The Breakout
Summary
This episode details Stanley Kubrick's early Hollywood career, focusing on the production of *The Killing* and *Paths of Glory*. It covers the casting of Sterling Hayden, the contentious collaboration with cinematographer Lucian Ballard, and Kubrick's refusal to alter his nonlinear editing despite studio pressure. The narrative continues with the filming of *Paths of Glory* in Germany, where Kubrick clashed with Kirk Douglas over the script's ending and met Christiana Harlan. The episode concludes with Kubrick marrying Harlan and acquiring the rights to Vladimir Nabokov's controversial nove…
Topics discussed
Kubrick arrives in LA and searches for a leading man
Casting Sterling Hayden and the noir atmosphere
The cast and the rapid 24-day shooting schedule
Actors' confusion over Kubrick's hands-off direction
Kubrick's vision and conflict with cinematographer Ballard
Ruth Kubrick's art direction and the film's title change
Kubrick's personality and playing touch football
Sneak previews and the controversial flashback structure
Refusing to re-edit and the box office failure
Marital troubles and the move back to California
Life in LA: dining habits and avoiding dating
Kubrick's relationship with dancer Barry
Developing the concept for Paths of Glory
Kirk Douglas secures funding for the film
The debate over the film's ending and tone
Kirk Douglas rejects the original script
Negotiating with the studio and Kirk Douglas
Filming the trench battle and camera techniques
Influence of Max Ophels and complex takes
Casting Tim DeKay and the trial scenes
Adding the coda and casting Christiana Harlan
The final scene and the film's premiere
Christiana Harlan's background and family history
Kubrick and Harlan's marriage in Las Vegas
Discovering the novel Lolita and acquiring rights
Credits and closing remarks
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