Films/DVD Asylum

Kubrick's "The Killing"

4.152.246.25

mishmashmusic

Saw this one for the first time a few days ago (TCM again) --- great robbery/murder thriller from Kubrick, one of his lesser known films (relatively speaking). It's a noir-styled story from the 50s, along on the lines of a B-movie from that era.

A gang of shady criminals knock of a racetrack, and the narrative follows each participant's story respectively, in an out-of-sequence fashion. Easy to see where Tarrantino got his inspiration for broken-up story-telling, especially for "Jackie Brown".

Highly recommended as a popcorn thriller if you're in a B-movie mood.

Follow Ups:

Off topic: - tinear 05:29:29 05/22/07 (0)
afilado says you're the source of his "Red Desert" so... thanks! I saw it many moons ago and have been looking for some time.
Marie Windsor - The Duke 07:05:10 05/21/07 (0)
For me, the scenes between Marie Windsor and Elisha Cook Jr. are perfect noir dialog hurtling to the inevitable tragic climax.

If ever there were an under appreciated actress, it's Marie Windsor.

As for Cook, sadly, we'll never see a character actor of his caliber again.
Huh? First you say it's "great," then that it's a popcorn thriller and "B-movie." - tinear 04:42:31 05/21/07 (3)
I'd say you got it right the first time.
In it's genre, it's never been bettered and the performances all ring perfectly true. Of course, Kubrick fans will note the sensational camera work for which the former Life magazine photog's films would justly become famous.
B-movie theme, yes. B-movie quality? Hearty disagreement.
- Sorry - mishmashmusic 06:31:52 05/21/07 (2)
  I meant that it had a "B-movie" feel to it. The narration, the dialogue, the noir style. I didn't mean it in a bad way, it certainly doesn't qualify as a "B" grade quality movie.
  
  It IS a great film, and I apologize if I was misunderstood.
  - 'tis I that was a bit harsh. Please accept my apology: I tend to get - tinear 11:32:10 05/21/07 (1)
    a bit over-excited about certain directors and Kubrick is one.
    We both agree this early film is brilliant!
    - A great film can also be a B movie... - Doug Otte 11:05:50 05/23/07 (0)
      Studios had A and B films. A films were the high-profile, big budget projects. B films were on a smaller budget, with (sometimes) lesser/younger directors/writers/actors.
      
      So, calling it a "B movie" is not necessarily a pejorative. Many of the well-regarded noirs were produced out of a studio's B budget (e.g. Asphalt Jungle).
      
      I don't know if The Killing was an actual B movie, though. Was it?
      
      Doug
RE: Kubrick's "The Killing" - Prisoners 21:48:36 05/20/07 (0)
This was a great movie and one of my favorites of this genre. Ted De Corsia bears a striking resemblance to George "The Animal" Steele from 1970s wrestling. Sterling Hayden was perfect in this role as a vicious tough-guy, and Elisha Cook Jr. with yet another brilliant performance as a patsy with lots of problems.

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