When teaching film and media studies, it’s impossible to not mention the legendary Stanley Kubrick. As one of the most influential and praised directors in cinema history, his work transcends genres and offers valuable insight into the creative process. In this article, we’ll explore how to teach students about Kubrick’s work and his impact on the film industry.
1. Start with a brief biography.
To help students understand Kubrick’s background and career trajectory, start by providing a brief overview of his life. Discuss his early love for chess and photography, his first foray into filmmaking with “Fear and Desire,” and how he gained prominence with “Paths of Glory.” Highlighting key points in Kubrick’s life will set the stage for further examination of his work.
2. Explore the themes and motifs in Kubrick’s films.
One of the reasons Kubrick stands out is because of his unique ability to explore complex themes through carefully crafted narratives and meticulously composed mise-en-scène. Have students examine several of his movies, such as “A Clockwork Orange,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Shining,” and “Full Metal Jacket.” Encourage them to identify recurring themes, such as power, control, human nature, morality, sexuality, technology, war, existentialism, visual symbolism, and symmetry.
3. Analyze Kubrick’s distinctive filming techniques.
Kubrick was known for his innovative filming techniques that showcased visual storytelling at its finest. Introduce your students to his distinctive style by highlighting specific techniques used in his movies:
– One-point perspective: Teach students about this technique that creates depth and dimension in scenes through parallel lines converging on a single vanishing point.
– Steadicam shots: Explain how Kubrick revolutionized camera movement with Steadicam shots that allowed for smooth, continuous motion, and show examples from “The Shining.”
– Long takes: Discuss his preference for extended shots in which actors conveyed emotions and intensity through uninterrupted dialogue or movement.
– Cinematography: Analyze the unique use of lighting, color, and lenses to create striking and memorable imagery.
4. Discuss the collaborative process.
While greatly admired for his precision and attention to detail, Kubrick was famously collaborative, working closely with actors, screenwriters, and cinematographers. Encourage students to research the relationships he formed with key collaborators like Malcolm McDowell, Jack Nicholson, Nicolas Roeg, Arthur C. Clarke, and Diane Johnson. Discussing Kubrick’s collaboration style can provide valuable insights into the filmmaking process.
5. Explore Kubrick’s influence on contemporary filmmakers.
To help students understand Kubrick’s enduring impact on cinema, introduce them to contemporary filmmakers who have been influenced by his work. Directors such as Christopher Nolan, Darren Aronofsky, Gaspar Noé, P.T. Anderson, David Fincher, and Spike Jonze have all cited Kubrick as an inspiration. By analyzing similarities in themes and stylistic choices found in modern films, students will gain a deeper appreciation for Kubrick’s lasting legacy.
Teaching students about Stanley Kubrick can be a rewarding experience that not only provides a comprehensive understanding of the famous director’s work but also broadens their knowledge of cinema as a whole. By examining Kubrick’s life story, recurring themes in his films, filming techniques, collaboration style, and influence on contemporary directors, you’ll enable your students to recognize the powerful impact of one of the most renowned directors in film history.
