Interesting continuum theme running through all Kubrick's films...

"Most of Kubrick's films show his characters in relation to, and their interaction with, their environment.  It is the 'coldness' to people which has been a sticking point with some critics... Man is in constant conflict with his environment. This can be social or political environment, or his fellow man. More often than not, the conflict is within himself... Characters dislike their present environment and want to change it, only the environment changes them." - Paul Duncan in his book Pocket Essentials Film.

Theme is a much broader way to capture similarities in characters and can result in all characters looking the same in films, however, Kubrick's unique style and ability to portray each character differently yet so similarly is what makes his films so artistic.

Love this portrait comparison! Amazing framing similarities in capturing the stare of these characters...
Does this suggest that Kubrick is trying to communicate similarities of the characters in his film? Most definitely! They all share that same evil glare that makes them appear possessed... truly chilling

"A lot of intense staring goes on in Kubrick films - it is a moment when time stops still and the inner demons and torment of the character are revealed" - Paul Duncan's book Pocket Essentials Film

Looking at Kubrick!


Stanley Kubrick is the ultimate example of intertextuality; he uses it throughout all his films. Not all are easy to spot, but discrete and subliminal interconnecting patterns and themes are weaved into all his productions...


First example; use of colour, lighting, and mise en scene.
Particular scenes and settings can be considered "parallel"  and the way in which Kubrick presents a visual symmetry in scenes is a common feature of his films. Themes of symmetry is used to the extreme in The Shining; for example, the elevator, different corridors in the hotel, and framing shots in the maze scene. (http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Stanley_Kubrick) this site provides a lot of very useful information on specific connections each of Kubrick's films have.

REPRESENTATIONS
Women in horror - Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween)
Women in action - Megan Fox (Transformers), Angelina Jolie (Wanted, Salt, Tomb Raider)
Do representations differ depending on the sex of the director/producer/writer/target demographic?
Comparing films and game adaptations.... Lara Croft?


Horror changing over time?


Hitchcock's horrors....
Inspirations.... intentions... achievements?
Benefit of staring in the film himself - why the brief appearance?


Discrete hat tipping in horror?
Intertextuality benefits?


Stanley Kubrick!
Behind the mastermind....

MY NEW BLOG!
Mia's first post!