Catch These Five Visionary Kubrick Films on Satellite TV
Hollywood actors are some of the most famous faces around the world, winning out over elected politicians and local heroes alike. While their talent certainly brings characters to life on the big screen, the behind-the-scene decisions ultimately make or break a movie. When it comes to directing, few filmmakers have had such a string of successes as Stanley Kubrick. Many of his films are regularly shown on satellite TV, but the following five all make the must-see list.
'Dr. Strangelove' (1964). During the 1950s, the Cold War was in full swing as nuclear weapons formed the basis for the doctrine of mutual assured destruction. The theory postulated that because both sides had enough weapons to destroy life as we know it, neither would attack. In this 1964 black comedy, Kubrick satirizes this untenable theory as if it were about sports and games. At the time of its release, audiences enjoyed the dark humor as communism seemed to be a receding threat and in 1989, it was added to the National Film Registry for cultural significance.
'2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968). Added to the same registry two years later, this film was a groundbreaking endeavor in science fiction. Although special effects may seem puny compared to today's standards, the visual effects were considered groundbreaking at the time of the movie's release. In fact, it is said to have inspired later generations including renowned directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. So, if you have not yet since the sci-fi blockbuster that defined the genre, look for it in local satellite TV listings.
'A Clockwork Orange' (1971). Anthony Burgess wrote the dark novel containing the basic elements of this plot line, but Kubrick gave it even darker twists and turns on the big screen. The film focuses on a youngster named Alex, whose delinquency becomes psychotic as he goes on a crime spree. Early critics claimed that the horrific violence was inappropriate but the director, as well as many others, staunchly defended it as a political satire, albeit a very sinister one.
'The Shining' (1980). The plot of this film, developed in a Stephen King novel, has become famous and was even spoofed in an episode of 'The Simpsons.' Jack Nicholson offers a career-boosting performance as a writer who agrees to be a hotel caretaker during the off-season, taking his family to life with him on the property. Even if you already know the ending, the original will still spook you if you check it out on an HD screen at home.
'Full Metal Jacket' (1987). Unlike the four previous films, this one has received relatively little attention. The level of violence and its relationship to an unwinnable war can be difficult to sit through if you are watching in HD. Yet if you make it past the gore, there is an intriguing storyline and commentary about war itself. Viewers overwhelmingly consider this to be a worthwhile film, as reflected by the Rotten Tomatoes website, which continues to give it an approval rating in the upper 90s (out of a hundred percent total).
'Dr. Strangelove' (1964). During the 1950s, the Cold War was in full swing as nuclear weapons formed the basis for the doctrine of mutual assured destruction. The theory postulated that because both sides had enough weapons to destroy life as we know it, neither would attack. In this 1964 black comedy, Kubrick satirizes this untenable theory as if it were about sports and games. At the time of its release, audiences enjoyed the dark humor as communism seemed to be a receding threat and in 1989, it was added to the National Film Registry for cultural significance.
'2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968). Added to the same registry two years later, this film was a groundbreaking endeavor in science fiction. Although special effects may seem puny compared to today's standards, the visual effects were considered groundbreaking at the time of the movie's release. In fact, it is said to have inspired later generations including renowned directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. So, if you have not yet since the sci-fi blockbuster that defined the genre, look for it in local satellite TV listings.
'A Clockwork Orange' (1971). Anthony Burgess wrote the dark novel containing the basic elements of this plot line, but Kubrick gave it even darker twists and turns on the big screen. The film focuses on a youngster named Alex, whose delinquency becomes psychotic as he goes on a crime spree. Early critics claimed that the horrific violence was inappropriate but the director, as well as many others, staunchly defended it as a political satire, albeit a very sinister one.
'The Shining' (1980). The plot of this film, developed in a Stephen King novel, has become famous and was even spoofed in an episode of 'The Simpsons.' Jack Nicholson offers a career-boosting performance as a writer who agrees to be a hotel caretaker during the off-season, taking his family to life with him on the property. Even if you already know the ending, the original will still spook you if you check it out on an HD screen at home.
'Full Metal Jacket' (1987). Unlike the four previous films, this one has received relatively little attention. The level of violence and its relationship to an unwinnable war can be difficult to sit through if you are watching in HD. Yet if you make it past the gore, there is an intriguing storyline and commentary about war itself. Viewers overwhelmingly consider this to be a worthwhile film, as reflected by the Rotten Tomatoes website, which continues to give it an approval rating in the upper 90s (out of a hundred percent total).
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