Kubrick's Movies example essay topic

According to Wendy Carlos, Stanley Kubrick was "a demanding, even obsessive person of great depth who is trying to find the optimum answer for the smallest decision, however much time and effort it takes". His movies demonstrate a well thought out array of military and anomalistic reactions, which stem from the hardships life throws us. Whether those hardships stem from pressures a higher-ranking official exhibits, as was depicted in, Paths of Glory; or the mental pressure exhibited on the human body in a time of war, as scene in Full Metal Jacket. Kubrick portrays these feelings through extreme, "close-ups of intensely emotional faces".

(ImdB) These close ups allow the viewer to realize the emotional anguish, which the characters face throughout the movie. Stanley Kubrick's movies create a realistic atmosphere that frightens most, and repulses many, but his movies blend together great cinematography and acting to create a surreal atmosphere that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats at all times. Kubrick's repetitious actions, along with his many psychopaths blend together to create intriguing movies for his many followers. Kubrick is a very demanding director, which actors often times found difficult to work for. On set he was often found yelling and demanding greatness from his workers, who in turn gave Kubrick the utmost respect. Kubrick outraged many critics because of the brutality and realism he demanded in his films.

(Carlos) Once when asked about the violent nature of his films, he responded, "I am interested in the brutal and violent nature of man, because it's a true picture of him. And any attempt to create social institutions on a false view of the nature of man is probably doomed to failure... the idea that social restraints are all bad is based on a utopia and unrealistic vision of man". (Banks) Kubrick's films survive off there violent nature. In, Paths of Glory, scenes of dieing soldiers and careless attitudes create the films tragic ending. Without the many brutal scenes leading up to the unsuccessful storming of the "Anthill", the viewer would be lost to why failure was inevitable. Furthermore, without the crude language and behavior of the drill sergeant, in Full Metal Jacket, it would be impossible to understand how the soldiers were turned into the careless killers.

(Banks, pg. 5) Kubrick relies on his brutality and violence, and creates characters that portray these roles terrifically. These characters are supposed to represent Kubrick's theory of everyday psychopaths. Kubrick believes that there are really no bad people, just those who temporarily loose control for one reason or another. He uses these psychopaths, in a way that allows him to explain his theory of human nature. He believes that psychotic behavior affects everyone and is triggered at different times in his or her lives. In, Full Metal Jacket, he describes how the behavior is drilled into the soldiers, although in, Paths of Glory, Kubrick attempts to describe how power and authority can create psychotic behavior.

(Banks, pg. 8) Psychotic behavior is demonstrated over and over in, Paths of Glory. It occurs however, in two very specific ways. (Banks, pg. 9) When, General Broulard, makes the call to take the "Ant Hill" he realizes many soldiers will fall victim to enemy bullets and strap metal, but the promise of promotion convinces him to demand it be done. When the attack proves unsuccessful General Broulard turns the blame on the men who retreated.

According to Banks, these actions constitute psychotic behavior. When the General fails in his mission he uses his power over others to cover up his actions. This behavior considered by Kubrick to be in the violent nature of mankind. (pg. 9) (As stated earlier this is what Kubrick strives for in his movies) Cornel Dax later shows his psychotic empathy when he argues, There are times when I am ashamed to be a member of the human race and this is one such occasion... I protest against being prevented from introducing evidence that I consider vital to the defense, the prosecution presented no witnesses, there has never been a written indictment of charges made against the defendants, and lastly, I protest against the fact that no stenographic record of this trial has been kept. The attack yesterday morning was no stain on the honor of France, but this court-martial is such a stain. (Dirks, pg. 3) With the making of, Paths of Glory, Kubrick demonstrated his ability to change the way the world thinks.

(Banks, pg. 9) He expressed his opinions in a way that drew attention to a situation that was corrupt. This movie depicted a French battle that lasted six months, and cost the French army 315,000 lives. At the time it was a very critical movie that frightened many people, but brought them to the realization of what was happening in their lives. (Dirks, pg. 1) This film as well as, Full Metal Jacket, was based on a novel and emphasized the, "real ravages of war". (Carlos) It reveals to the world how corrupt the military can be, because generals and leaders were always viewed as being smart, tough, and humanistic, until the scandals of the French Army were uncovered in, Paths of Glory. (Banks, pg. 9) However, due to this the film received very low ratings and was banned in France.

(Dirks) Kubrick displays his feelings for human life and problems of a nation through his movies. I believe there is a distinct message that he tries to transcend throughout all of his movies. In, Paths of Glory, Kubrick displays how he uses his image of societies psychopaths, and how they can loose control over the power they have been granted. Full Metal Jacket also displays some of Kubrick's visions of psychopaths, and how the military attempts to turn ordinary people in killing machines. It was based upon Gusto vs. Hasford's novel, and was used by Kubrick to explore and describe how people where converted into killers. (Sia no) Basically, everything they are taught as a child is reversed, and new values are learned.

Aggression, violence, swearing, and manly acts are all scene as basic instincts. (Banks, pg. 11) The soldiers are brought into a new society, one that is based on success through order and stability. Their motto is, "all for one and one for all", which is opposite from our inner human nature. For them to succeed in combat, these beliefs must be broken. With order and arranged practices, the privates change their lifestyles. According to Main ar, everything in the movie is symbolist ic of the soldier's new society.

The bathrooms and sleeping facilities match one another, as closely do the beds. There are beds on each side of the room with an open middle corridor, just as the toilets run along the wall adjacent to the sinks, leaving a middle corridor. (Pg. 198) Kubrick's movies depict exactly how he feels about a situation. He is a master of his element and believes that, .".. If you can talk brilliantly enough about a subject you can create the consoling illusion that it has been mastered". (Kubrick Site) His views, of the many psychopaths that exist in the world, may differ from others, but he makes a valid point, and backs it up with his movies.

He is able to intensify the effect of his pictures through these people. Without their contributions, his movies would seem dull and pointless. He is, "a demanding, even obsessive person of great depth who is trying to find the optimum answer for the smallest decision, however much time and effort it takes". (Carlos).