Date: 11 December 2001 Summary: Complex Narrative Structure
Early notable film by Stanley Kubrick that is a layered box of flashbacks
within flashback. While it may not be the Kubrick of his master works, The
Killing(1956) is a very good crafted low budget studio film by the late
filmmaker. Heist film whose major influence is The Asphalt Jungle(1950)
which has a comparable plotline. What both films have in common are the
lead role is played by Sterling Hayden who plays identical characters. With
little of the Kubrick motifs and trademarks which first appears in Paths of
Glory(1957). One trademark that does appear in one scene is the tight
closeup with camera looking straight into the face of Elisha Cook Jr.
Sterling Hayden exhibits why he was masterful in tough guy roles with
hard-boiled performance in The Killing(1956).
A complex puzzle box where the piecing together of plot is more important
than the final results. Quentin Tarantino was influenced by this film
because he uses the same techniques in his debut feature, Reservoir
Dogs(1992). Another film where Tarantino again uses these techniques are
during the department store sequence in Jackie Brown(1997). Multiple point
of view technique I think is inspired by Rashomon(1950). The Killing(1956)
and City on Fire(1987) are two of many films which influenced Reservoir
Dogs(1992). Akira Kurosawa's work influenced many filmmakers including
Stanley Kubrick. So basically this has the elements of Asphalt
Jungle(1950), Rashomon(1950), and Rififi(1955).
Montage was pretty revolutionary for the 1950s in comparison to editing
style usually found in many Hollywood films from this decade. Many scenes
flow along without any major flaws because of the crisp editing. What's
different about this heist film compared to Asphalt Jungle(1950) and
Rififi(1955) is its concern with the before and after of the robbery. Sure,
there is a scene showing the robbery but not in such a detailed fashion like
say the 30 minute Jewel heist of Rififi(1955). One humorous line of
dialogue is spoken by Johnny Clay with his killing a horse isn't considered
murder comment. Actors play their roles brilliantly especially Marie
Windsor who has the Femme Fatale role down to perfection. A disorienting
moment is the shootout between Val(Sherry's lover) and Geroge which is
definitely a Kubrick moment.
Sharp snappy and hard boiled dialogue were done by Noir writer, Jim Thompson
who brings his motifs in a few scenes. Direction and screenplay are
expertly handled by a master film director who is a genius at composing
camera shots. The good camera work in The Killing(1956) was done by Wild
Bunch cameraman, Lucien Ballard. Elisha Cook Jr portrays a meek and weak
willed race tellar in the best role of his acting life. 1950s was the
decade of the heist film with The Killing(1956) as one of the best. Most
Noir pics from 1950-1958 dealt with people obsessed with committing the
perfect robbery. Like most of Kubrick's films, The Killing(1956) does not
end happily for any of the main characters.
company.
Advertise on IMDb.
License our content.