The Killing Film

Based on the novel Clean Break by Lionel White, The Killing is one of Stanley Kubrick's earliest feature films, notable for its use of non-linear storytelling.

The film follows ex-con Johnny Clay as he orchestrates the robbery of a racetrack.

Fast Facts

1. Director: Stanley Kubrick
2. Distributor: United Artists
3. Starring: Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards
4. Release Date: May 20, 1956
5. Running Time: 83 min.
6. Budget: $320,000
7. Jack Palance and Victor Mature were considered for the role of Johnny Clay
8. Working Titles: Day of Violence, Bed of Fear
9. Shot in 24 days
10. Kirk Douglas wanted Kubrick to direct Paths of Glory based on the strength of this film
11. Kubrick's first union production
12. United Artists forced Kubrick to add narration

The Rise of Kubrick

The Killing hints at the fluid style of Kubrick's later films, though this would be his last noir. Reception was positive upon the film's release, with Variety magazine praising the tense final act and the build-up of suspense. In 1957, The Killing was nominated for a BAFTA award for "Best Film from an Source." It is ranked at #142 on the IMDb Top 250.

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