Stanley Kubrick: Lolita Discussion

Join movie club member Nick M for the next film in our series focusing on the works of Stanley Kubrick! Responsible for films like 2001: A Space Odessey, Full Metal Jacket, and The Shining; he influenced directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, George Lucas, and Paul Thomas Anderson. The next film we're looking at is Lolita (1962). Here's how it works:

1. We'll meet at Lucky Lab in SE at 6:30pm (map)
2. Grab a drink and we'll spend some time discussing the film with us (NOTE: Just like a book club, we watch the movie before we meet, streaming links below).

Heads up! Lolita contains strong themes of grooming, manipulation, and child exploitation. While presented through satire and dark humor, the film engages with subject matter that many viewers may find disturbing or upsetting.

Movie Spotlight: Lolita
Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita (1962), adapted from Vladimir Nabokov’s novel, follows Humbert Humbert, a sophisticated but deeply unreliable narrator whose fixation on Lolita drives the story. After marrying Dolores’s mother to remain close to her, Humbert becomes entangled in a destructive relationship defined by manipulation, secrecy, and abuse. Blending dark comedy, psychological drama, and social satire, the film examines obsession and self-deception while exposing the gap between Humbert’s romanticized narration and the disturbing reality of his actions.

The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (Kubrick and Nabokov), and Sellers, Lyon, Mason, and Winters received Golden Globe nominations, as well.

About Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick (1928–1999) was an American filmmaker and photographer, widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time. Born and raised in New York City, Kubrick displayed a keen interest in literature, photography, and film from a young age. After graduating from high school, he taught himself all aspects of film production and direction. His films spanned various genres and were often adaptations of novels or short stories. Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail, innovative cinematography, extensive set design, and dark humor set him apart. Notable works include “Paths of Glory” (1957), an anti-war film, and the historical epic “Spartacus” (1960), both collaborations with actor Kirk Douglas. In 1961, Kubrick left the U.S., settling in England, where he continued to create groundbreaking films. His science fiction masterpiece “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) earned him an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and is considered one of the greatest films ever made.

Kubrick’s artistic control extended to writing, editing, color grading, promotion, and exhibition. His perfectionism led to painstaking research, innovative staging, and multiple retakes of scenes, sometimes frustrating his actors. His legacy endures through films that broke new ground, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.

Tips:

1. Haven't seen the movie in a while? Try to watch the movie sometime before we meet (streaming options). Just like a book club we don't watch the movie at our meetup, just discuss it. You don't have to watch the movie to join us, but it'll be more fun if you can
2. I usually take a few notes while I watch to keep from forgetting the most interesting stuff. If you think of some interesting discussion topics while you watch, bring 'em with you

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