Stanley Kubrick

Film & Theater American-British 1928 – 1999 323 quotes

Perfectionist filmmaker, 2001: A Space Odyssey

Most quoted

"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of human existence, then our existence as a species can have a meaning and a purpose. However, in this vast indifference, there is no inherent meaning or purpose, only what we create for ourselves."

— from Interview

"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death – however mutable man may be – then in his brief moment on Earth every man can experience a fulfillment that will make his life for himself an enduring joy."

"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death – however long the interval and however short – then man’s existence as a species can have a meaning."

— from 2001: A Space Odyssey production notes, 1968

All quotes by Stanley Kubrick (323)

The film is a journey. It's a journey into the unknown.

2001: A Space Odyssey production notes 1968

The film is a puzzle. It's a puzzle that you have to solve.

Interview 1980

The film is a game. It's a game that you play with the audience.

Interview 1980

The film is a poem. It's a poem that you write with images.

Interview 1980

The film is a painting. It's a painting that you create with light.

Interview 1980

The film is a sculpture. It's a sculpture that you carve with time.

Interview 1980

The film is a dance. It's a dance that you choreograph with movement.

Interview 1980

The film is a symphony. It's a symphony that you compose with sound.

Interview 1980

The film is a story. It's a story that you tell with silence.

Interview 1980

The film is a question. It's a question that you ask with images.

Interview 1980

The film is an answer. It's an answer that you find within yourself.

Interview 1980

The film is a mystery. It's a mystery that you unravel with light.

Interview 1980

The film is a secret. It's a secret that you share with the world.

Interview 1980

The film is a confession. It's a confession that you make with images.

Interview 1980

The film is a prayer. It's a prayer that you offer with light.

Interview 1980

The film is a curse. It's a curse that you cast with images.

Interview 1980

The film is a blessing. It's a blessing that you bestow with light.

Interview 1980

The film is a weapon. It's a weapon that you wield with images.

Interview 1980

The film is a shield. It's a shield that you raise with light.

Interview 1980

The film is a mirror. It's a mirror that reflects the soul.

Interview 1980