Fear and Desire

​FEAR AND DESIRE

c. 1951-53, B&W Feature Film, USA. 62min

​Kubrick's first feature-length fictional film, and an example of forbidden fruit for fans FAD is psychological and cinematic in almost every way, similar to an extended Twilight Zone episode, but long before the TZ became a household name. In order to finance the project, Kubrick pursued funding and support from friends and relatives, and some also participated as the Cast & Crew. All were reportedly paid back in full when the film was distributed for a modest profit. LEGEND: For more than 50 years, it was difficult to find a decent way to view Fear and Desire, at least via video. Kubrick reportedly tried to destroy all the copies mid-century as he became a star director (motives are debated). But at least one pristine print survived and Kino Classics recently released a fully restored version of FAD on DVD, a must for any die-hard Kubrick fan's library. While it may look amateurish compared to his other works, especially if you see a bad print or transfer, FAD is very interesting for a first film created on a shoestring budget and tight schedule by a young cinematic genius. AWESOME: One of SK's young FAD actors, Paul Mazursky, also went on to have a long and rewarding career in showbiz! TRIVIA: while the newly restored F&D on home video runs about 62mins, there seems to be indications that it ran as long as 72mins in 1953. NICE: A great web resource all about F&D and some of SK's early docs