IMDb Top 250: 194
With The Killing, Stanley Kubrick established himself as a great director. Unfortunately, 55 years later, this film is unfortunately less remembered because it isn't released between 1957- 1987. It's a shame The Killing isn't seen more, because viewers are treated to an excellent and suspenseful crime noir.
Here is a heist with a straightforward plot and nonlinear storytelling. In an hour and a half, the first half is set up and the second half is all payoff. First we neatly learn about the characters, and some of their reasons for the job are exposed. The second half is pure awesome- the slick, simple heist is played out from several perspectives.
Huge success comes from the characters: they're great. Instead of a couple of stiffs, the conspirators are old, corrupt, meek, foreign; there is one stiff. Maurice and Nicky in particular stand out, great characters. Sherry as well, but for quite the opposite reasons.
The script is stellar. Most noirs are nonsensical, The Killing is correct to the minute. Dialogue comes fast and furiously, and scenes are repeated from other characters perspectives, but they don't feel redundant: we learn more each time.
There are a couple of things that have occurred in Kubrick's first three films: narration and great music. The trumpet blaring during the heist really raises the tension. On another note, it's apparent that Kubrick could now realize his projects however he wanted. A neat tidbit: I liked the chess club scenes, because Kubrick was an avid chess player.
Technically The Killing is great as well: the horse following, the tracking shot echoed by Goodfellas 35 years later... the lighting is great, like when Clay leans back into darkness as he goes over some details.
My 50's heist knowledge is quite thin, so this was very original to me. I also noted some very influential aspects, notably the entire concept of Reservoir Dogs, as well as things found in, say, The Dark Knight?
Anyway, The Killing is an excellent film that hasn't been seen as much as it should. A very well woven tale. 8.5/10
With The Killing, Stanley Kubrick established himself as a great director. Unfortunately, 55 years later, this film is unfortunately less remembered because it isn't released between 1957- 1987. It's a shame The Killing isn't seen more, because viewers are treated to an excellent and suspenseful crime noir.
Here is a heist with a straightforward plot and nonlinear storytelling. In an hour and a half, the first half is set up and the second half is all payoff. First we neatly learn about the characters, and some of their reasons for the job are exposed. The second half is pure awesome- the slick, simple heist is played out from several perspectives.
Huge success comes from the characters: they're great. Instead of a couple of stiffs, the conspirators are old, corrupt, meek, foreign; there is one stiff. Maurice and Nicky in particular stand out, great characters. Sherry as well, but for quite the opposite reasons.
The script is stellar. Most noirs are nonsensical, The Killing is correct to the minute. Dialogue comes fast and furiously, and scenes are repeated from other characters perspectives, but they don't feel redundant: we learn more each time.
There are a couple of things that have occurred in Kubrick's first three films: narration and great music. The trumpet blaring during the heist really raises the tension. On another note, it's apparent that Kubrick could now realize his projects however he wanted. A neat tidbit: I liked the chess club scenes, because Kubrick was an avid chess player.
Technically The Killing is great as well: the horse following, the tracking shot echoed by Goodfellas 35 years later... the lighting is great, like when Clay leans back into darkness as he goes over some details.
My 50's heist knowledge is quite thin, so this was very original to me. I also noted some very influential aspects, notably the entire concept of Reservoir Dogs, as well as things found in, say, The Dark Knight?
Anyway, The Killing is an excellent film that hasn't been seen as much as it should. A very well woven tale. 8.5/10