First off-- I am a huge Kubrick fan-- my favorite film of his is Barry Lyndon. Barry Lyndon is a beautiful film that incorporates stunning cinematography and such "Kubrick-ish" composition. Dr. Strangelove only further increased my love for Kubrick.
I have never seen Dr. Strangelove before, it has always been put off for some reason. Once again, Kubrick demonstrates his strong capabilities when it comes to placing a camera in a scene. In the many scenes when the council is discussing plans in the war room, the wide shot is so stunning. The overhead lights running across the middle of the frame, cutting the shot into two parts - emptiness and a table of men. Now was this just strictly a stylistic decision? Or does the shot composition mean something? It could possibly mean the heavy burden that lingers over the men who would be responsible for the end of the world. The top half of the screen could possibly represent the nuclear threat that is happening- how it is all just talk and nothing tangible yet. I don't know exactly but it is definitely something to think about further...
Kubrick provides such a great commentary on nuclear war and plain war itself. The whole idea of countries creating countless bombs to deter other countries is just ridiculous. I love how the reading discusses how Kubrick bought the script rights and wanted to turn a story into a straight drama piece. But he soon realized that the subject manner in reality is so ridiculous that it comes across as humorous in ways. Hence the term "nightmare comedy" was attributed to the piece.
This is not my favorite film of the director, but it is definitely interesting. If you liked this -- check out some of his others--- A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, Eyes Wide Shut, and The Shining.
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Why isn't this one your favorite film? Also, can you say a bit more about what you appreciate about Kubrick's composition? There's something about it that leaves me cold, which I can't put my finger on, so it's helpful to hear why other people do like him---something I'm missing.
ReplyDeleteYou see composition so well. How do you suppose some of his choices, such as the ones you're describing, might fit into or express his critique of Cold War mentality?