It's a pleasure to see this book back in print. Although Ciment's analysis is a little heavy on the semiotic side, he does an interesting job of illuminating the various thematic threads in Kubrick's work. Profusely illustrated, the book juxtaposes various stills to show the recurrance of visual motifs in each and every one of Kubrick's films (though he manages to miss my absolute favorite -- the imaculate bathroom). There are roughly two essays in the book, one dealing with Kubrick the modernist and the other on Kubrick's use of the fantastic. However, the real gems of this tome are the various interviews, three conducted with the man himself (four if you count a Q&A conducted by mail) following the releases of Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon and The Shining. Somehow the author got Stan to open up in a way, that I've never seen him do in any other interview (the exception being the one for Playboy in '68). This edition also contains some fine interviews, some recently added, with Ken Adam, Jack Nicholson, Malcolm McDowell, Diane Johnson and Marisa Berenson. There is an added chapter on Eyes Wide Shut (which in part explains why it took him so long to do the film) and a memorial essay which gives a fine and tender goodbye to a great director and good friend.

I am glad Mr. Ciment waited until Kubrick's oeuvre was completed before updating what is, indeed, the very last word on this very unique artist's films. Everything is here from the first edition which was out-of-print for quite awhile plus the films that were made after. With Stanley Kubrick's death we now have the very best study of the themes, techniques and recurring visions of a very singular artist. Anyone who wants to understand the evolution of Stanley Kubrick can disregard all the other flawed books out there and put this one on the shelf as a keeper. With detailed analysis and tons of pictures, any serious fan of his films will appreciate this as only the subtitle says it is - the definitive edition.

I have this book. 5,6 years ago, I bought this at second hand book store. So book I have is second handed one, and Japanese special edition. As other reviewers say, it's very very great pity that this book is out of print now. I think some publisher had better make new edition title, added to a visualy wondeful film-Eyes Wide Shut!! If you have found it at bookstore and you are a Kubrician, you must take it, buy it, bring it your home, and enjoy these so many precious fotos or very important his interviews in this book. I have various books about Kubrick, but this Michel Ciment's Kubrick is the best book in published ones ever I think. Do your best for finding one!! All your efforts for this book would not be wasted, EVER!

I have enjoyed the film "2001" countless times, and decided to buy this book; what a waste of time. This book offers little other than very basic scene analyisis, and some general (and fairly weak) speculations about the film. I was also supprised that the author was mistaken about which characters were in what scenes, and seemed to think that both Frank and Dave are interchangble. A large portion of the book doesn't even pertain to 2001, and mostly served as an excuse for the author to promote his other books, which he shamlessly suggests you buy. Well I'm sorry I got this book and certainly won't be purchasing any of his other books. If you want a book about 2001, I suggest looking elsewhere; as I will be!

This analysis of 2001 is one of the most unique and enlightening I've read to date. It finally acknowledges Kubrick's brilliant use of sound and music which few other directors besides Godard and Scorsese have ever rivaled. It's utterly perplexing, however, that for all of Chion's insights he fails to even acknowledge Kubrick's manipulation of Ligeti's "Adventures" for the alien sounds in the 18th Century bedroom sequence (and the composer's successful legal action for this alteration.) His interpretation of "Eyes Wide Shut" is simply bizarre and neglects to regard the return of Ligeti's music and its insistent and concise use in the film. Regardless, Chion's book certainly expands on the formal understanding of what still remains the greatest film ever made.