Richard Strauss may never have dreamed that his 1896 tone poem, inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche, “Thus spoke Zarathustra,” would be infamous thanks to the use of the fanfare in Stanley Kubrick‘s stunning 1968 “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Then again, if Strauss were alive at the time, perhaps he’d of picked Kubrick to direct a version of “Salome” on the stage (what I would give to see that). My point is, Stanley Kubrick stands in a class of his own amongst directors and has a name that can be included on any list of brilliant cinematic innovators. In practically every genre he has a standout film; one that floats towards the top tiers of listicles everywhere and continues to inspire future filmmakers.
READ MORE: The Best And The Rest: Every Stanley Kubrick Film Ranked
In this new video compilation from CutMania, Kubrick’s catalog of film is sliced and diced, from war scenes and face slaps to lovers quarrels and tender embraces. Shots from “Fear and Desire” juxtapose those from “Lolita” and “Dr. Strangelove,” and actors like Malcolm McDowell (in “A Clockwork Orange“) and Vincent D’Onofrio (in “Full Metal Jacket“) put on their most intimidating faces for the camera.
Of course, there are glimpses of Jack Nicholson terrorizing Shelley Duvall in “The Shining,” and Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman contemplating orgiastic desires in “Eyes Wide Shut.” The beauty of CutMania’s video is in the perfect synchronicity of the music, and for that we can thank Beethoven, Mozart, and Richard Strauss.
Is there a Kubrick moment you love? Let us know in the comments below.