The Killing

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Template:Infobox Film The Killing (1956) is a film by Stanley Kubrick based on the novel Clean Break by Lionel White. The film noir depicts the efforts of Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) and an assembled team to rob a racetrack.

The use of non-linear chronology and multiple points of view influenced many later filmmakers, such as Quentin Tarantino. When studio executives first saw the completed film, they stated that the film made no sense and no audience would sit through the non-linear story. The director re-edited the movie then found that the key to telling the story was to keep it the way it was in the book, and the way he first edited it. United Artist released the film at the bottom of double bills.

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Critical reaction

While Kubrick's second film, Killer's Kiss, was considered a fine effort, The Killing is regarded as a work by a professional filmmaker. Eddie Muller writes:

"With The Killing, Stanley Kubrick offered a monument to the classic caper film, and a fresh gust of filmmaking in one package. Who knew when he wrapped it, that it would be the last amusing movie he'd ever make?"

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