-
Yes, it's incredible. May 12, 2005 (29 of 30 found this helpful)
Although the "Archives" are not as thorough as someone totally obsessed with Kubrick might like, this is still much more than a vanity project filled with pretty pictures.
The first portion of the book, which consists of carefully chosen stills from the various films, highlights the fact that Kubrick had impeccable photographic taste and crafted a look for his films that matured in a very unique, somewhat strange way. Any fan knows this already, but being able to really dissect the shots and the lighting is more worthwhile than it might appear at first. I would say with almost any other director this would be overkill.
The interviews throughout are fascinating -- and although one might be able to find them elsewhere, here you can look at them in the context of the films themselves, and there are just simply so many of them. So, instead of fishing for the 2001 Playboy interview it's right here. Kubrick has some brilliant things to say about the nature of life in the universe, evolution, etc. The Clockwork Orange interview is also very revealing, as the great director claims absolutely no responsibility for the violent content of the film, among other things. Reading Pauline Kael's review as counterpoint to this (not in the book) should prove worthwhile...
The analysis of the films themselves is also suprisingly good, although in no way rigorous academically. One example: I find Barry Lyndon a work so rich in nuance, so unique in the history of filmaking, that the straightforward analysis of its story presented here doesn't enlighten the material much. For instance, if Kubrick himself did in fact conceive of the last duel between Barry and Bullingdon, it would be very interesting to delve more into how he took elements of Thackeray's novel and deepened them thematically. There seems to be a lot of discussion to be had about just what Kubrick was saying within the context of the material. Alas, nothing of that sort here.
Just the same, there certainly is plenty, beyond just eye candy, to satisfy the Kubrick devotee. Reading the book is like completely immersing oneself in his world, surrounded by his thoughts and visual stimuli. When I first saw a mock-up of this book in Beverly Hills, I thought it might be overblown and obnoxious. I am happy to say it is not. If you have the money, I'd invest in a copy.
-
WARNING: May Cause Disharmony Amongst Heirs Jul 2, 2005 (19 of 20 found this helpful)
Perhaps you are similar to me and you occasionally justify a purchase by saying to yourself "The kids will enjoy this after I'm gone someday." This rationale helps me feel a little less guilty when I indulge in an expensive purchase. Well, as I review this book I realize a new problem: 40 years from now, as my body lay cooling, my two lovely daughters will probably be engaged in a dispute as to who gets the AWESOME Kubrick book!
I am a big fan of Taschen books and I'm also a big Kubrick fan. This book is the ultimate dosage of both. I have well over a hundred Taschen titles and this is definitely one of my favorite three ("Cabinent of Curiosities" and "Complete Costume History" being the other two. All of these are the large-size super-high quality classics that are likely to become sought-after collector's volumes).
You've already had this Kubrick book described for you, but I wanted emphasize three points: First, the front page edges are "tabbed" in this book, making access to particular areas (eg, particular films) very convenient. This is really a sophisticated fluorish which makes the book that much more stunning. Second, the snippet of "2001" is nothing less than magical. As I read about it here I thought it sounded a little gimmicky: but when you see a foot-long section of one of the most important films ever made, it is really captivating. The section I received has bright geometric colors which I'm delighted by, but regardless of what you get, you're getting a piece of "2001"!!!! I get the same reverential feeling looking at it as I did when gawking at the original Declaration of Independence! Third, the quality of manufacture here is first-rate. I have been critical of Taschen in recent years because they have so many great books with cheesey/flimsy covers and bindings which don't hold up. I think this has been a MAJOR strategic error at the corporate level for them; they should raise their prices a little and create books which will last 200 years. Well, as to this Kubrick book you don't have to worry about that: this cover is composed of two different types of cloth and it appears very solid and is GORGEOUS. I collect books new and old, and please believe me, you'll be psyched when you see this behemoth! (Due to size and weight you'll still want to hold it carefully so binding doesn't get unduly torqued.)
Anyway, it is so great to roll the dice on a book and to win big. If you're a Kubrick fan I encourage you to act quickly and to nail one of these.
-
The most unique book on Kubrick! May 10, 2005 (13 of 13 found this helpful)
This is obviously the most unique and fascinating book ever made on Stanley Kubrick. Certainly the most complete as well. It's also the biggest in every sense of the word. I cannot believe just how huge and heavy this thing is. It is massive! But most importanly, it is filled with interviews and insightful articles on all Kubrick films (in the second part of the book). Even the ones he didn't complete (A.I., Napoleon, Aryan Papers). Especially great, are the many never before seen photographs taken during productions of these amazing films. This is my favorite thing in this book.
The filmstrip from Kubrick's own 70-millimeter print of 2001 is of course a very special addition. As is the included interview on cd, from 1966.
Stanley Kubrick was in my opinion the greatest filmmaker in history. I have many books on the man, but this is by far the most extraordinary. A very unique piece of work indeed and the most beautiful collector item on Kubrick ever made. I think every fan will not want to miss it.
Thanks to Alison Castle, Jan Harlan and Christianne Kubrick for this!
-
The 'Big Red Kubrick 'Book! Nov 30, 2005 (6 of 6 found this helpful)
Astounding example of how certain books should be made. Obviously, there is a niche market for this kind of bookmaking.
Luckily, us dedicated Kubrick fans can now relish all of it.
The book contains amazing details and 'behind the scenes' views on the making of all of the Kubrick flicks. I'm positive that no other director and visionary would have their works commited to such a project other than Kubrick. The final touch is the inclusion of an actual strip of 70mm motion picture film from 2001 that Kubrick himself possessed. My copy shows Frank jogging in the centrifuge. The only caveat is the splitting of some wide screen shots between pages in the first half of the book. Other than that this book qualifies as one of the best examples of how a book should be dedicated, regardless of price, for a one of kind film director.
-
Full Metal Kubrick Jun 22, 2005 (5 of 5 found this helpful)
Kubrick once said: "if you can talk brilliantly enough about a subject you can create the consoling illusion it has been mastered." Taschen's new book on Kubrick certainly covers the work of one of the world's great filmmakers in a brilliant fashion, but wisely makes no pretence at mastery. Make no mistake, this is the definitive book on Kubrick's work, but the wealth of facts herein only serve to make Kubrick more elusive, and by turn, more interesting.
This is not a biography; this is an artful recapping of a great career. As such, it will undoubtly leave some Kubrick fans cold with its lack biographical minutiae. To most, however, it will be seen as a loving and fittingly intelligent tribute, filled with so much behind-the-scenes archive material that reader will feel immersed in Kubrick's very own creative process. Beyond content, this is an exceptional looking, and exceptionally heavy (around 14 lbs.), work. A perfect coffee table book and conversation piece. And, with the enclosed piece of filmstock from 2001, this book is an investment well worth making for any Kubrick fan or cinephile.
In short, this work is a masterpiece, which is only fitting considering its subject.