THEME 2   Staring and eyes...

Probably the most obvious theme that runs through Kubrick's films due to the very creepy visual style that presents each sinister stare.
In 2001, not only does Bowman stare at the universe but the apes can always be seen staring at the moon.
Alex is the opening of the Clockwork Orange; his smirk and stare creates a very uneasy edge to the opening of the film as the camera tracks backwards revealing his surroundings; also later in the film, when he undergoes the Ludovico treatment, Alex is forced to stare at the screen.
In The Shining, Jack stare is obviously the worst (as he does it all the time), but so is Wendy's wide-eyed stare of pure fear. Danny also does his part, in the mirror, staring at the Gray twins etc.
Pyle's stare at Joker in the bathroom scene is horrific as it is so clear he has lost sanity which puts the spectator on edge both for the safety of Joker and Pyle; then Hartman enters and is shot... Hartman also does a lot of staring as this intimidates the soldiers in training. Additionally at the end of the film Joker holds a stare when looking down at the sniper just before shooting her.

Each character shown in the image above has their head tilted down holding a solid stare either directly into the camera or just off center. The eyes of characters are important and they are highlighted in Kubrick's films due to another theme of masks and disguises. There are physical and metaphorical masks and disguises in these films that make it more challenging to know if they really are who they were. Thus, eyes (being the gateway to the soul) provide a better truth of the character. The truth being told, all characters share a similar possession of forces within; not necessarily demonic entities, but the change of sanity within ones mind.

The spectator can then visualize a character from one film in a character from another, and once again combine feelings and reactions towards such footage. For example, when I first watched Full Metal Jacket and saw Pyle's face as he stared at Joker, it immediately reminded me of the shot of Jack staring as both are thinking about killing.