

Robert P. Kolker and Nathan Abrams on Stanley Kubrick: An Odyssey
Feb 20, 2024
Nathan Abrams and Robert P. Kolker, co-authors of 'Kubrick: An Odyssey,' delve into the enigmatic life of filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. They share challenges faced while writing about Kubrick's complex persona due to limited primary sources. The duo contrasts Kubrick’s notorious perfectionism with that of contemporary filmmaker Christopher Nolan. They explore Kubrick’s creative struggles, his impact on cinema, and the evolution of his legacy. Anecdotes from actors and insights on Kubrick's Jewish heritage add depth to their engaging conversation.
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Kubrick's Methodical Filmmaking Process
- Kubrick's filmmaking process was like that of a novelist searching for the perfect word or shot.
- He often knew what he didn't want rather than a clear vision of what he did want.
Unprecedented Studio Control
- Kubrick's Warner Brothers contract gave him unprecedented control, unusual for the time.
- Such control allowed him to take the time needed to perfect his films.
Uncertain Film Financing Battles
- Kubrick often struggled securing financing and faced uncertainty before each film project.
- Even with Warner Brothers' contract, not all of his films were guaranteed to be made.