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The Shining – a plethora of confusions, reincarnations, theories and assumptions!

The Shining – a plethora of confusions, reincarnations, theories and assumptions!

written by Sebastian DK

In the year 1980, Stephen King‘s famous novel The Shining got adopted into a feature film (by the same name), directed by none The-Shiningother than Stanley Kubrick, casting Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers among others. A film that became a cinematic milestone and since then being celebrated around the globe as one of the top psychological horror movie ever made!

But then, how many of you have watched The Shining more than once just to comprehend the overall notion of the film – please raise your hands!

Well, to be honest I personally needed repeated viewings of this mystic feature in order to grasp the various complexities in the The-Shiningstoryline and also to dismantle the various theories that circles around this Kubrick classic.

And here are a few such theories that I hope will clear out some of the doubts which invariably people have after watching The Shining for the first time!

/ The 1921 Jack Torrance Photograph Confusion

I think this confusion could be cleared up to some extent (though not completely) with the help of certain points/facts placed under two theories: a) The Reincarnation Theory, and b) The Absorption Theory.

Before reading, keep in mind the fact that the hotel only reveals its dark magic when people are alone there. By isolating its inhabitants, the hotel illustrates how people behave differently when they know there’s no one else around.

a) The Reincarnation Theory:

There are many (tiny, easy to miss) hints throughout the film that suggest that Jack had been at the hotel before, and the present Jack The-ShiningTorrance is actually a reincarnation of the old Jack. These four hints stated below are the ones I found out to be the most significant:

* The bedroom conversation scene between Jack and his wife Wendy, in which Jack says, “I feel as if I had been here before”. One of the very first hints, and it actually points straight at ‘reincarnation’.

* In the washroom, Delbert Grady, during a conversation with Jack, says, “You’ve always been the caretaker. I’ve always been here”. Delbert implies that it was actually Jack, and not him, who was the The-Shiningactual caretaker of the hotel.

* During a conversation with the ghostly bartender Lloyd, Jack exclaims, “I like you, Lloyd. I always liked you”. Now that’s a strong suggestion that Jack sure had visited this place before, no?

* Jack is always at ease while being around or with ghosts. Though negligible, this fact is also a tiny suggestion that Jack was very much a part of The Overlook Hotel, in a different life, at a different time, and since he is used to it, he therefore blends in pretty well with the ghosts at the party/ball. Its all a normal occurrence to Jack, and that’s what Kubrick wants to show us.

b) The Absorption Theory:

Okay, if you wish to dismiss the idea of Jack’s reincarnation, go ahead, I say! Yeah we could do that since there isn’t anything solid The-Shiningthat confirms it, just mere dialogues that could very well be ignored. Now let’s look at it from a different angle.

It is possible to place a fact stating that “the photo might signify that Jack has been ‘absorbed’ from the present into the hotel’s past”. What if (a strong “if” here) Jack is a normal person who has been sucked into the hotel’s darkly violent spirit? My point is, its a horror movie adorned with a smooth touch of the supernatural, no? The message in that scenario might be that we can’t escape such powerful histories or forces of evil, and The Overlook Hotel was itself built on stolen native land and founded on cruelty.

Now we sure can give Jack the title of Mr. Protagonist, and the title The-Shiningof Mr. Antagonist to The Overlook Hotel. Funny, but actually makes (a little) sense!

In the reincarnation theory, Jack was always a part of the hotel. In the absorption one, Jack is merely sucked into it. Either way, Jack becomes a part of the hotel’s history and that’s all there is to it.

Many other things also come into play, like ‘environmental isolation leading to madness’, and (I’m repeating here) The Overlook Hotel itself being a supernatural evil spirit (“Delbert Grady opening the door to set Jack free” is a valid strong point as in this scene a supernatural force does a ‘real’ thing). But, to be honest, there is no specific clear explanation to anything at all, and I think the director intended to keep it that way.

/ The Charles And Delbert Grady Confusion

What about the two Gradys? Ever noticed Charles Grady being mentioned only once, while Delbert Grady is seen several times in the movie? Think it was a mistake on Kubrick’s part?
Confusing, no? I agree!

Ok here’s what…..
* The hotel manager tells Jack that his predecessor did hire a
‘Charles Grady who was totally normal to begin with, but lost his
The-Shininghead because of cabin fever (environmental isolation) and murdered his wife and two daughters and subsequently took his own life with a shotgun’. Nobody mentions Charles post that scene. (correct me if I’m mistaken, I don’t remember hearing ‘Charles Grady’ more than once)

* As for bald Delbert Grady, well, he is seen quite a few times in the movie. That dude is like a bad disease that won’t go away!
In the washroom, Jack encounters Delbert’s ghost (their first
meeting) and addresses him as the caretaker, also adding that he
recognized Delbert from the newspapers. But Delbert only replies
The-Shiningback saying that the caretaker is in fact Jack himself and not him (already stated above). Remember Delbert saying that one of his daughters attempted to burn the hotel down, so he had to ‘correct’ (kill) them, and also his wife when she interfered.

* Striking Common Fact: Charles and Delbert both ‘had a wife and two daughters each, and both committed familicide’.

So, about the confusion surrounding the two Gradys, I guess its possible to place three contrasting facts:

* Well, if ‘reincarnation’ is the trend here, then its possible that one
is the reincarnation of the other, and that both are from the past (Jack’s past).

The-Shining* Filmmaker’s error with the names.
I’m not neck-deep into this as Stanley Kubrick is one of the finest guys in the business. But he is also human. What do y’all think?

* Fun fact: What was baldo’s full name again?
Could be “Delbert Charles Grady” or even “Charles Delbert Grady”.
I mean, it sure is yet another strong fact that sure as hell satisfies the condition!

Hope this post clears most of the confusions surrounding the movie The Shining. Undoubtedly one of the most confusing, multilayered film, but then I believe that’s exactly the reason why it is also one of the greatest, and of all time!

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

Best War Films of all times (20+1list)

Best War Films of all times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best War Films can be generally categorized into two basic types. Firstly the ones that glamorize and romanticize the concept of war for the War-Films-postersheer entertainment of the audience, as most of us want to enjoy the thrill of the battle-zone but shy away from the horrors and perils of it – more like a harmless video game!

And then the second kind that actually portray war as realistically as possible; the action, the bloodshed, the destruction, the cries of the wounded and the death of the young and innocents.

“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

The films listed below mostly belong to the second category; they are the Best War Films of all times that have the audacity to paint the ugly face of war and tell stories of not only courage and strength but also of the brutality and helplessness of both the armed and the civilians.

Let the battle begin.

20. The Beast of War (1988)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcJuxYXpI5w

Best-War-FilmsA much underrated war film based on the Afgan-Soviet conflict, but it superbly portrays the brutality of a battle zone, the psychology and instincts of the armed and civilians.

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, a war drama mostly based on a Tank crew led by an eccentric commander who needs to be stopped for good.

Far more realistic than the 2014 star-studded Tank-movie – Fury.

19. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51lo2dpaZ_g

Best-War-FilmsNominated for 4 Oscars, won one; brilliantly directed by Clint Eastwood, this film is a heroic take of the 40 days war between America and Japan to capture the island of Iwo Jima (a potential strategic point).

A brilliant war drama from the Japanese soldiers perspective, outstanding performances, a thrilling yet emotional storyline and very realistic depiction of the battle.

18. Red Cliff (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd0bqLQrtdE

Best-War-FilmsEmperor Han under the influence of his Prime Minister Cao Cao fought epic battles to unite all of China under his sole command.

Directed by John Woo, this film is the first part of the monumental battle of Red Cliff which altered the Chinese history forever.

Red Cliff II (2009) is probably even a better cinematic experience. Another must watch war-film. 

17.  The Battle of Algiers (1966)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca3M2feqJk8

Best-War-FilmsBased on the Algerian revolution in the 1950s, as the people of Algeria seeking independence rebel against the French government and fight a ruthless war that ends after a series of tortures and bombings.

Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo, commissioned by Algerian government, banned in France until recently, nominated for 3 Oscars in two separate non-consecutive years!

16. Kanal (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LnLszHOLNs

Best-War-FilmsSet in the last days of the Warsaw uprising in 1944, a group of Polish resistance fighters reluctantly use the sewer system to escape the indomitable German wrath.

Directed by Andrzej Wajda, this is a unique war drama that explores the human instinct of the soldiers to survive above everything else. A tragic yet highly realistic depiction of the ugly face of war.

15.  The Hurt Locker (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIbFvqFYRT4

Best-War-FilmsFinally a film on the bomb squad – the so-called technicians of the military who risk their lives many times a day to ensure safety for their troops.

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this tensed war drama follows a maverick Sergeant (Jeremy Renner) who leads his bomb squad-team through the heart of the Iraq war’s modern IED warfare.

14.  The Cross of Iron (1977)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AonZdAfEQgA

Best-War-FilmsCross of Iron is one of the top military decorations awarded for extraordinary courage but what if somebody undeserving wants to claim it for his personal ambition?

Directed by Sam Peckinpah, a brutal portrayal of WWII as the film follows the fate of a German unit that faces extreme danger due to the treachery of their own commander. James Coburn‘s performance is exceptional!

13. Stalingrad (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlMw8CjyV80

Best-War-FilmsAs the name suggests, this one is an epic portrayal of the battle of Stalingard; from the time when the German Army… tries to invade the city till their struggle to maintain dominance in the cold Russian winter.

Directed by Joseph Vilsmaier, the sheer scale of the film is highly commendable, and then the brilliant performances, the realistic story-line, the music and the depiction of the ugly face of human devastation in a war – probably the best War film ever made.

12. The Cruel Sea (1953)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joUDAD3GB3g

Best-War-Films

Though pretty successful when released, and yet so underrated, one of the lesser popular war films but believe me, it surely deserves a spot in this list.

Directed by Charles Frend, this one is a terrific war drama of a British convoy ship in action over the North Atlantic during the WW II. 

A powerful script, intense situations and superb acting, specially by Jack Hawkins.

11. Platoon (1986)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KztP7SKe0uk

Best-War-FilmsWar often gets too brutal for the young recruits and the Vietnam War was no different.

The film is directed by Oliver Stone (a Vietnam veteran himself) and he won the Oscar for this film!

It is said to be the most complete war film ever made, though it’s banned in Vietnam because of its depiction of the Vietnamese people. A must watch in the list!

10. Enemy at the Gates (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O-sMh_DO6I

Best-War-FilmsWorld War II, the battle in Stalingrad will decide the fate of the war! And one Russian snipper Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law), seems to be making all the difference!

But then the Germans send a master snipper to compete, and then the deathly game begins!

Based on true characters, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, starring Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz – a brilliant war drama full of action, suspense and romance. Definitely the best snipper movie ever made!

9. Paths of Glory (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmDA60X-f_A

Best-War-FilmsDirected by none other than Stanley Kubrick, for me this film has always scored higher than Kubrick’s other two famous war-films Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Dr. Strangelove (1964).

The ruthlessness of the battle (WWI) and the dirty war-politics played by the higher army officials – portrayed to perfection.

One of Kirk Douglas‘s most memorable performances till date. 

8. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkrhkUeDCdQ

Best-War-FilmsMaster director Francis Ford Coppola shot nearly 200 hours of footage – a film that took 16 months of shooting and 3 years of editing!

Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando comes together in this psychologically disturbing Vietnam War saga. 

The sound of the helicopter wings panning from left to right as they are dissolve into a match cut with the ceiling fan – simply epic!

7. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiObc2XmVqw

Best-War-Films

Directed by Lewis Milestone, this was the first talkie war film to win the Oscar! (won both the best picture and the best director awards).

Banned in Germany soon after its release as they claimed that the Germans were shown as cowards!

Though visuals of extreme violence was consciously avoided but still the film’s depiction of WWI is damn honest and brutal.

6. Das Boot (1981)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMj0_wCn6jM

Best-War-FilmsDirected by Wolfgang Petersen this is the epic tale of the crew of a German U-boat (submarine) during the last phase of WW II. 

Highly claustrophobic as most of the film is shot inside the submarine and yet so dramatic and powerful. Some of the tensed moments in the film are deliberately slow with a nerve wrenching effect on the audience. Jürgen Prochnow is brilliant!

5. Come and See (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Ro0SZf438

Best-War-FilmsIn this film the horrors of war (WW II) is depicted in an ultra-realistic manner, often considered too graphic and brutal. 

Directed by Elem Klimov, the film revolves around a young boy who finds an old rifle and instinctively decides to join the Soviet Army. 

Original uniforms and live ammunitions were used for authenticity.

4. The Thin Red Line (1998)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmlOhsIwBk

Best-War-Films‘Every man fights their own war’ and so does each of them!

Directed by Terrence Malick the film was nominated for Oscars in 7 categories!

A philosophical war drama starring Jim CaviezelSean PennNick NolteAdrien BrodyJohn CusackJohn C. ReillyWoody HarrelsonJared LetoJohn TravoltaGeorge Clooney.

3. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlC7XBayj0s

Best-War-FilmsDirected by  David Lean who is also famous for his other war films like In Which We Serve (1942) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962).

Based on the story when the British prisoners in a Japanese camp were ordered to built a bridge. The film took 7 Oscars that year, won in all the major categories!

William HoldenAlec Guinness and Jack Hawkins in their career-best performances.

2. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EsVtn2GvBo

Best-War-Films

A team lead by Tom Hanks was set to save Private Ryan (Matt Damon) and bring him home.

Steven Spielberg directed this film and according to many film-lovers it contains some of the most authentic war scenes ever filmed (specially the Omaha Beach battle sequence).

Undoubtedly the most popular war film ever made. Also Voted #1 greatest war film in UK’s Channel 4 poll in 2005. 

1. Ivan’s Childhood (1962)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=setzqMoEEUU

Best-War-FilmsThis is the story of 12 year old Ivan, a young war hero, a spy and most importantly a soldier!

Directed by the renowned Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky

The film is one of the most poetic and beautifully shot war films I have ever seen. Though it doesn’t show much of actual combat but still it manages to deliver the chills of war to its full effect.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2-1hz1juBI

Best-War-FilmsA biographical take on an American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield) who fought the Battle of Okinawa without a gun!

Directed by Mel Gibson, this one is an astonishing tale of a man whose religious views didn’t allow him to carry a weapon, or kill anybody. But it didn’t stop him from saving hundreds of lives and winning the Medal of Honor for his incredible courage – without firing one single shot!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Most sexually explicit erotic films ever made (20+1list)

Most sexually explicit erotic films ever made

written by Souranath Banerjee

Most sexually explicit erotic films ever made: ‘The difference between pornography and erotica is lighting.’ – Gloria Leonard.

The above quote may be true to a certain extent but it needs a lot more than just lighting to create beautiful erotic Cinematic moments.

There is a thin line that separates erotica from porn; often indeed a difficult task to specifically define their boundaries. I Am Curious (Yellow)

Lust, desire, urge, passion – cinema has the capability to arouse all these powerful emotions in the audience but only a handful of directors have actually used erotica to its full potential.

It’s not about simply showing sexual content but about creating the mood, the flavor, the drama and enhancing the emotions of the characters through it. The best sex scenes in a movie (no matter how explicit they are) serve their true purpose only if they justify the story-line.

And then, of course, how sensually they are enacted and dramatized is directly proportional to the audience’s excitement!

Here are some of the most sexually explicit erotic films made by the very finest directors from across the world.

Hope you enjoy the list.

20. Ken Park (2002)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IeRBVFcEhU

Sexually-explicit-erotic-filmsA unique portrayal of the lives of a handful of teenagers who has two things in common – dysfunctional families and skateboards.

Oh! and Sex too.

Directed by Larry Clark and Edward Lachman, this movie tries its best to bring-out the messed-up dilemmas of young suburban minds specially in regard to their sexual desires. Both experimental and explicit, definitely worth a watch.

19. Shame (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24cjqfVv1fs

Sexually-explicit-erotic-filmsA man who can’t seem to maintain a steady relationship because he is always looking for sex! The complexities of the twisted mind of a sex addict and the burden of ‘shame’ he has to shoulder have never been so accurately shown before.

Director Steve McQueen and actor Michael Fassbender join hands after Hunger (2008), creates something so emotionally complex, controversial and yet so alluring.  

18. Shortbus (2006)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z_K1tDkEa4

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films“So you’re a sex therapist and you’ve never had an orgasm?”

No sex therapists needed, if you are a New Yorker and having problems in your sexual relationships you visit to this exclusive club ‘Shortbus’.

Opened at 2006 Cannes Film Festival – director John Cameron Mitchell takes us through an explicit and exclusive journey of fun and sensuality.

17. Don’t Look Down (2008)

No mires para abajo (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtSp0mi4twA

Sexually-explicit-erotic-filmsA disturbed teenager while sleepwalking falls on the bed of a sensual girl who teaches him all about the ‘birds and the bees’ and much more!

Directed by Eliseo Subiela, a highly underrated film that speaks about death and sexuality, love and pleasure.

Definitely the most erotic coming of age movie ever made!

16. Sexual Chronicles of a French Family (2012)

Chroniques sexuelles d’une famille d’aujourd’hui (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmcwW5VQNX0

Sexually-explicit-erotic-filmsA young teenager boy is caught masturbating in biology class and gets suspended from school. But before he eventually gets some real action his entire (French) family open up about their sexual experiences and desires!

Directed by Pascal Arnold and Jean-Marc Barr, a film that treats sex as a basic human necessity as sometimes it’s difficult to digest the fact that everyone (including our family members and relatives) enjoy the act of sex and there is nothing wrong about it.

15. En la cama (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV92axPOADM

Sexually-explicit-erotic-filmsTwo strangers meet up at a party and end up in a hotel room to have sex – casual sex. But can such a random encounter between two unknown people mean anything more significant than just a night of passion?

Directed by Matías Bize, the entire film is shot in one location with only two actors who share their fears, desires and emotions while having sex in regular intervals!

14. Lie with Me (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_lZsadY9XE

Sexually-explicit-erotic-filmsA nymphomaniac girl finally meets her equal – an aggressive artist with whom she soon starts a steamy relationship but then he is a possessive man who demands commitment and she seems to be not ready for that yet.

Directed by Clement Virgo, one of the most sexy and well-shot film with abundance of explicit content through which the central characters are sketched and defined.

13. The Exterminating Angels (2006)

Les anges exterminateurs (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJYmQcgx8-o

Sexually-explicit-erotic-filmsA filmmaker is keen on making a project about ‘female pleasure’. And so he starts taking multiple auditions of females – some pleasuring themselves and others pleasuring each-other.

Directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau, this is one underrated voyeuristic film that not only has many explicit scenes but it also successfully portrays a genuine and sensual side of love-making which is rare.

12. Bitter Moon (1992)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3EMSHqkbfI

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films‘Everyone has a sadistic streak, and nothing brings it out better than the knowledge you’ve got someone at your mercy.’

Directed by acclaimed Roman Polanski, and Emmanuelle Seigner at her sexiest – this film has some of the most sensual scenes wrapped by a brilliant story of revenge and betrayal. Obsessive lust can often work the other way and doom a relationship for ever.

11. Love (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrLwFw7kFI8

Sexually-explicit-erotic-filmsA couple who invites another girl into their bed but soon their threesome fun seems to misbalance their emotional relationship equilibrium.

Plenty of explicit sex scenes, stylishly shot and 3D too (a market strategy I guess), but overall there is an honesty about the characters which you can’t ignore.

Directed by Gaspar Noé, this is his unique and trippy take on sentimental sexuality. Go figure!

10. Stranger by the Lake (2013)

L’inconnu du lac (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgcEGKn7waI

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

The lake – a secluded spot for the strangers to become lovers. But what if one suspects his lover to be a murderer?

Directed by Alain Guiraudie, a suspense thriller that contains graphic gay sex. The sex scenes in this French film are natural yet non apologetic.

Not a single woman (actor) is used in the film!

9. In the Realm of the Senses (1976)

Ai no korîda (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP46wzCt-DA

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

This Japanese cinema was the first ever non-pornographic film to show some of the most unconventional sexual obsessions.

Directed by Nagisa Ôshima, the film is about the affair of a possessive woman and her master which leads to a wild climax.

Censored in most of the countries during it’s world-wide release; even the director was charged with obscenity on publishing the screenplay of the film in Japan itself. (Even its trailer in youtube is age-protected!).

8. Nymphomaniac: Vol. I & Vol. II (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdxzno5Xp2Y

Nymphomaniac-poster

The brilliant Danish director Lars von Trier came up with his most recent and probably his most sexually exhaustive film ever.

Edited in two parts, the film accounts for a self-claimed nymphomaniac and her innumerable erotic experiences. 

Charlotte Gainsbourg is as bold as ever but according to many critics the film is nothing but porn.

7. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

La vie d’Adèle (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2OLRrocn3s
Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

Two young girls and their relationship – love, desire, despair and a lot of sex. 

Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche – Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos brings to life one of the most sexually detailed lesbian affair on screen. 

The film is highly cinematic and has great emotional impact.

6. 9 Songs (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1HWcofsxJk

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

One of Michael Winterbottom‘s earlier works, this film is a collage of intense sexual encounters and rock concerts!

It doesn’t have a rigid narrative but overall the film manages to capture the mood of the young lovers to perfection.

The love-making scenes are very natural and erotic at the same time.

5. Sex and Lucia (2001)

Lucía y el sexo (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLl_-3vHxFk

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

The Spanish director Julio Medem knows the secrets of erotica better than most of the others in his profession.

And working with as bold an actress as Paz Vega, the film boasts some of the best sensual moments ever created. 

The same director’s Room in Rome (2010) also recommended.

4. Boogie Nights (1997)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOk0fsMGyck

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

Starring Mark WahlbergJulianne MooreJohn C. ReillyHeather Graham – one of the most stylized and sexy film based on the porn industry in California in the 70s.

Directed by none other than Paul Thomas Anderson the film is the perfect combination of power, drugs, sex, music and passion.

The most stylish film in the list!

3. Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

Y tu mamá también (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qg6n7V3kO4

Alfonso CuarónSexually-explicit-erotic-films, the director of famous films like Gravity (2013) and   Children of Men (2006) have also directed this unique film.

Maribel VerdúGael García BernalDaniel Giménez – all together in this journey of self-awareness, eager to take on the teachings of life.

A road trip that involves friendship, love, trust and raw sexuality. Sex comedy at its best.

2. The Dreamers (2003)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU1brBVMBkM

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

Paris 1968, an American student who befriends a French brother and sister and experiences a unique level of friendship.

Michael PittLouis Garrel and the sensuous Eva Green (her first film).

Highly sexual in content, even incest and thus controversial – a film that only the acclaimed Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci could have handled so well. 

Far better than his other famous film Last Tango in Paris (1972).

1. Malèna (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIES83R56RY

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

Probably the most popular film based on the age-old concept of a young boy who is sexually attracted towards an elder woman.

Directed by the master director Giuseppe Tornatore of Cinema Paradiso fame, this Italian film (especially because of the voluptuous beauty Monica Bellucci) has become a benchmark of young sexual awakenings and sensuality. A must watch.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most unique one. A must watch).

+1. Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1996)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c0JTj9sl_Y

Sexually-explicit-erotic-films

And finally an Indian film by an Indian film-maker, none other than Mira Nair.

Starring RekhaNaveen AndrewsIndira VarmaSarita Choudhury among others, the film is an epic tale of sexual rivalry between two girls who were childhood friends. 

Candid sexual scenes throughout the film, elaborate and sensual in a very Indian way!

Some other films with extreme sexual and erotic content that could have easily made the list are I Am Curious (Yellow) (1967)The Lickerish Quartet (1970), A Real Young Girl (1976), Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977), Jamón, Jamón (1992), Female Perversions (1996)Pola X (1999), Romance (1999), Killing Me Softly (2002), Wetlands (2013).

And now, a few classics which essentially deals with the psychology of sex like Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999), Fellini’s Casanova (1976), Luis Buñuel’s Belle de Jour (1967), Pedro Almodóvar’s Bad Education (2004) and Haneke’s The Piano Teacher (2001). 

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Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Best of Film Noir (Black Cinema)

Best of Film Noir

Written by Souranath Banerjee.

Best of Film Noir: Around 1946 Nino Frank, a French film critic first coined the term ‘Film Noir’ to define the series of stylized, high contrast black and white American films of that particular era.

Dark shadows, flickering neon signs, cheap urban settings, dingy alleys and backdoors, claustrophobic interiors, cynical looking men (mostly private detectives or street smart hustlers) wearing long overcoats drinking away, treacherous foxy women (femme fatales)  wearing a mask of innocence seducing away, corruption and betrayal, guns and murders, the certainty of unhappy endings and of course lots and lots of cigarettes. 

Enter the world of Film Noir (literal meaning ‘Black Cinema‘).

And here is a list of some of the best and most popular Film Noirs Hollywood ever produced.

1. The Maltese Falcon (1941).

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phUxnXGhEiI

Maltese-Falcon-posterThis particular film directed by John Huston (his debut) is said to have started the trend and set the mood for the innumerable Film Noirs that dominated Hollywood for the next two decades.

A perfectly twisted murder mystery.

Humphrey Bogart with his crooked handsome looks and the trademark nasal tone soon became the most popular Film Noir star of that era. 

2. Double Indemnity (1944).

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3wjJcuGsVE

double-indemnity-posterDirected by one of my favorite director Billy Wilder, this film is remembered to be the ultimate Film Noir that ever existed!

Brilliant script with superbly corrupted characters full of lust and deceit. Fred MacMurrayBarbara StanwyckEdward G. Robinson at their best.

The film was nominated at the Oscars in se7en categories!

3. Laura (1944)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6f8jRplej8

laura-posterWith lots of flashbacks and surprise twists in the plot this film tells the mysterious story of a detective falling for the woman whose murder he is investigating!

Directed by Otto Preminger and superb performances by Gene TierneyClifton Webb and stunning Dana Andrews.

The film won Oscar in the best Cinematography category.

4. Mildred Pierce (1945)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjK97CqVqWA

mildred-pierce-posterGreat storytelling, brilliant acting, chilling suspense and also an unexpected twist in the end. Yes, it has all of these and much more.

Class performances by Joan CrawfordJack CarsonZachary ScottAnn Blyth.

Directed by Michael Curtiz, one of the best emotional Hollywood classics and of course a super cool Film Noir.

5. Notorious (1946).

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8f4UOtLf5Q

notorious-posterAlfred Hitchcock joins the Film Noir wagon and gives us one of the best of this genre.

This film is a classic tale of love and betrayal – of trust and deceit; a dangerous spy game with the risk of frightening consequences if ever get caught.

Starring Cary Grant and beautiful Ingrid Bergman, very romantic and probably the best spy film ever.

6. The Big Sleep (1946)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjJlBnfyiI4

big-sleep-posterOne of Humphrey Bogart‘s most famous performance and also a most prominent example of Film Noir.

Directed by the master director Howard Hawks this film plunges us into a whirlpool of darkness where blackmail and murder goes hand in hand. 

Lauren Bacall and Martha Vickers all at their best in this gripping thriller.

7. The Third Man (1949)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjMDg1Z9_gA

The-Third-Man-posterWhen Joseph Cotten learns of his friend’s mysterious death he suspects foul play and is in search of the mysterious third man who might be present at the time of death.

One of the most popular member of this genre, the film is a perfect thriller with Orson Welles in one of his notorious performances.

Directed by Carol Reed the film is a classic by it’s own right.

8. The Big Heat (1953)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3XA5FEKIx4

big-heat-poster

With vengeance in his mind a cop goes after the city’s most dangerous crime syndicate.

A dirty game of politics and power  challenged by one man’s passion and a thirst for revenge; a film as brutal and vicious as it gets.

Directed by Fritz Lang (who specialized in such dark stories), with Glenn FordGloria Grahame and Jocelyn Brando playing their parts. 

9. The Night Of the Hunter (1955)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8dX6ZKJe2o

night-of-the-hunter-posterRobert Mitchum is determined to get his hands on some hidden money but the children won’t share their secret.

Directed by Charles Laughton this dark film has chilling moments of suspense.

Playing with shadows and silhouettes (the chiaroscuro
lighting technique) has always been an integral part of Film Noir but this one takes it to a different level.

10. The Killing (1956)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAe1CJWH_B8

killing-posterOne of Stanley Kubrick‘s earlier films and a perfect example of Film Noir.

Sterling HaydenColeen GrayVince Edwards playing their parts.

Classic drama full of tension and thrill, edited in a non-linear fashion.

This film is considered to be a huge influence on future non-linear films – the likes of Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Pulp Fiction (1994).

11. Touch of Evil (1958)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-Oqn2hMp1M

touch-of-evil-posterPerformances by Charlton HestonJanet Leigh and Orson Welles – a thriller that is said to be the last of Hollywood’s favorite genre.

Directed by Orson Welles himself, it has kidnapping, corruption, murder and revenge. As the poster says – it is the story of the strangest vengeance that was ever planned!

A true classic to end the golden era of Film Noirs.

Even in the recent past a few films successfully managed to capture the nostalgia of the classic Film Noirs.

A few examples of such Neo-Noirs are The French Connection (1971), Chinatown (1974), Taxi Driver (1976), Blood Simple (1984), L.A.Confidential (1997), Blade Runner (1982), Memento (2000), Mulholland Drive (2001), A History of Violence (2005), Sin City (2005).

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Poster courtesy: www.imdb.comwww.impawards.com.

Best Psychological Thrillers of all times (20+1list)

Best Psychological Thrillers of all times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Before we hunt down the Best Psychological Thrillers of our times, let’s find out what exactly do we mean by a ‘psychological’ thriller? And how is it different from a regular suspense thriller?

Well, in any ordinary thriller, you either have to guess the killer or Psychological-Thrillersexperience a tense cat and mouse chase sequence, or reveal a conspiracy – but whatever excitement happens, it happen in real time, with real people in real situations.

But in case of the twisted genre of psychological thrillers, these films maneuver the facts in such a way that they make you believe into something/someone that/who actually may not exist at all! These movies deliberately play tricks with the audience’s imagination and successfully blurs their perception of reality.

And finally, here are some of the Best Psychological Thrillers ever made in the history of Cinema.

Let the countdown begin!

20. Frailty (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW6TlPMHXgk

Psychological-ThrillersThis film is all about a man’s confession of a series of murders that his religious fanatic father forced him and his brother to be a part of.

Directed by Bill Paxton, a thriller at its best, with a few unexpected plot twists.

Superb performances, specially by the child actors, Bill Paxton himself and Matthew McConaughey.

19. The Skin I Live In (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EolQSTTTpI4

Psychological-ThrillersA weird tale of a plastic surgeon and his muse, a scientist and his experiment, an inventor and his creation.

Brilliant performances by Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya and a twisted tale of passion and revenge.

Directed by renowned Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, this is one of the best psychological thrillers that will keep you guessing till the end.

18. Goodnight Mommy (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hisSd7qyY40

Psychological-ThrillersIn an isolated countryside, nine-year-old twins wait for their mother’s return, but when she finally comes back she seems to be a completely different person.

Her face bandaged due to some surgery, it’s hard to tell if she is indeed their mother or are they both really her children!

Directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz, this is one disturbing thriller for sure.

17. The Sixth Sense (1999)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG9AGf66tXM

Psychological-ThrillersA child psychologist (Bruce Willis) meets a boy (Haley Joel Osment) who has a sixth sense, who can communicate with spirits and claims to ‘see dead people’ all around him!

A film that is as impressive as the twist in the plot.

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, a film that successfully fools the audience from the very beginning!

16. Lost Highway (1997) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nKjO9QCSic

Psychological-ThrillersA world owned by David Lynch, who is the master of psychological thrillers.

Framed for the murder of his wife a man mysteriously escapes from the jail being morphed into another person – yes, one of the most weird story plot ever in film history.

And the best part is that the film (according to me) has no specific ending that explains it all!

15. Angel Heart (1987)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp0LXxkx7yA

Psychological-Thrillers

Alan Parker directed this intense thriller starring Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro.

A private investigator is hired by a mysterious man who wants him to track down a particular singer.

Though at first it all seemed like regular business but soon things turn nasty and people keep dying in strange circumstances. A mystery that holds up till the end.

14. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anF5XiN8QY8

Psychological-Thrillers

As the title suggests, it’s the story of two sisters who returns home from the mental institution and desperately struggles to cope up with their lives.

A superbly intense film by Kim Jee-woon – suspense, horror or simply a nail-biting thriller, this one serves all your cravings.

This South Korean film will creep you out for sure.

13. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PewtQsgN5uo

Psychological-Thrillers

Be aware: a new apartment always comes with mysterious neighbors.

A young couple moves to a new place and soon the wife becomes pregnant. Though the neighbors seem to be too caring, but the mother (Mia Farrow) fears about the safety of her unborn child.

Extreme paranoia that only a director of Roman Polanski‘s calibre can deliver!

12. Hour of the Wolf (1968)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7PWFiLkKG4

Psychological-ThrillersIngmar Bergman‘s one and only psychological horror film, and undoubtedly a classic.

An artist shares his deepest desires and the most painful nightmares with his wife at the darkest hours of the night – ‘the hour of the wolf’.

His life turns out to be drowning in the very brink of dreams and reality, a state so surreal and dangerous and bizarre. A must watch.

11. The Shining (1980)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cb3ik6zP2I

Psychological-Thrillers

Welcome Stanley Kubrick and that too on the first spot!

A film that set new bar in this genre, the chilling transformation of a hotel-caretaker (Jack Nicholson‘s character), the haunting isolation of the palatial hotel and the eerie never-ending maze. And also a kid who has the special talent of ‘Shining’!

Unique and scary, psychotic and intense, a film you will never forget.

10. Videodrome (1983)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFHey3utk0I

Psychological-Thrillers

One sleazy cable-TV programmer (James Woods) discovers a sick TV show and soon enough his life turns upside down.

He soon finds out that the show may look like an ordinary one but it is a clue to some sinister global conspiracy.

Director David Cronenberg is the master of psychologically twisted films but this particular one really takes the cake!

9. The Wicker Man (1973)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FdV-O8o7ok

Psychological-Thrillers

The story revolves around a police sergeant (Edward Woodward) who lands on a Scottish Island village in search of a missing girl.

He soon realizes that the village people doesn’t want him to investigate and more to his surprise they deny the very existence of such a missing girl!

Directed by Robin Hardy, a superb psychological thriller.

8. The Machinist (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRoYCwUvBPc

Psychological-ThrillersArguably Christian Bale‘s best performance and undoubtedly his best physical transformation for a role till date.

A film so twisted and insane that I bet you won’t sleep for a year, well, the super-slim version of Bale convinces you that it is possible!

Gripping, disturbing and mind boggling; director Brad Anderson‘s brilliant thriller is a must watch!

7. Don’t Look Now (1973)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUWB-Kw4FiM

Psychological-Thrillers

Nicolas Roeg‘s innovative, nerve wrecking film, this one is considered as one of the most horrifying thrillers made till date.

A grieving couple (Julie Christie  and Donald Sutherland), visits Venice for a change of mood but soon things get more complicated than they could ever imagined!

Chilling suspense and exceptional plot twists that makes the film so special.

6. The Tenant (1976)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmhIMbdecEU

Psychological-ThrillersRoman Polanski and his endless list of psychological thrillers grabs the attention of every film buff.

And in this particular one, he himself is THE tenant who shifts to a new apartment that earlier belonged to a girl who died.

In Polanski’s apartment trilogy this one is my favorite; psychotic paranoias, obsessions and delusions get a new definition in this film.

5. Open Your Eyes (1997)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBtnPuB0x3U

Psychological-Thrillers

Love finds a handsome man but soon luck disfigures his face in a tragic accident. He tries surgery in a quest to rebuilt his face but finds out that he has lost his sanity too.

Brilliant performance by Eduardo Noriega, and Penélope Cruz is simply gorgeous! 

A Spanish film from the acclaimed director Alejandro Amenábar that will trip your mind for sure.

4. Black Swan (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jaI1XOB-bs

Psychological-Thrillers

One of the best thrillers of recent times, which won Natalie Portman an Oscar in the ‘Actress in a Leading Role’ category.

Master director Darren Aronofsky creates this disturbing psychological drama based on the famous play ‘The Black Swan’.

What is real and what’s not – the whole film has a bizarre feel that keeps you guessing till the end!

3. Memento (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vS0E9bBSL0

Psychological-Thrillers

We can never complete this list without mentioning Christopher Nolan‘s Memento.

A guy (Guy Pearce) in search of the murderer of his wife but short-term memory-loss makes him doubt everybody and everything around him.

Never sure whom to trust other than a few notes and some polaroids, and of course his unique tattoos!

2. Fight Club (1999)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUXWAEX2jlg

Psychological-Thrillers

Brad Pitt and Edward Norton and their infamous creation of a ‘fight club’.

An underground club that channels primal male aggression but it soon grows and evolves into something much more than its original purpose.

Acclaimed director David Fincher‘s unique film, definitely the most popular psychological thriller of recent times.

1. Psycho (1960)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG3-GlvKPcg

Psychological-Thrillers

Alfred Hitchcock demands the first position on this list.

His other films Vertigo, Rebecca, Rear Window, Rope also could have been included here but then it would be a separate Hitchcock list altogether!

But the sinister Bates Motel, the iconic shower scene, the stuffed birds, the final confrontation with ‘mother’ – yes, that’s enough for this movie to become the best psychological thriller of all times. Please nod if you agree with me.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2_a5_BlM5k

Psychological-Thrillers

Hollywood being the backdrop, this one is a spooky tale of two women (Naomi Watts and Laura Harring) who tries to solve the weird mysteries in their lives.

Director David Lynch in his unique way blurs the lines between dreams and reality, often entering the world of surreal.

A complex film to comprehend, here are at least ten ways to interpret the film. Take a pick!

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Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com,www.imdb.com.

Best of Stanley Kubrick

Best of Stanley Kubrick.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Regarded as the most talented and versatile film-maker of all times, Stanley Kubrick indeed was responsible for evolving Cinema to new heights.

Inspiration to the likes of Martin ScorseseSteven SpielbergJames CameronWoody Allen,The Coen brothersRidley Scott – in 2000, BAFTA renamed their lifetime achievement award in the name of Stanley Kubrick!

He never won an Oscar in the ‘best director’ category (the only time he won was in 1972 for his film 2001:A Space Odyssey in ‘best visual effects’ category) but all his films are immensely popular and groundbreaking in their own ways.

Introducing visual effects never seen before, using steady cams for the first time ever, shooting with lenses meant to be used by NASA and combining all that with brilliant selection of music – Stanley Kubrick is unique and awesome.

All of Stanley Kubrick’s films are favorites of mine and this list almost covers his entire life’s work.

Ok then, here we go.

10. Spartacus (1960)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcIMY1Ah3aw
Spatacus

A slave revolting against an empire – this film was the first of it’s kind.

Thanks to Kirk Douglas not only for his superb acting but primarily for looping in Kubrick as the replacement director for this film.

Won four Oscars Spartacus is one of the best historical film ever made.

Kubrick’s last Hollywood project.

9. The Killing (1956)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiDUFG56wT4

the killling

Kubrick’s first so-called professional film that has the touch of his genius.

Only in his twenties Kubrick managed to create a superb suspense thriller. One of the best in it’s genre till date.

Good performances and a gripping story line.

A classic heist story told in style – film noir at it’s very best.

8. Lolita (1962)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRVqgvW8100

lolita

Kubrick was bold enough to adopt Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel and that too successfully.

A young girl ‘a nymphet’ and a middle-aged professor (her step dad) – a scandalous affair in the making.

In those days when censor boards were proudly rigid only Kubrick could have done justice to such a plot. And believe me he did.

7. Paths of Glory (1957)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmDA60X-f_A

paths of glory

WWI was never been shown in such realistic and non-glamorous way before this film.

According to many this film is Kubrick’s first masterpiece. Shot beautifully, superb script and great acting by Kirk Douglas.

An anti-war film that stands the test of time, one of my personal favorite.

A must watch.

6. Barry Lyndon (1975)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lzSoKOs1fc

barry lyndon

An artistic, slow yet passionate film that got seven Oscar nominations and won four of them.

A simple story of an Irish man, his love and his passion shown in gorgeous details.

Kubrick’s craftsmanship as a director is simply extraordinary in this film; each frame looks like a painting.

 

5. Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9f6JaaX7Wg

Full metal jacketThis time Kubrick tags the audience with a soldier’s journey- through the training till the actual war in Vietnam where as the poster says ‘the wind doesn’t blow, it sucks’.   

The first half connects us more strongly but the second half is equally important – the film is like an open-ended justification. (if that makes any sense at all).

The music is awesome – a special treat for war-film lovers.

4. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) 

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE9CmX15PYA

Dr. Strangelove

A cup of fresh, dark, black comedy for you.

Only few filmmakers can take the most serious topic of the season and turn it into something hilarious. Kubrick yet again proves to be the master of it.

George C. Scott is too good in the film but Peter Sellers steals the show by playing three different characters in the film including Dr.Strangelove (as the title goes).

3. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEfyfcEdW4Y

Eyes Wide Shut

The last film of Kubrick – a film that denies to clarify realism from fantasy.

It talks about sexuality in a way completely different from any other so-called sexual films.

The suspense that a single note of piano can create, the exquisite acting capabilities displayed by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman – Kubrick’s ultimate swan song.

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2UWOeBcsJI

2001

According to many this film is Kubrick’s artistically most productive one.

A slow-paced film that tops the Sci-Fi genre (as most of Kubrick’s films tops their individual genre ratings).

Incredible advancements in visual effects (the film got an Oscar in this category), Kubrick not only makes a futuristic film but also enlightens the future of Cinema.

1. The Shining (1980)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S014oGZiSdI

the shining

It’s time to get scared as Kubrick contributes to the horror genre.

The film is interpreted in many different ways but still at the core it is a terrific horror thriller and probably Kubrick’s best creation ever.

Great performances by Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and the kid who knows how to shine – Danny Lloyd.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most crazy one. A must watch)

+1. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmm5jeeH8mY

Clockwork Orange

Extreme violence, painfully sexual, emotionally draining, often perverse and deeply wicked – according to me this is the ultimate film that Kubrick made in his lifetime.

A crazy film and hat’s off to Malcolm McDowell for such a performance.

Art of film making at it’s best, Kubrick’s disturbing yet entertaining satire will make you uncomfortably satisfied.

Famous quote by Stanley Kubrick.

“How could we possibly appreciate the Mona Lisa if Leonardo had written at the bottom of the canvas: ‘The lady is smiling because she is hiding a secret from her lover.’ This would shackle the viewer to reality, and I don’t want this to happen to 2001″