# What's your favourite Stanley Kubrick movie? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 21, 2016, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541 "2016-07-21T23:24:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/21 "2016-07-22T04:29:44Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > On movie night in Central Repository Mine #114, my favorite film is the documentary detailing the lead-up to our current situation. The casting is a bit unrealistic, though, and they left out a number of details. They didn’t even show the pie fight, which had a significant influence on the post-doomsday political situation. Let’s go to the quarry and throw stuff down there! ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/22 "2016-07-22T06:11:48Z")
2001 Dr. Strangelove then it gets tough. Clockwork Orange, Paths of Glory are close, but The Killing is really quite good. I only saw Barry Lyndon once when it came out, so that is a possibility. The Shining is up there also. I didn’t even hate Eyes Wide Shut, though it could have been cut to its benefit. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/23 "2016-07-22T10:26:14Z")
I don’t really like any Kubrick films as films, and that wasn’t an option… ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/24 "2016-07-22T10:57:05Z")
Tough choice, but I went with _The Shining_. On a related question: am I the only one who found _Barry Lyndon_ tedious? I mean, I recognize the artistic merits of the film but I was bored. Really bored. (Also, hearing “La Folia” now makes me shudder). ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/25 "2016-07-22T11:16:12Z")
> [@dracoi](#): > > 2001 and The Shining are closely tied. > > Ultimately, I went with The Shining because it played a key role in my learning to appreciate the horror genre whereas 2001 is just one of many sci-fi movies that I like at a similar level … Same for me but I picked _2001_ because of its excellent use of some of **Ligeti** ’s most fascinating pieces, then very recently written. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/26 "2016-07-22T11:44:50Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > Tough choice, but I went with _The Shining_. > > On a related question: am I the only one who found _Barry Lyndon_ tedious? I mean, I recognize the artistic merits of the film but I was bored. Really bored. (Also, hearing “La Folia” now makes me shudder). I agree with both sentiments, though it wasn’t \*too \*hard for me to pick _The Shining_ with \*2001 \*a close second. Barry Lyndon was just a giant pain in the ass, and I had never planned to watch it but I read good things about it _here_:dubious: So thanks for that, people. On the other hand, I had never even heard of \*The Killing \*or _Paths of Glory_ so I look forward to checking those out. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/27 "2016-07-22T12:25:40Z")
I went with Lolita. This subject was so explosive that it took genius to present the story in such a way as not to get tarred and feathered. Actually a compelling story and well acted. The Shining was my second choice, some of those visuals were both surreal and terrifying at the same time. Nice paced movie with two outstanding leads. ---
**Author:** ![GunnarFranz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/da6949/32.png) [@GunnarFranz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GunnarFranz)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/28 "2016-07-22T12:51:26Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > When I was 12, I thought _Dr. Strangelove_ was the best movie I had ever seen. It’s not at the top of my list now (I’ve seen many movies), but I still marvel how I could have thought that at that age. > > It’s still my favorite Kubrick. I am at nearly 11,000 movies and it’s still in my top 10. Pretty easy to see how it _could be_ someone’s number one. I digress, Dr. Strangelove\> 2001: A Space Odyssey \> The Shining (parts haven’t aged too well) ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/29 "2016-07-22T13:26:03Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I went with Lolita. This subject was so explosive that it took genius to present the story in such a way as not to get tarred and feathered. Actually a compelling story and well acted. > > The Shining was my second choice, some of those visuals were both surreal and terrifying at the same time. Nice paced movie with two outstanding leads. I think we’re the only ones. And I thought Sue Lyons gave a stellar performance. Incredible film. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/30 "2016-07-22T14:58:38Z")
_Paths of Glory_ may be the finest WWI film ever, though it’s in close competition with _Gallipoli_. ---
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/31 "2016-07-22T15:09:47Z")
The Shining is actually my favorite movie of all time, and I also loved the book, even though the movie has a lot of major differences. The Shining movie is a masterpiece in its own right. Those shots with the steadicam which was a pretty new thing at the time are just amazing, and I love the music too, I agree about the terrifying and surreal comment another poster made, like the image of the elevators spilling blood juxtaposed with that music and just the camera holding steady it just fills you with such dread and foreboding on like a primordial level. I’ve read some discussions about Stanley Kubrick saying he had Asperger’s (don’t know if that’s true or not) and he was very much a perfectionist and some of those shots he would shoot over and over like 100+ times. There’s a story about how he finally caused older actor Scatman Crothers to break into tears because he just couldn’t take it anymore, and supposedly Jack Nicholson stepped in and convinced Kubrick to lay off the guy. He also supposedly did much the same with Shelley Duvall until her hair was falling out from the stress. I also love A Clockwork Orange and 2001, the imagery in combination with the music is still amazing to watch and listen to, even in this day of computer generated wonders. Its not like watching a movie, it feels like you are really there, experiencing it. ---
**Author:** ![Hermitian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hermitian/32/470_2.png) [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/32 "2016-07-22T16:56:02Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > I don’t really like any Kubrick films as films, and that wasn’t an option… Actually I think that might have been the last options, “Big Momma’s House 3.” ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/33 "2016-07-22T18:01:19Z")
I’m having to go with _The Shining_ as the top because it’s the film that really makes me admire its artistry. _2001_ is second to me because of the revolutionary nature of the cinematography. And the awesome/WTF? moment of the bone-to-spaceship shot. _Full Metal Jacket_ is so dominated in my recollection by R. Lee Ermey that I can’t really give the film its own consideration. _Paths of Glory_ and\* Dr Strangelove\* I like for the plots and acting rather than their production values. I feel like they could have been made by someone else and turned out just as well. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/34 "2016-07-22T18:31:14Z")
That was tough. _Strangelove_ has just about my favorite line (bomb-doors, Bear Creek), but I went with another one. ---
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/35 "2016-07-22T18:35:20Z")
In regards to Dr. Strangelove I’ve been meaning to see it for years but haven’t gotten around to it quite yet. I’ve watched the trailer on iTunes and I know what the basic plotline is, why is it so highly esteemed specifically? Is it the dialogue, the technicality, was it just really ahead of it time? I know its supposed to be dark comedy which I like, and I like great dialogue in movies, for those who have seen it what exactly makes it a great film? ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/36 "2016-07-22T19:31:43Z")
A Clockwork Orange. Then Dr. Strangelove, followed by Full Metal Jacket. I remember watching FMJ at the theater with my brother, when I was in the military. After the show I told him “That was the most realistic representation of boot camp I have ever seen in a movie.” He answered “It’s really like that? That sucks!” Though I’m sure the rough edges have been smoothed over the years, military training is probably still pretty close to FMJ. Folks who haven’t served don’t understand what the military is like. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/37 "2016-07-22T20:14:13Z")
1. The first half of _Full Metal Jacket_ 2. The first two-thirds of _2001_ 3. _Spartacus_ ---
**Author:** ![ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chockfullofheadygoodness/32/511_2.png) [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/38 "2016-07-22T20:18:04Z")
Paths of Glory. Just rewatched it on Turner Classic Movies a few weeks ago, and it still gets me. It’s interesting for all the talk that Kubrick’s films are detached and cold, the ending to Paths of Glory provokes the most intense emotional reaction I’ve ever encountered watching a movie. The first time I saw it I was enraged by Broulard’s line “You really did want to save those men”. It still makes me want to reach into the screen and slap the crap out of him. Clockwork Orange, 2001, The Shining and the first half of Full Metal Jacket round out my Top 5 (4 1/2?). Full Metal Jacket is an excellent half-movie. The boot camp scenes are phenomenal, but the Vietnam scenes aren’t particularly memorable. All I can recall are the much-sampled lines from the hooker, and that’s only due to all the samples. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/39 "2016-07-22T20:21:50Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > Tough choice, but I went with _The Shining_. > > On a related question: am I the only one who found _Barry Lyndon_ tedious? I mean, I recognize the artistic merits of the film but I was bored. Really bored. (Also, hearing “La Folia” now makes me shudder). What really irked me about Kubrick’s _ **Barry Lyndon** _ is that almost none of it was FUNNY! Thackeray’s novel was HILARIOUS!!! But none of Thackeray’s comedy survived in the movie version, which was an ultra-serious drag. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2016, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541/40 "2016-07-22T20:37:53Z")
2001 by a country mile. Then Spartacus with Full Metal Jacket a fair distance behind that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favourite-stanley-kubrick-movie/760541.md?page=3)