By
Julian Rice. (2017, 297 pp).
A.I.:
Artificial Intelligence is one of Steven Spielberg's more
polarizing films. Some declare it an underappreciated masterpiece,
while others have criticized it for a variety of reasons. A chief
complaint among the latter is Spielberg's treatment of the source
material, which Stanley Kubrick had been trying to adapt for years.
While he had the late director's blessing, many felt Spielberg's
style was completely incompatible with Kubrick's darker
sensibilities.
If
there was ever a movie with a back-story worthy of a fascinating
book, it's A.I. However, Julian Rice's book, Kubrick's
Story, Spielberg's Film, is not a chronicle of the film's
production. Instead, it's a deeply detailed analysis of each
director's narrative and visual ideals, delving deep into both
filmographies to pull out similar imagery and themes which may have
ultimately shaped the film that was finally released (two years after
Kubrick's death). The author's recurring argument is that the
directors shared more common ground than their reputations suggest.
While
A.I. is indeed analyzed in great detail - both narratively and
aesthetically - other chapters look back to such work as Close
Encounters, Dr. Strangelove, even the original novel of
Pinocchio, in search of recurring themes like the apocalypse
and parent/child relationships. Perhaps a but too analytical, at
times, not to mention some really heavy, labyrinthine academic
arguments that make this book a challenging read.
Not
a book for the average movie fan - even if you happen to love A.I.
- Kubrick's Story, Spieberg's Film is aimed more for at
those whose appreciation of either director extends beyond their
films' mere entertainment value.
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD...BUT PRETTY WEIGHTY READING
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