BBC News 24 Report On The Death Of Stanley Kubrick

This is a BBC News 24 report on the death of Stanley Kubrick from the 8th of March 1999.

Stanley Kubrick's Office

In January 1984 Kubrick engaged American computer expert Alan Bowker to install an early IBM XT PC in his office during the pre-production on Full Metal Jacket. Kubrick's main interest was in using the then available technology for word processing and database manipulation. Alan took these photos and can also be seen operating the IBM XT in a picture taken by Kubrick.

Philip Castle And Full Metal Jacket

The work of British illustrator Philip Castle became universally known through his design for the poster of A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. When Kubrick again approached him to work on FULL METAL JACKET he knew exactly what he wanted, as can be seen by the first image here drawn in Kubrick's own hand. He wanted an image that would be as recognisable in black & white even when reduced to the size of a single column in a newspaper.

The Polaroid is the reference that Castle worked from. Originally he drew the helmet as if it was sitting flat on a surface. It was Kubrick himself who suggested that pitching the helmet at an angle, as if been worn, would be more dynamic & striking.

Castle has said that Kubrick had planned on contacting him for EYES WIDE SHUT just before he died.

Good Day, Mr. Kubrick

Last year this video appeared on You Tube. Brian Atene's homemade video audition for FULL METAL JACKET is a cripplingly funny display of hubris. It's well worth another viewing. Atene's recently posted retort is just plain strange.


If this was actually Atene could we consider this a happy ending?