Kubrick

I've long been a fan of Kubrick and am always frustrated when Speilberg is mentioned ahead of him in terms of great directors. How many directors have the courage to take on really controversial material. Kubrick made film versions of TWO of the most controversial novels of the 20th century: Lolita and A Clockwork Orange.

His IMDb stats are stagering and unparalleled. Dismissing the handful of short films and documentaries he did prior to 1956, Kubrik directed just eleven movies over 43 years. Here they are in ascending order based on IMDb rating:

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - 7.0
Lolita (1962) - 7.6
Barry Lyndon (1975) - 8.0
Spartacus (1960) - 8.0 #188
The Killing (1956) - 8.2 #135
Full Metal Jacket (1987) - 8.3 #94
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - 8.3 #78
The Shining (1980) - 8.4 #60
A Clockwork Orange (1971) - 8.4 #50
Paths of Glory (1957) - 8.5 #42
Dr. Strangelove (1964) - 8.7 #21

Blood Diamond

Great, great movie. What could have easily been turned into a standard, unimportant action movie was handled with great care by Edward Zwick (Glory). The acting was spot-on. DiCaprio is like a real life Han Solo. The Oscar nominations were well deserved, in fact, there are probably a few nominees that owe Blood Diamond an apology for taking a spot it deserved in the Best Picture category (sorry, The Queen, get out).

Children of Men

Dark, raw, disturbing, and visually stunning. I wouldn't have thought this would be a movie I'd regret not having seen in the theater. I don't know if this movie should be #122 on IMDb, but it certain needs to be watched by everyone as an unfortunately accurate insight into the human condition.