Killer's Kiss
Killer's Kiss

Killer's Kiss

1955Movie68 minEnglish

Davey Gordon, a New York City boxer at the end of his career, falls for dancer Gloria Price. However, their budding relationship is interrupted by Gloria's violent boss, Vincent Rapallo, who has eyes for Gloria. The two decide to skip town, but before they can, Vincent and his thugs abduct Gloria, and Davey is forced to search for her among the most squalid corners of the city, with his enemy hiding in the shadows.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Stanley KubrickGenres: Film-Noir, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A down-on-his-luck boxer, Davey Gordon, falls for a dancer, Gloria Price, who is entangled with a ruthless gangster, Vincent. Davey tries to protect Gloria from Vincent's control, leading to a violent confrontation that blurs the lines between obsession and salvation. The film explores themes of loneliness, desperation, and the struggle for a better life in the harsh urban landscape.

Critical Reception

Stanley Kubrick's early independent film, 'Killer's Kiss,' received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with many critics finding its narrative and acting to be rough. However, it is now recognized as an important early work showcasing Kubrick's developing visual style and audacious directorial choices, particularly its innovative use of experimental techniques for its time. While not a commercial success, it laid groundwork for his later masterpieces.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty atmosphere and atmospheric cinematography.
  • Criticized for its thin plot and sometimes stilted dialogue.
  • Recognized as a precursor to Kubrick's distinctive visual storytelling.

Google audience: Audience reception data is not readily available for this early, lesser-known film.

Fun Fact

Stanley Kubrick directed, co-wrote, produced, and edited 'Killer's Kiss' himself, largely as a passion project funded by his own savings and a small loan, demonstrating his early hands-on approach to filmmaking.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Classy, Feverish, a Mess? The second feature film directed by future critical darling Stanley Kubrick, Killer's Kiss isn't a particularly good film. With its very basic "B" film noir plot, choppy editing, post-dubbing and "interesting"...