Stanley Kubrick’s 1956 Film ‘The Killing’ Had a Lasting Impact on the Heist Genre
In a retrospective review of Stanley Kubrick’s film ‘The Killing’, Roger Ebert noted that Kubrick considered the film to be his first mature feature. The movie marked Kubrick’s first major foray into Hollywood filmmaking, following his career as a photographer and his work in short films. According to an article on Collider.com, ‘The Killing’ has a timeless quality that is characteristic of Kubrick’s classics.
The film’s unique structure, shifting perspectives, and use of flashbacks have had a lasting impact on the heist genre. ‘The Killing’ was based on the crime novel ‘Clean Break’ by Lionel White and tells the story of a racetrack heist planned and executed by a group of amateur criminals. The film’s complex form, which playfully disorients the audience by moving back and forth in time, has been widely influential.
Collider.com reports that ‘The Killing’ elevated the heist film genre by establishing that every member of the team has a vital role to play. The film’s use of non-linear storytelling and flashbacks has been emulated in many films since its release. As noted by Collider.com, the film’s influence can be seen in movies such as ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘The Town’, ‘Heat’, ‘Sexy Beast’, and ‘Unforgiven’.
Quentin Tarantino, the acclaimed director of ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Reservoir Dogs’, has cited ‘The Killing’ as a major influence on his work. In a 1992 interview with the Seattle Times, Tarantino admitted that he was inspired by Kubrick’s film, saying “I didn’t go out of my way to do a rip-off of ‘The Killing’, but I did think of it as my ‘Killing’, my take on that kind of heist movie.” Tarantino also stated that ‘The Killing’ is his favourite heist film and that he was definitely influenced by it.
Collider.com notes that ‘The Killing’ had a direct influence on Tarantino’s debut feature ‘Reservoir Dogs’. The film’s impact on Tarantino’s work is evident in films such as ‘Pulp Fiction’, which spawned numerous imitations and essentially led to the creation of a new genre. The influence of ‘The Killing’ can be seen in many films that have followed in its footsteps.
In conclusion, ‘The Killing’ is a landmark film that has had a lasting impact on the heist genre. Its unique structure, complex characters, and use of non-linear storytelling have made it a timeless classic. As Collider.com reports, the film’s influence can be seen in many films that have followed, including the work of Quentin Tarantino. Today, ‘The Killing’ serves as a reminder of Kubrick’s genius and the enduring legacy of his films.
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