for me is that I see much of myself in his story. No, not that I arrogantly consider myself to be some great artist who is going to change the game, but that I am a mid-twentysomething with a passion for film and a deep desire to make it my life's work. Kubrick made his first film at the age of 28, and ended up making some of the most revered films of all time. I am turning 27 in a couple months, and am constantly battling with negative thoughts like "you've already passed your prime era to get a foothold in filmmaking" and other sentiments. Seeing the story of this man and his career was rather inspiring, to say the least.
Anyway, if you've never seen it, I highly recommend it.
