Stanley Kubrick
Early Life
Stanley Kubrick was born on July 26, 1928, in the Lying-In Hospital at 307 Second Avenue in Manhattan, New York City. He was the first of two children of Jacob Leonard Kubrick (1902–1985), known as Jack or Jacques, and his wife Sadie Gertrude Kubrick (née Perveler; 1903–1985), known as Gert. His sister, Barbara Mary Kubrick, was born in May 1934.
Kubrick's great-grandfather, Hersh Kubrick, arrived from Austria-Hungary around 1899, and emigrated to New York City. The surname Kubrick, originally Kubrik, is of Austrian origin, and according to the director's biographer Vincent LoBrutto, it means "pigeon" in a regional Austrian dialect of German.
Career
Stanley Kubrick's career spanned over four decades, and his films are noted for their unique cinematography, attention to detail, and ambitious themes. His body of work includes a variety of genres, including war, crime, romantic and black comedy, horror, epic, and science fiction. Kubrick was also noted for his collaborations with various screenwriters and authors.
Photography
Kubrick's interest in film began when he was a teenager, with photography serving as the initial medium through which he learned the basics of framing, staging, and visual storytelling. At the age of 16, Kubrick was hired as a photographer for Look Magazine, which was a significant development in his career.
Film
Kubrick's first film was a 16-minute documentary short titled Day of the Fight, based on his earlier photo essay for Look magazine. His first feature film, Fear and Desire, was released in 1953. Kubrick continued to create films till his death in 1999, with his final film, Eyes Wide Shut, released posthumously.
Style and Themes
Kubrick's films are characterized by their dense narrative and visual style, which often includes a slow pace, long takes, and a preference for shooting scenes from a distance. He was also known for his meticulous attention to detail and his relentless perfectionism. Some recurring themes in his films include dehumanization, dystopia, and the corruption of power.
Legacy
Stanley Kubrick's films have left a significant impact on film theory and cinema at large. He is often cited as one of the greatest and most influential directors in cinematic history. His films have been preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."