That is almost a review in its self. If you know me or you have read some of my blogs you probably know that I consider Kubrick to be one of if not the greatest director of the 20th century. His films set the golden standard in almost every kind of genre there is. 2001, Dr. Strangelove, Full Metal Jacket, A clockwork Orange, The Shining, Barry Lyndon, ect.
Killers Kiss is a film noir that centers around a down and out boxer that meets a beautiful blond and falls in love with her. They plan on skipping town and getting away from their miserable lives. They only have to collect their final paychecks from his manager and the owner of the dance club where she works. Of course at this point there is some mistaken identify, missing money, a murder, a kidnapping, a anti-heroic rescue and all the other tropes of the noir genre.
The difference is the distance that Kubrick keeps from his characters . You aren't really meant to feel a real drive to see these two succeed. The story is told in flashbacks from the perspective of the boxer while he waits for a train to take him out of town alone.
This is Kubricks first feature. Is all his mastery present? No. But glimpses can be seen. He improves a great deal with his next film. Another noir called The Killing staring Sterling Hayden. Killers Kiss is only 70 minutes long. You can probably watch it while your special lady is getting ready to go out.
It reminded me a lot of a movie I like a little better called Requiem for a Heavyweight staring Anthony Quinn and a great performance from Jackie Gleason. It is the story of a boxer that is down on his luck and with the help of a woman he tries to improves his life. This movie is a downer, but I love it.
Killers kiss is a totally adequate movie. That is pretty sorry by Kubrick's standards. I will give Killers Kiss a 3/5 stars. It is worth seeing to get just a glimpse of the master gaining his footing. Check out the Trailer Park to see for yourself.
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