The Unlikely Duo
Stanley Kubrick, the genius behind gems such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining, is famous for his extraordinary eye for filmmaking. He is equally infamous for a hidden trait – his intense paranoia about his works. This trait played out quite interestingly during his work with Steven Spielberg on his final film, A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
How Spielberg Stepped into Kubrick’s Shoes
Technically, Eyes Wide Shut is considered Kubrick’s swansong. But A.I. Artificial Intelligence can also stake a claim to that title. While Kubrick had the film’s concept ready, he was too busy with Eyes Wide Shut. Hence, he handed the movie’s reins to his trusted friend and pupil, Spielberg.
As Spielberg took over the project, things took a rather intriguing turn. This pivot largely revolved around Kubrick’s intense paranoia about his work.
Faxes and Secrecy: Kubrick’s Unique Style
According to Spielberg, dealing with the film’s mastermind was a unique experience. The medium of fax, normally an everyday way of communication, took an entirely different avatar with Kubrick.
The legendary director insisted on the utmost secrecy. The fax machine set up in Spielberg’s house had to be in a safe location. Every communication had to be destroyed immediately after being read.
Kubrick’s paranoia raised questions about Spielberg’s home security. The former assumingly pictured the latter’s home as a fortress. Spielberg went along, placing the fax machine in his bedroom, the safest place he could provide.
Living Inside a CIA Bubble
Kubrick’s obsession with secrecy made Spielberg feel as if he were in a “CIA Bubble”. Spielberg had to memorize each message before shredding or burning it. Kubrick was very stern about keeping the information secret.
Despite this intense mandate, Spielberg respected Kubrick’s eccentricity. He followed every guideline without much complaint.
A Secret-Driven Success Story
Despite the shrouded in secrecy, A.I. Artificial Intelligence turned out to be a blockbuster. Spielberg continued the work after Kubrick’s demise in 1999 and wrapped up the film. The final product grossed $235.9 million against a $100 million budget, making it a grand success.
The endearing appraisal from the audience and a thumbs-up from critics added feathers to its cap. A.I. Artificial Intelligence is a tribute to the power of teamwork and synergy, even amidst varying personality traits and working styles.
The film is available on Prime Video. So, don’t miss out on experiencing the remarkable harmony between Stanley Kubrick and Steven Spielberg that redefined filmmaking. This is your chance to witness the magic of two of Hollywood’s all-time greatest maestros.
For more details, visit Project Casting Blog on https://www.projectcasting.com/blog/news/steven-spielbergs-journey-with-paranoid-kubrick-behind-2001s-sci-fi-a-i-artificial-intelligence/