Stanley Kubrick

16 films directed 9 Awards 5 Nominations

Biography

Stanley Kubrick (July 26, 1928 – March 7, 1999) was an American film director, writer, producer, and photographer who lived in England during most of the last four decades of his career. Kubrick was noted for the scrupulous care with which he chose his subjects, his slow method of working, the variety of genres he worked in, his technical perfectionism, and his reclusiveness about his films and personal life. He maintained almost complete artistic control, making movies according to his own whims and time constraints, but with the rare advantage of big-studio financial support for all his endeavors. Kubrick's films are characterized by a formal visual style and meticulous attention to detail—his later films often have elements of surrealism and expressionism that eschews structured linear narrative. His films are repeatedly described as slow and methodical, and are often perceived as a reflection of his obsessive and perfectionist nature. A recurring theme in his films is man's inhumanity to man. While often viewed as expressing an ironic pessimism, a few critics feel his films contain a cautious optimism when viewed more carefully.

The film that first brought him attention to many critics was Paths of Glory (1957), the first of three films of his about the dehumanizing effects of war. Many of his films at first got a lukewarm reception, only to be years later acclaimed as masterpieces that had a seminal influence on many later generations of film-makers. Considered especially groundbreaking was 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) noted for being both one of the most scientifically realistic and visually innovative science-fiction films ever made while maintaining an enigmatic non-linear storyline. He voluntarily withdrew his film A Clockwork Orange (1971) from England, after it was accused of inspiring copycat crimes which in turn resulted in threats against Kubrick's family. His films were largely successful at the box-office, although Barry Lyndon (1975) performed poorly in the United States. Living authors Anthony Burgess and Stephen King were both unhappy with Kubrick's adaptations of their novels A Clockwork Orange and The Shining (1980) respectively, and both authors were engaged with subsequent adaptations. All of Kubrick's films from the mid-1950s to his death except for The Shining were nominated for Oscars, Golden Globes, or BAFTAs. Although he was nominated for an Academy Award as a screenwriter and director on several occasions, his only personal win was for the special effects in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Even though all of his films, apart from the first two, were adapted from novels or short stories, his works have been described by Jason Ankeny and others as "original and visionary". Although some critics, notably Andrew Sarris and Pauline Kael, frequently disparaged Kubrick's work, Ankeny describes Kubrick as one of the most "universally acclaimed and influential directors of the postwar era" with a "standing unique among the filmmakers of his day."

Most directed genres

Recurring actors

Awards and nominations

2014 Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame
2008 Sitges Grand Honorary Award
2000 BAFTA Fellowship
1997 Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement
1995 Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres
1981 Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director Nominated
1976 BAFTA Award for Best Direction
1976 Academy Award for Best Director Nominated
1972 Academy Award for Best Picture Nominated
1969 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects
1969 Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Screenplay Nominated
1965 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation
1965 Academy Award for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay Nominated
— National Board of Review Award for Best Film

The career in numbers

US$ 156 mi Total budget from 14 film(s) with data
US$ 469 mi Total box office from 10 film(s) with data
US$ 11 mi Average budget from 14 film(s) with data
US$ 47 mi Average box office from 10 film(s) with data
7.1 Average rating from 16 film(s) with data
3.0× Return on investment from 10 film(s) with data

Budget and box office do not exist for every film in our records. Averages are computed over the films that carry the figure, and the count beside each one says how many.

Films directed

Film	Year	Budget	Box office	Rating
Eyes Wide Shut	1999	US$ 65 mi	US$ 162 mi	7.5
Full Metal Jacket	1987	US$ 30 mi	US$ 46 mi	8.1
The Shining	1980	US$ 19 mi	US$ 50 mi	8.2
Barry Lyndon	1975	US$ 11 mi	US$ 32 mi	8.0
A Clockwork Orange	1971	US$ 2 mi	US$ 27 mi	8.2
2001: A Space Odyssey	1968	US$ 12 mi	US$ 72 mi	8.0
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb	1964	US$ 2 mi	US$ 10 mi	8.1
Lolita	1962	US$ 2 mi	US$ 9 mi	7.3
Spartacus	1960	US$ 12 mi	US$ 60 mi	7.5
Paths of Glory	1957	US$ 935,000	US$ 1 mi	8.3
The Killing	1956	US$ 320,000	—	7.6
Killer's Kiss	1955	US$ 75,000	—	6.3
Fear and Desire	1953	US$ 53,000	—	5.4
The Seafarers	1953	—	—	4.5
Day of the Fight	1951	US$ 3,900	—	5.8
Flying Padre	1951	—	—	5.1

Directors