★★★★★ 5
Quintessential 50's Kubrick Noir!
Criterion continues to keep them coming. The Killing(1956), Stanley Kubrick's great noir adds to the recent influx of Criterion's recent titles in 2011, which closely follows Kiss Me Deadly(1955). What a feast for Noir addicts! Now we have another pristine upgrade of a print which greatly improves past releases in both quality as well as great special features. This time we get two jam filled discs of a very important Noir. This two-dvd special edition includes a bounty of goodies for lovers of Noir. There is a new digital restoration, which is excellent, as well as a new interview with producer James B Harris. Interviews with lead actor Sterling Haden, who is excellent in his role as the small-time criminal who plans a dangerous race-track heist with help from a corrupt cop, and an interview with author Robert Polito about writer Jim Thompson. That is just on the first disc, Disc two includes a richly restored high-def digital transfer of Kubrick's 1955 feature Killer's Kiss, new video appreciation of Killer's Kiss by film critic Geoffrey O'Brien, and a new trailer. Of course, you also get a 20 page booklet featuring an essay by film historian Haden Guest and an interview with actress Marie Windsor, which is a reprint but still quite good. Now on to the feature. The Killing was Kubrick's 3rd feature, and to most film historians, the one that put him on the map, although some people would favor Paths Of Glory which was released in the next year 1957 as his breakthrough as a major director. I beg to differ. The Killing is told in a non-linear style which many movie goers have difficulty following, even now in the 21st Century. But to lovers of Noir, by 1956 they had become quite used to it and had no problem with it. In fact, many noir lovers enjoyed putting the pieces together which to them, only added to the experience. The film displays what has become a very familiar Kubrick theme. That is the breakdown, malfunction or fallibility of man and his plans. Just as in Kubrick's subsequent films such as Dr. Strangelove and further on to 2001:A Space Odyssey which became major mainstream successes. His manipulation of time in bits and pieces differs most strikingly from 40's Noir, such as The Killers and Out Of The Past. As players inthis game are established, the film leaps backwards until all of the parts fit together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The well planned heist falls apart just like the suitcase full of money falls off a cart and scatters the bills in the wind. Just as they say, "The Best Laid Plans". In addition to Hayden, the other members of the heist, especially Vince Edwards, Elisha Cook Jr, and especially Timothy Carey, are all excellent. Most definitely, pay the extra money and get this edition. SMRZ!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2011
