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The Shining (1980)
10/10
A Masterpiece of Horror
4 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The Shining is a 1980 horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The movie stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd in the lead roles. The film has been widely acclaimed for its direction, cinematography, and performances.

The movie tells the story of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), a recovering alcoholic and writer who takes up a job as a caretaker at the Overlook Hotel during the winter season. He moves into the hotel with his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd). As the family settles into their new home, strange things begin to happen. Danny has psychic abilities that allow him to see visions of the hotel's past and future. Jack's mental health deteriorates as he becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid. The hotel's dark history begins to reveal itself, and the family is forced to confront their deepest fears.

The film is a masterpiece of horror cinema. Kubrick's direction is masterful, creating an atmosphere of dread and unease that permeates every scene. The use of music and sound design is particularly effective in building tension. The iconic score by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind is hauntingly beautiful, while the use of silence in certain scenes is equally powerful.

The performances in the movie are also outstanding. Jack Nicholson delivers one of his most memorable performances as Jack Torrance. He perfectly captures the character's descent into madness, making it both terrifying and tragic. Shelley Duvall is equally impressive as Wendy Torrance. Her performance is often overlooked, but she brings a sense of vulnerability to the role that makes her character sympathetic.

The film has been praised for its cinematography, which is stunningly beautiful. Kubrick uses wide-angle lenses to create a sense of space and isolation, while also emphasizing the grandeur of the hotel. The use of color is also noteworthy, with each room in the hotel having its own distinct color palette.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is its ambiguity. The film leaves many questions unanswered, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about what they have seen. This has led to countless interpretations of the movie over the years, with many fans debating its meaning and symbolism.

In conclusion, The Shining is a masterpiece of horror cinema that has stood the test of time. It is a film that rewards multiple viewings, with each viewing revealing new details and nuances. Kubrick's direction is masterful, while Nicholson and Duvall deliver unforgettable performances. The film's ambiguity has made it a subject of debate among fans for decades, cementing its place as one of the greatest horror movies ever made.
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10/10
Best vietnam war-based film
4 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie is set during the Vietnam War and follows a group of U. S. Marines as they undergo basic training and are later deployed to fight in the war. The film is divided into two parts: the first part focuses on the Marines' training, while the second part follows them as they fight in Vietnam.

The movie has been praised for its realistic portrayal of war and its effects on soldiers. It has also been noted for its dark humor and its commentary on the dehumanizing effects of war. The film's cinematography and soundtrack have also been widely praised.

In his review of the movie, Roger Ebert notes that "Stanley Kubrick's 'Full Metal Jacket' is more like a book of short stories than a novel. Many of the passages seem self-contained, some of them are masterful and others look like they came out of the bottom drawer." Ebert goes on to say that while the movie is "one of the best-looking war movies ever made on sets and stages," it falls short when compared to other war movies such as "Platoon," "Apocalypse Now," and "The Deer Hunter."

Despite this criticism, "Full Metal Jacket" has been widely regarded as one of Kubrick's best films. The movie's opening sequence, which shows the Marines undergoing basic training, has become iconic and has been parodied in numerous films and TV shows. The film's portrayal of the dehumanizing effects of war has also been praised, with some critics noting that it is one of the most accurate depictions of war ever put on film.

The performances in "Full Metal Jacket" have also been widely praised. Lee Ermey's portrayal of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman has become legendary, with many of his lines becoming iconic quotes from the movie. Vincent D'Onofrio's performance as Private Pyle has also been widely praised, with some critics noting that it is one of the most disturbing portrayals of a soldier in any war movie.

In conclusion, "Full Metal Jacket" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the dehumanizing effects of war on soldiers. While it may not be as well-regarded as other war movies such as "Platoon" or "Apocalypse Now," it is still widely regarded as one of Stanley Kubrick's best films. The movie's realistic portrayal of war, its dark humor, and its commentary on the effects of war make it a must-see for anyone interested in the genre.
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10/10
Amazing Masterpiece by Kubrick
4 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
2001: A Space Odyssey is a science-fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1968. The movie is based on a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

The film is divided into four parts, each of which tells a different story. The first part, titled "The Dawn of Man," takes place millions of years ago and shows the evolution of humans from apes. The second part, "Jupiter Mission," takes place in the year 2001 and follows a group of astronauts on a mission to Jupiter. The third part, "Intermission," is a psychedelic journey through space and time. The final part, "Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite," is a surreal and mind-bending sequence that defies explanation.

One of the most striking things about 2001: A Space Odyssey is its visual style. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for their time, and they still hold up today. Kubrick's use of color, lighting, and composition creates a sense of awe and wonder that is unmatched in cinema. The film's iconic imagery, such as the monolith and the Star Child, has become part of popular culture.

Another aspect of the film that sets it apart is its use of music. Instead of an original score, Kubrick used classical music to great effect. Pieces such as Richard Strauss' "Also sprach Zarathustra" and Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube" are used to create a sense of grandeur and beauty that complements the film's visuals perfectly.

But what really makes 2001: A Space Odyssey stand out is its themes. The film deals with big questions about human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness. It asks us to contemplate our place in the universe and what it means to be human. The film's ambiguous ending has been the subject of much debate over the years, with many interpretations offered.

In conclusion, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a masterpiece of cinema that has stood the test of time. Its stunning visuals, innovative use of music, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-see for any fan of science-fiction or cinema in general.
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