Kubrick's Final Disturbing Yet Enthralling Masterpiece

Rating: 8/10 (11 October 1999)

Stanley Kubrick's last film is one of the most tense films I have ever viewed. While watching it, I felt things were moving slow at times. Thinking back... I realize the tempo of this film was necessary. His directing style is similar to a composition played by a great musician. Just as the notes not played by a musician are as important as the notes played, Kubrick's sense of space and moments of silence are equally important. These quiet "disturbing" moments build tension, which would otherwise be lost, if continuous banter took place in its stead.
The acting in this film is very well done and appropriate, but the real star here is Kubrick. Everything in this film gels just right. The lighting, framing, and melding of scenes are just perfect. The music also suits this film perfectly. Never has one sustained note meant so much to a film. Even the look and feel of New York is dead on even though the film was done entirely in England.
The only thing I disliked about this film was realizing it would be Kubrick's last masterpiece. It is a shame that great things must come to an end.