Films Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn

Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn debuted on the scene in 1996, and he’s made eight feature films as of this writing. Some have been critically acclaimed, others have been box-office flops, and his most recent, Drive, won him the prestigious Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

If you’re looking for sentimentality and mushy love stories, Nicolas Winding Refn movies are not for you. His cinematic landscape is populated with violent drug dealers, tormented husbands, and even one-eyed killing machines from the age of Vikings. But in spite of all the bloodletting, Refn manages to reach deeper levels of his characters and present complicated individuals seeking to make their way in a chaotic world.

I’ve only seen three Nicolas Winding movies to date, but I’ve been impressed with his visual style and storytelling ability. His first major American release will be hitting theatres soon, and I’m excited for audiences who’ll get to experience his vision for the first time. If you’ve yet to hear of this dynamic filmmaker, now’s a perfect time to delve into his works.

Nicolas Winding Refn Movies I’ve Seen

The following titles make up the list of Nicolas Winding Refn movies I’ve seen so far:

Pusher (1996) – Refn wrote and directed this debut film that’s been hailed as the first Danish-language gangster movie. Kim Bodnia is powerful as Frank, a complicated drug dealer whose life falls apart due in part to a hooker girlfriend, inept pal (Mads Mikkelsen), and Serbian drug lord who loves to bake. Bodnia would deservedly become a major star in his home country after the release of the film, and Refn would be off and running on his big-screen career. Fans of Martin Scorsese are urged to check it out, and I was pleasantly surprised after stumbling across the film on Netflix.

Nicolas Winding Refn movies always feature a few tender moments.

Bronson (2008) – Alternating between dark humor and relentless brutality, this Refn film tells the real-life story of Charles Bronson, a UK criminal who’s one of the nation’s most notorious inmates. Scenes of Bronson in prison are broken up by the character’s fictional appearance in a stage play about his life, and lead actor Tom Hardy gets to mug, menace, and meltdown. After seeing his performance, I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with the character of Bane in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming The Dark Knight Rises.

Valhalla Rising (2009) – This is not an action movie, so don’t go into it with that mindset. Sure, there are some quality scenes of grown men killing one another, but the rest is something akin to a surrealistic journey into the underworld with a one-eyed warrior (the wonderfully stoic Mads Mikkelsen) acting as our guide. I’ll confess to preferring the first half of the film over the second, although the Morten Soborg cinematography gives the entire movie a harsh, melancholy beauty.

Nicolas Winding Refn Movies I Plan on Seeing

I haven’t seen all the Nicolas Winding Refn films available, so the following list includes those I intend to watch in the near future:

Fear X (2003) – Refn described the movie as a tale of an idealist confronted with reality, but that didn’t make anyone want to see it. This film about a man (John Turturro) driven to learn the truth behind his wife’s death was a huge box-office bomb, and Refn’s production company was driven into bankruptcy as a result. This forced him to turn out a couple of sequels to Pusher, and I’m curious to see if it was as bad as the dollar signs would indicate.

Mads Mikkelsen has starred in numerous Nicolas Winding Refn movies.

Pusher 2 (2004) – Mads Mikkelsen returns as Tonny, the hard-luck pal of Frank from the first film. This time Tonny is just getting out of prison, and he’s forced to learn about fatherhood while resuming his life of crime. I enjoyed Pusher, and I’m a Mads Mikkelsen fan, so this title is currently sitting in my queue.

Pusher 3 (2005) – Serbian drug lord Milo (Zlatko Buric) was featured prominently in the first two films, but now he gets to headline. While trying to kick his drug habit and cook for his daughter’s birthday party, this friendly-yet-lethal crook manages to evoke humor and brutal terror as he deals with the underbelly of society. Milo was one of my favorites in the original, so I’m eager to see him have the spotlight to himself.

Drive (2011) – This action film is set to hit U.S. theaters in September of 2011, which is still over a month away as of this writing. I’m excited about it, though, as all signs point to a high-octane flick that’s a throwback to grindhouse films and cop movies from the 1980s. Ryan Gosling gets to try his luck as an action hero while playing a Hollywood stuntman who serves as a getaway driver for criminals in his spare time. Carey Mulligan, Ron Perlman, and Albert Brooks co-star, and the positive reaction at Cannes included a standing ovation. Maybe this will be the spark that reignites the action genre.

While Danish films may not be at the top of the list for most American moviegoers, I urge you to give these Nicolas Winding Refn movies a try. They’re every bit as gritty as movies like Reservoir Dogs, and they possess an entertaining mixture of action and black humor. The next time you want to think outside the box for an evening of movie rentals, you could do a whole lot worse.

Films Directed by Sam Raimi

If you enjoy horror and the Three Stooges, Sam Raimi movies may be just what you’re looking for. That’s because the director has a love for violent and often terrifying subject matter, but he’s never afraid to inject a healthy dose of black humor.

However, unlike Kevin Smith, Rami isn’t a one trick pony. He’s helmed sports movies, supernatural thrillers, Westerns, and the successful Spider-Man trilogy. But no matter what film he’s working on, you can usually spot a Sam Raimi movie by looking for the following trademarks: the presence of actors Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi; the camera adopting a POV perspective as an object hurtles through the air; quick dolly shots; and Raimi’s 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88.

The mastermind behind the Sam Raimi movies.

I’ve been a Sam Raimi fan ever since I saw Evil Dead in the heyday of Fangoria and VHS tapes. His willingness to fill the screen with blood, guts, and unpredictable camera angles has always been appreciated, as well as his ability to work in other, lighter genres. I can even boast of having seen every episode of Xena: Warrior Princess, where Raimi served as executive producer.

Sam Raimi Movies I’ve Seen

I’ve seen the majority of Sam Raimi movies, and here’s a list with my thoughts on each one:

The Evil Dead (1981) – The horror film that launched the careers of Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, Robert Tapert (who would marry Lucy Lawless), and composer Joseph LoDuca. The Coen Brothers would also begin a longtime association with Raimi when Joel served as an editor for the film. The simplistic story follows a group of friends as they journey to a cabin in the woods, accidentally unleash supernatural forces, and then struggle for survival against insane odds. Despite the primitive effects and low budget, Rami’s visual flair and Campbell’s charisma helped elevate the film.

Crimewave (1985) – A bizarre comedy that marked Raimi’s ascension to the big time (a studio film), it’s also an uneven mess that looks cheaper than its $3 million budget. Brion James, one of my favorite character actors co-stars, as does Bruce Campbell. I saw this one over 20 years ago, and I’ve never had the desire to watch it again.

Sam Raimi movies often feature a blend of horror and comedy.

Evil Dead II (1987) – Essentially a remake of the first movie, but with a bigger budget and more ambitious script. Bruce Campbell and his iconic chin work in slapstick comedy while going temporarily mad and getting covered in blood and other bizarre fluids. Ash replacing his severed hand with a chainsaw is especially cool, as is Rami’s over-the-top camerawork. Don’t call yourself a fan of horror movies until you’ve seen this one.

Darkman (1990) – Raimi wanted to adapt The Shadow, but he turned to his own superhero creation after failing to obtain the rights. Liam Neeson played the title role, and it did well enough to inspire a couple of straight-to-video sequels. I never saw it more than once, though, so it failed to make much of an impression on me.

Army of Darkness (1992) – My least favorite of the Evil Dead movies, primarily because Raimi abandoned the more terrifying elements and focused on the comedic. It’s still worth a look, though, as Ash (Bruce Campbell) is hurtled into the past and must team with knights from the Dark Ages to battle infernal forces.

The Quick and the Dead (1995) – Of all the Sam Raimi movies I’ve seen, this Western starring Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio remains my favorite. Stone plays a mysterious female gunfighter who rides into a dusty Old West town for a quick-draw competition, and she’s pitted against a bizarre cast of cutthroats, gentleman adventurers, and Swedish champions. I could quote this film for hours, and Raimi’s unique visual style helps to create a non-traditional genre film. It’s also a chance to see Crowe and DiCaprio before they were stars, and the fine supporting cast includes Keith David, Pat Hingle, Lance Henriksen, and Tobin Bell.

A Simple Plan (1998) – Think of this like a Coen Brothers movie, but without all the quirky characters and moments of dark humor. Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton stars as a pair of brothers who find a bag filled with cash inside the wreckage of a plane, and, along with a friend, agree to keep quiet and later split the money. That plan doesn’t work at all, and soon the group is fighting with one another and digging a number of graves. The film’s gloomy tone was a bit unexpected, and I never felt the need to revisit the film after the initial viewing.

Spider-Man (2002) – The best beginning to any superhero franchise, Spider-Man features a likable cast, lively direction, and special effects that adequately capture the feel of the comic books. Willem Dafoe is appropriately menacing as the Green Goblin, although Kristen Dunst borders on annoying as the poor girl who ignores the nice guy (Peter Parker) in favor of rich dudes. Cliff Robertson was perfectly cast in the role of Uncle Ben, and the wrestling fan in me geeked out when Randy Savage popped up as Bonesaw McGraw (“Bonesaw is reeeeaaadddyyy!”). Far better than Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight films, none of which featured an upside-down kiss.

Spider-Man 2 (2004) – The first film remains my favorite, but the consensus seems to be that this one is the best of the series. Alfred Molina dons the cybernetic tentacles of Dr. Octopus, while Peter Parker pal Harry Osborn (James Franco) takes over his father‘s company and a bit of his madness. My favorite scene comes after Dr. Ock disables the brakes on an elevated train, and Spidey pushes himself to unconsciousness to halt its progress (finally being assisted by a hoard of stereotypically noble New Yorkers).

Spider-Man 3 (2007) – While it was still entertaining, Spider-Man 3 marked a major step down in the franchise. Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) becomes evil, which inevitably leads to dancing. Mary Jane continues to act like a wishy-washy bitch, and enough villains pop up to start a convention. I wish Raimi would’ve come back for one more movie to redeem himself, but I doubt he felt he had anything to prove after the trilogy’s box office totals.

Drag Me to Hell (2009) – Sweet little Alison Lohman gets on the bad side of an elderly woman (Lorna Raver) with the power to curse people, and soon she’s counting the days until a malevolent spirit arrives to drag her to Hell. There are plenty of horrifying moments to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, but Raimi also works in his trademark dashes of black humor (the séance scene with the goat comes to mind, as does the parking garage brawl between Lohman and her geriatric tormentor). If you’re searching for a horror movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, give Drag Me to Hell a try.

Sam Raimi Movies I’ve Missed

I’ve managed to see 11 Sam Raimi movies, but there are still a couple that I’ve overlooked (mainly because I didn’t realize he directed them until later). They include:

For Love of the Game (1999) – A friend of mine raves about this movie all the time, but I still haven’t got around to seeing it. There’s no ulterior motive, either, as I’m a huge Kevin Costner fan. Here he plays an aging pitcher reflecting on life and love while throwing a perfect game in perhaps his final career appearance. The next time I get on a sports movie kick, this one is going in my Netflix queue.

The Gift (2000) – I’m guessing that a lot of people haven’t heard of this film. That‘s at least my excuse for not having seen this supernatural thriller. Oddly enough, it’s based on the psychic experiences of Billy Bob Thornton’s mother (no kidding), The Gift features an all-star cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Keanu Reeves, Hilary Swank, Katie Holmes, and Greg Kinnear. The cast is tempting, but the subject matter sounds hokey.

Films Directed by Zack Snyder

Zack Snyder movies are easy to pick out from the crowd. First, there’s the distinctive Larry Fong cinematography. Second, there’s the tendency for music and action to work hand-in-hand with stunning results. Third, there are the slow motion fight scenes. Lastly, his subject matter tends to be of the fantasy, horror, or comic book variety. In short: Zack Snyder is like a gift sent down from the gods of geekdom.

There would be no Zack Snyder movies without this guy.

Since I’m a confirmed fanboy, I’ve been a supporter of Zack Snyder films from the beginning. The following list includes all of his works so far, and I even touch on upcoming projects. Whether you’re just discovering his action-packed style or looking for titles to round out your Blu-ray collection, I hope my observations will prove helpful.

Current Zack Snyder Movies

Zack Snyder has directed five films in a seven-year period. Call him the anti-Terrence Malick. These films include:

Dawn of the Dead (2004) – I wasn’t expecting much from this remake of the classic George Romero zombie movie, but I walked out of the theatre with my jaw hanging open. The first scene shows the world descending into an undead hell, and the opening credits are accompanied by the unforgettable strains of Johnny Cash’s “When the Man Comes Around.”

But the movie doesn’t take its foot off the gas for a second, as our heroes are quickly thrown into a mall, surrounded by the ravenous dead, and brought into conflict with one another. Ving Rhames is the badass cop trying to reach his brother, while Sarah Polley is the nurse who just manages to keep from being eaten by her husband in the opening minutes. Jake Weber rounds out the primary good guys as Michael, the most level-headed member of the cast.

My favorites, however, are a pair of assholes played by Michael Kelly and Ty Burrell. The former is the chief mall security guard who’s not keen on letting strangers inside, while the latter is the epitome of yuppie scum. Both guys are doomed, of course, but they provide plenty of laughs before becoming zombie snacks.

Snyder passes on all the social commentary that Romero found necessary to shoehorn into his version, and he instead replaces it with more action and a respectable amount of gore. The soundtrack is also off-the-charts cool, with tunes from Disturbed, Johnny Cash, and a lounge singer named Richard Cheese.

While I hold the Romero version in high regard, there’s only one Dawn of the Dead that I have in my DVD collection. This is it.

A staple of Zack Snyder movies are slow motion battle sequences.

300 (2007) – A brutal, chest-thumping adaptation of Frank Miller’s comic series about a group of 300 Spartans who valiantly hack and slash their way through thousands of invading Persian soldiers. Larry Fong’s sepia-toned cinematography lends an elegance to the carnage, while Snyder has plenty of opportunities to engage in slo-mo bloodletting.

I recall walking out of the theatre slightly disappointed by this one, as I originally deemed it to be a series of action pieces linked together by little in the way of emotional depth. The hunchback and his ridiculous hat didn’t help things, either. I’ve since revised my position, though, and 300 has become a favorite option when I’m looking to watch something while eating.

Watchmen (2009) – People had been trying to adapt Alan Moore’s legendary comic book limited series for decades, but each proposal would get mired down in the planning process. Then Snyder came along, fresh off his triumphs with 300 and Dawn of the Dead. Years of frustration were suddenly washed away, and pre-production began in earnest.

The finished product makes you wonder what all the fuss was about. Not only does Snyder capture the essence of the story, but he makes it look easy in the process. And all the tiny details are there for hardcore fans, including business signs that look like they’re drawn by Dave Gibbons himself.

Snyder throws in several slow motion fight sequences, including an excellent battle between The Comedian and a shadowy assailant to open the show. Music is drawn from the ‘60s and ‘70s, with Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower” being among the most effective.

As for the cast, it’s solid from top to bottom. Jackie Earle Haley is tops as the obsessive vigilante crimefighter named Rorschach, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is a close second as the world-weary hero/soldier/assassin dubbed The Comedian.

If you’ve already read Alan Moore’s Watchmen, this makes an excellent companion. If you’ve yet to experience either one, clear your schedule for a day and fit them both in.

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010) – A computer-animated tale adapted from a series of fantasy books about owls engaged in war, intrigue, and heroism. I’ve never read the books, and I suspect the film was aimed at an audience much younger than myself. To date, it’s the only Zack Snyder movie that I haven’t watched, and I don’t plan on that changing in the near future.

Girls and guns. Can you really beat that combination?

And while there was plenty of action to be had, it felt thrown together at random. I was reminded of watching a video game cutscene (without having played the actual game), and even the presence of Scott Glenn couldn’t whip this film into a winner. A major step back for Snyder, but I’m going to give him a mulligan and hope for the best in 2013.

Upcoming Zack Snyder Projects for 2013

Zack Snyder’s next project is Man of Steel, the latest attempt to restart the Superman franchise. Scheduled for a June 2013 release, this will be yet another reboot. The cast is shaping up nicely as of this writing, with Henry Cavill (Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Michael Shannon (General Zod), Kevin Costner (Pa Kent), Diane Lane (Ma Kent), and Russell Crowe (Jor-El) signing on. While Superman Returns was a huge disappointment, here’s hoping that Snyder can get things turned in a positive direction.

Zack Snyder movies are colorful and violent, and his background as a music video director allows him to combine sound and visuals to create some impressive sequences. While a few of his recent releases have been box-office disappointments, his star continues to shine brightly for fanboys around the globe. If you’re a fan, I suggest heading out in 2013 to support Man of Steel. Otherwise, Snyder might find himself back directing Morrissey videos.

Before Eli Roth came along, the horror genre had fallen into a PG-13 malaise. But all that changed with the release of Cabin Fever and Hostel, the latter helping to coin the term for a new type of horror flick: “torture porn” or “gorno.” Filled with copious amounts of female flesh and graphic brutality, Eli Roth movies have offended the sensibilities of many critics and sent parental watchdog groups into fits of rage. But the buff NYU graduate could care less; he wears his “Splat Pack” moniker (along with Rob Zombie and Alexandre Aja) with pride.

In addition to the fake breasts and severed heads, Eli Roth movies also include liberal amounts of dark comedy. While Jason Voorhees may stalk his victims with nary a laugh, the madmen (and women) of the Eli Roth universe are frequently funny in a sick and twisted sort of way.

Eli Roth, the Frank Sinatra of the Splat Pack

If you’re tired of watered-down movies being passed off as horror, give these Eli Roth films a try. While they may not help the Slovak tourism industry, they will provide plenty of titillation amidst arterial sprays.

Films Directed by Eli Roth

Cabin Fever (2002) – A group of college kids head up to a cabin for some sex and drinking, but their weekend is ruined by a flesh-eating bacteria that tends to bring out the worst in humanity. This was Roth’s entry into the world of feature filmmaking, and it doesn’t let the audience down. From nods to Deliverance to Cerina Vincent’s beautiful body, it’s a roller coaster of exploitation.

Rider Strong’s lead character of Paul hit home with me, as he’s the nice guy who’s constantly overlooked by the love of his life, Karen (Jordan Ladd). She’s more interested in Grim (Eli Roth in a cameo), a douchebag skateboarder who arrives with a bag of weed and a vicious dog named Dr. Mambo. But all romantic considerations fly out the widow when an infected hermit stumbles up to the cabin and begins the bloody chain of events.

Cabin Fever was a bold statement for Roth, as it threw caution to the wind and brought some old school balls back to the horror genre. Faces are eaten off by dogs, heads are blown apart by shotguns, and a mentally handicapped kid shows off his kung-fu abilities. I loved it.

Hostel, one of the Eli Roth movies that helped launch the torture porn sub-genre.

I loved the quality and quantity of the nudity, and the gorehound in me was also impressed by the extreme level of bloodshed. I did not, however, care much for the lead characters, especially the obnoxiously blonde Josh (Derek Richardson). For that reason alone, I still prefer Cabin Fever over Hostel.

Hostel: Part II (2007) – More Americans head to Eastern Europe to get butchered, but this time a few new twists are introduced. First, the Americans are all female (Lauren German, Bijou Phillips, and Heather Matarazzo). Secondly, we get to know a couple of members of the twisted Elite Hunting club (Richard Burgi and Roger Bart), who also happen to be American citizens.

The new had worn off by this point, so I ended up liking Hostel 2 less than the original. That’s not to say that it stinks, just that it fails to shock the senses quite like the first. I did enjoy Burgi and Bart’s character arcs, and Lauren German was refreshing as an intended victim who proves just as dangerous as those pursuing her.

Thanksgiving (2007) – Roth directed this outrageous faux movie trailer for the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez project known as Grindhouse. In it, a killer dressed up like a pilgrim ruins everyone’s Thanksgiving when he carves up a whole different kind of white meat. A guy gets decapitated while he receives a hummer, a cheerleader is impaled though the vagina while jumping on a trampoline, and Michael Biehn is hilarious as the local sheriff who’s prone to overact. Easily the best of all the fake Grindhouse trailers, as I can only pray to the gods of gore that Roth eventually turns this slasher movie trailer into a full-length feature.

Nation’s Pride (2009) – Roth starred in Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds as a Nazi-killing Jew from Brooklyn, but he also directed the propaganda film-within-a-film known as Nation’s Pride. In it, a heroic German soldier successful snipes wave after wave of American soldiers on behalf of the Fatherland. The body count of the film quickly becomes ridiculous, and one has to wonder how anyone could believe such a piece of cinematic nonsense. But that’s the whole point: How could anyone be dumb enough to fall for propaganda in its many forms?

Films Produced by Eli Roth

Once you’ve seen all the films listed above, you may find yourself still jonesing for an Eli Roth fix. If that’s the case, you can always watch the movies where he served as producer. While they may not be quite as good (or as gory), they’re still worth a look.

One of the Eli Roth movies where he served as a producer, although it had nothing to do with Natalie Merchant.

It’s better than Lewis’ low-budget original, but 2001 Maniacs pales in comparison to the technical slickness of Roth’s directorial efforts. Robert Englund is always a welcome sight in the role of the town’s mayor, while Cabin Fever vet Giuseppe Andrews co-stars as local ladykiller (literally) Harper Alexander. And I have to give the film props for casting Peter Stormare, one of my favorite character actors. Breast lovers will be enchanted by Christa Campbell, who’s more than suited for the role of Milk Maiden.

The Last Exorcism (2010) – While the ending feels tacked on, this found footage horror flick is otherwise effective at making everyone in the South seem like closet lunatics. Patrick Fabian stars as Reverend Cotton Marcus, a devoted minister and exorcist who’s become disillusioned by his role as a con-man-for-hire. Bringing along a film crew, he embarks on one last job with the intention of blowing the lid off his profession. But that’s when he runs into the Sweetzer family and the sweetly simple Nell (Ashley Bell).

There are a couple of holes in the plot, and those looking for graphic violence will come away disappointed. If you’re a fan of Paranormal Activity or The Blair With Project, however, you should be more than content with director Daniel Stamm’s atmospheric flick about faith and redemption. Fabian’s performance is especially nuanced and believable, and I’m happy to report that he hasn’t disappeared following the film’s release.

Eli Roth movies have helped bring the horror genre back to the forefront, but it remains to be seen if he will stick to his successful formula or eventually break out into other areas. While I doubt we should expect an Eli Roth rom-com in the near future, I’d be willing to spring for the price of a ticket just to see him put his uniquely offensive stamp on yet another genre.

While I enjoy Stanley Kubrick movies, the bearded and presumably still-dead filmmaker sounded like he would’ve been a real asshole. Thanks to his interest in technological innovations for the cinema, I’ve often equated him with James Cameron…except with talent. Both men are known for having berated their co-workers to the point of breakdowns, and it wasn’t unusual for Kubrick to spend insane periods of time shooting a scene to get it just right. He was so exacting, in fact, that he only made 13 feature films in a span of 46 years.

Of course, this brand of obsessive behavior paid off when the finished product made its debut, and critics and fans are still lining up to lick the empty boots of Stanley Kubrick. In the following article, I’ll take a look at the Stanley Kubrick films that I’ve seen, offering my own feelings and experiences. I’ll also talk briefly about the titles I’ve yet to see, including my reasons for having skipped them to this point.

If you’ve never experienced the works of Stanley Kubrick, this is a fine jumping-on point. But if you’re a longtime devotee who feels the legendary director can do no wrong, prepare to be incensed (that’s why we have a comments section). Just keep it civil, or your arguments and observations will never see the light of day.

Stanley Kubrick Movies I’ve Seen

The following list is comprised of the Stanley Kubrick movies I’ve seen so far, as well as my opinions on each one:

The Killing (1956) – Kubrick tries his hand at film noir in this tale of a career crook (Sterling Hayden) who’s looking to pull one last job before getting married and settling down. If you’ve ever seen a crime movie, you can likely guess how well things turn out.

It failed to do much business during its initial release, but The Killing has since developed a cult following thanks to Kubrick’s later success. I was as underwhelmed as those original audiences, and the film’s first 30 minutes left me utterly unmoved. I turned the movie off after that and never finished it. Maybe it picked up steam as the narrative got more complicated, but I wasn’t motivated enough to find out. Since my Netflix queue was filled with more appealing options, I dropped it in the mailbox and never looked back.

Paths of Glory was the first of many anti-war Stanley Kubrick movies.

Paths of Glory (1957) – I watched Paths of Glory in the last year, and it didn‘t disappoint. Kirk Douglas remains one of my all-time favorite actors, and he was especially adept at displaying contempt and righteous indignation. Those qualities come in handy here, as he plays a French officer and lawyer who takes up the defense of fellow soldiers railroaded on charges of cowardice and facing an execution by firing squad.

This wouldn’t be the last anti-war film directed by Kubrick, but it ranks among his finest efforts on the silver screen. The Georg Krause cinematography is stirring on every level, the supporting performance by Ralph Meeker is noteworthy, and Kubrick wrings every once of emotion out of scenes demonstrating the cowardice and petty nature of the human race. If you’re just beginning to explore Kubrick, put this on your short list.

Spartacus (1960) – Anthony Mann was this epic film’s original director, but he was canned a week into shooting and replaced by Kubrick, who had previously worked with star Kirk Douglas on Paths of Glory. It’s been years since I saw the film, but here’s what I remember: Douglas chewing the scenery as a real-life slave who helped organize a rebellion against his Roman masters; Roman troops getting messed up by flaming logs rolled downhill; the stirring and tragic showdown between Spartacus and fellow gladiator Draba (Woody Strode); wanting to slap the smug Crassus (Laurence Olivier); and the film’s climax and much-imitated scene where multiple people claim to be Spartacus.

Lolita (1962) – Vladimir Nabokov’s novel revolves around a middle-aged pedophile who lusts after a 12-year-old girl, even going so far as to marry her boorish mother in order to be close to her. Somehow, Kubrick managed to successfully adapt the book to the big screen. Oh, and did I mention that it’s a comedy?

James Mason is a riot as the dry academic controlled by his passion, and the debuting Sue Lyon lights up the screen as the object of his socially unacceptable obsession. Peter Sellers demonstrates his ability to morph into a wide range of characters, playing the delightfully oily Clare Quilty. Despite the differences from the original novel, both works endure as darkly comedic masterpieces.

Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) – One of the greatest example of movie satire ever released, Dr. Strangelove contains spot-on performances from an all-star cast, as well as a unique visual flair from director Kubrick. The scene with Slim Pickens riding an atomic bomb down into the heart of Russian territory remains an iconic screen image, as well as a chilling reminder of how close we come to annihilation on a daily basis.

This was among critic Gene Siskel’s favorite film, and I would have to agree with the bald-headed movie savant. Strangelove works on every level, which is even more impressive when you consider that it’s a comedy. Peter Sellers is a standout in his three roles as a by-the-book British officer, the President of the United States, and the title character who‘s a former Nazi scientist. My favorite, however, was George C. Scott for his role as General Buck Turgidson, a gung-ho military man who uses the War Room phone to talk with his mistress and later gets into a famous scuffle with the Russian ambassador (“There‘s no fighting in the War Room!”).

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – Much has been made of Kubrick’s sci-fi epic, but it never appealed to me on any level. Sure, it featured some fine classical music, but everything post-HAL just bored me to tears. I haven’t read the Arthur C. Clarke novel that the film was based on, but I have a hard time believing it could be more boring or pretentious. At least the sequel has Roy Scheider.

Alex DeLarge and his gang on the prowl in a scene from A Clockwork Orange, one of the finest Stanley Kubrick movies.

A Clockwork Orange (1971) – I watched this with a friend of mine a few years ago, and it instantly became his favorite Kubrick work. I’m partial to it, as well, due in large part to Malcolm McDowell’s alarming portrayal of a young ruffian living in a bleak future marred by rampant societal collapse. As with most of his films, Kubrick’s choice of classical music only serves to heighten the on-screen events, especially when it comes to acts of violence committed by Alex DeLarge (McDowell) and his gang of droogs. Based on the Anthony Burgess novel, it remains a powerful commentary on the nature of violence in society and the failure of science to curb man’s most basic tendencies.

Barry Lyndon (1975) – Ryan O’Neal is all but forgotten today, but he a respected movie star during the 1970s. This was one of his more interesting and demanding projects, as the Kubrick film casts him in the role of the title character, an 18th century Irishman who travels across Europe getting into various adventures (carnal and otherwise) before settling down and making a complete mess of his life. The duel in the barn with his stepson during the film’s waning minutes remains my favorite scene.

To demonstrate his obsession with the technical side of filmmaking, Kubrick had special lenses made so he could shoot everything with natural lightning. An impressive feat, although I’m afraid it will be lost on die-hard fans of Larry the Cable Guy.

The Shining (1980) – Stephen King wasn’t thrilled with this adaptation of his novel, but I always found it far more terrifying than the source material. Jack Nicholson is Jack Torrance, the recovering boozer who takes a job as the winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel to try and finish his crappy novel, while Shelly Duvall shows off her homely looks as his meek wife. Scatman Crothers steals the show as the Overlook’s chef who likes paintings of half-naked women with afros, and he also recognizes the telepathic potential of young Danny Torrance (Danny Lloyd).

The film moves along at a snail’s pace, but the creepy moments will stick with you long after the credits roll. Little girls are shown hacked to pieces by an axe, rivers of blood pour from an elevator, and the hottie in Room 237 is not what she seems. And don’t overlook Nicholson’s menacing performance as a complex family man driven to madness through a combination of alcohol, isolation, and the supernatural.

Kubrick’s long shots are effective at emphasizing the isolation of the characters, and the Steadicam was used for only the third time in motion picture history (now a staple of the industry). But the most iconic shot remains Nicholson’s leering face peeking through the newly-hacked hole in the door, just prior to bellowing out “Heeeere’s Johnny!”

Full Metal Jacket (1987) – The first half of the film features draftees Matthew Modine and Vincent D’Onofrio getting the crap kicked out of them by a Vietnam-era drill sergeant played with relish by R. Lee Ermey. The second half follows Joker (Modine) as he serves as a war correspondent in Southeast Asia an witnesses the horrors of war firsthand.

This would mark Kubrick’s third anti-war film, and he pulls out all the stops in showing the futility of combat between nations. Bodies are thrown into mass graves, a helicopter gunner shares tips on the best way to pick off women and children from the air, and a shadowy enemy sniper relentlessly kills members of the U.S. military. It’s far from realistic in many spots, but the message is still received loud and clear.

I’m partial to the first half of the film, as the contrasting performances of Ermey (himself a former drill instructor) and D’Onofrio effortlessly carry the narrative along. Private Pyle descends into madness after suffering constant torment by Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, and he delivers one of the best examples of what’s been called the “Kubrick crazy stare.”

Stanley Kubrick Movies I Haven’t Seen

While I’ve seen most of his works, the following films of Stanley Kubrick remain on my to-do list:

Fear and Desire (1953) – I’ve never seen this debut Kubrick film about a small group of soldiers tasked with sneaking behind enemy lines, primarily because it’s never been given a commercial DVD release. Bootlegs are available, of course, but I’m too lazy to try and track down such things. Besides, I don’t Lars Ulrich or one of his cronies hassling me.

Killer’s Kiss (1955) – Running only 67 minutes long, this was Kubrick’s second effort as a director. Set in the noir genre, it tells the story of a failed boxer and taxi dancer who start up a romance despite the violent machinations of her employer. While I’m not opposed to seeing it, the disappointment of The Killing hasn’t exactly made me want to run out and watch another noir flick from Kubrick.

Even the masked perverts in Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut marvel at the lunacy of Scientology.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) – I’ve seen a few clips from this Tom Cruise / Nicole Kidman vehicle about an upper-class married guy who stumbles across a hidden world of sexual perversions, but it’s never struck me as especially interesting. The titillation factor isn‘t a selling point for me, as nothing in this flick could be as hot as watching Andy San Dimas go through her paces. I’ll eventually watch it to see Kubrick’s final film, but I’m not in any hurry. Besides, the revelation of Tom Cruise’s craziness has further diminished my interest.

That concludes my look at all the Stanley Kubrick movies ever made. While my discussion may not have delved into technical aspects or provided a long-winded critical analysis of each film, it should at least indicate my general impressions of a filmmaker whose legacy is still felt in theatres across the globe. If you’re serious about the art of film, Kubrick is a must-see artist. If, however, you think the Transformers franchise is the best thing since sliced bread, go ahead and look elsewhere.

Spike Jonze is a multi-talented fella who’s directed, acted, produced, and even served as cinematographer. Best known for his innovative music videos, he’s also made three feature films over a 20-year period, with each drawing critical acclaim. He co-owns a skateboard company, and he helped create the MTV prankster series Jackass. Fans of Three Kings may remember Jonze as Private First Class Conrad Vig, a shitheel soldier who wants to be just like Troy Barlow (Mark Wahlberg).

I’ve seen one of the Spike Jonze movies on this list so far, although I’m not opposed to seeing the others at some future date. I have also enjoyed a number of his music videos thanks to a nifty DVD compilation and the miracle of YouTube.

If you’ve yet to discover Spike Jonze, now’s your chance to jump on the bandwagon. And even if you’re familiar with his work, his diverse career almost ensures that you’ve missed something along the way.

Movies Directed by Spike Jonze

As of this writing, these are the three movies directed by Spike Jonze:

Being John Malkovich (1999) – This is the lone Spike Jonze movie that I’ve seen, and it didn’t disappoint. John Cusack plays a frustrated puppeteer who takes a job as a file clerk on the 7 ½ floor of an office building. When he uncovers a hidden portal in the wall, he enters and finds himself in the body of actor John Malkovich (playing himself). Before long, he and a co-worker (Catherine Keener) are selling tickets to those interested in walking a mile in Mr. Malkovich’s shoes, and his wife with transgendered leanings (Cameron Diaz) is using the actor as a vessel to carry on an affair. A bizarre tale of identity and the loss thereof, and I was especially amused by the appearance of Charlie Sheen (playing himself) as the friend who Malkovich turns to when he thinks he’s going crazy.

Adaptation, one of the three Spike Jonze movies made to this point.

Adaptation (2002) – I haven’t watched this film yet, but I’ve seen more Nicolas Cage movies than I would care to admit, so I’m certain it will happen. Cage plays dual roles as writer Charlie Kaufman (who actually wrote the screenplay) and twin brother Donald Kaufman (who doesn’t exist in real life), as the former struggles with adapting the novel The Orchid Thief to the screen. Anyone who enjoys quality acting should consider this Oscar-winning film, as it features Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Brian Cox, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. On an interesting side note, Donald Kaufman was nominated along with his brother for Best Adapted Screenplay, making him the first fictional person to achieve such an honor.

Where the Wild Things Are (2009) – I loved the Maurice Sendak book as a child, but I’ve yet to see Jonze’s big-screen adaptation. Max Records stars as the kid who runs away to frolic with a group of fantastical beasts, and their voices are supplied by James Gandolfini, Chris Cooper, Forest Whitaker, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Dano, and Lauren Ambrose. If you consider watching this with your kids, just keep in mind that many critics noted the film’s dark nature and mature ideas.

Spike Jonze Music Videos

My friend Cliff once made a Christmas gift of The Work of Director Spike Jonze, a collection of music videos, short films, and documentaries. I’ve gotten a lot of enjoyment out of this present over the years, especially when it comes to the music video section. The following are all included in the collection, or you can be cheap and watch them for free on YouTube:

In addition to Spike Jonze movies, he also makes music videos.

“Buddy Holly” (1994) – The band Weezer is inserted into footage from Happy Days, where they play a gig at Arnold’s Drive-In and interact with Fonzie and the rest of the gang.

“Feel the Pain” (1994) – J Mascis from Dinosaur Jr. plays a game of golf that stretches across the city.

“Sabotage” (1994) – A black-and-white tribute to cop shows from the 1970s, this video finds the Beastie Boys fighting crooks and enforcing law and order.

“California” (1995) – Throughout this song by Wax, a guy runs down the street on fire in slow motion.

“It’s Oh So Quiet” (1995) – Bjork has always had an oddball look and sound, and this video shot in a tire shop and filled with choreographed dancing only adds to her weirdness.

“Praise You” (1998) – Spike Jonze put on a disguise, gathered together the Torrance Community Dance Group, then delivered on an impromptu performance outside a movie theatre to the strains of Fatboy Slim. The people waiting in line for tickets never knew what hit them.

“Weapon of Choice” (2000) – The most famous video from Jonze, this is another collaboration with Fatboy Slim. Christopher Walken stars as a lonely hotel guest who starts dancing and soon begins to defy gravity. It won six Moonmen at the MTV Music Video Awards, and several polls have listed it as the greatest music video of all time.

If you’d like to view some later examples of Spike Jonze music videos, check out “Get Back,” where Ludacris and his comically oversized limbs throttle a guy in the bathroom; and “Don’t’ Play No Game That I Can’t Win,” in which the Beastie Boys engage in action and intrigue while being portrayed by action figures.

Spike Jonze has a unique vision, and this carries over to both Spike Jonze movies and Spike Jonze music videos. They’re not for everyone, of course, but anyone who’s watched MTV over the last 20 years should be familiar with some of his work (even if they don’t realize it). And thanks to his frequent cinematic collaborations with writer Charlie Kaufman, his motion pictures are intellectual affairs that maintain enough of a comedic edge and starpower to be enjoyed by the masses.