(Flash Review)This didn't do much for me, sadly, even with an 8.0/10 IMDb rating, which I'd guess is partly because of who the director is. That was the impetus for me to give it a go. The plot revolves around a horse racetrack heist and of course within Noir there is double crossing. Apparently, this is sequenced non-linearly which really confuses the story; not executed effectively. There are some typical Noir scenes that are so stereotypical and overacted that is becomes comical. And by 1956, many Noir traits have been defined. Nothing more to comment on aside being thankful that Kubrick learned from this to make some stellar films!

"The Killing" is the first film by Stanley Kubrick that was financed entirely by others believing in his talent, and we could not hope for more. The film is thrilling and follows the classic Hollywood gangster story, but with the touch of the genius: as always in his pictures, the characters are watched from a distance, a sneer that knows their efforts to make things go their way is useless, as the world works in mysterious ways, such that a series of small accidents can destroy the "perfectly" planned robbery. As usual nobody gets what they wanted in a Kubrick film. The time labyrinth through which the viewer is introduced to the events is also a feature that will come back in an even more complex way in the author's mature works.A fantastic noir/gangster movie, filled with Kubrick themes.

THE KILLING is a pretty good crime drama about a doomed criminal effort. An experienced criminal is planning a big robbery, after which he will start a peaceful and quiet life with his girlfriend. He plans to steal a few millions from the money-counting room of a racetrack during a featured race. However, some of his associates in the robbery are quite upset ...The film is composed of familiar ingredients that make a good noir. The story is strong and tight, without any excessive melodrama. The story at times takes on the contours of the documentary, with a prominent and dissolving tension and unexpected irony in the end. The atmosphere is worthy of a noir. Mr. Kubrick has paid special attention to the narration in the film. It helps in better understanding of the chronology of the story. The director wanted to present the perfect robbery by an imperfect gang. I claim that he is able to connect a number of small particles in a solid construction. Sterling Hayden as Johnny Clay is strong, somewhat reserved and ineffective leader for an experienced criminal. Elisha Cook Jr. as George Peatty left the best impression as a suspicious cashier and timid person who risks his life for the love of his unfaithful wife. Marie Windsor as Sherry Peatty was an unfaithful wife and predator who only interested in money. An unsuccessful attempt to form a portrait of the classic femme fatale.Other characters are a professional wrestler, a psychotic killer, a bartender, who tried to help his sick wife, a corrupt cop and a beautiful fiancé. They are interesting, but do not represent anything new.The perfect robbery, which eventually turned into a complete disaster.

Oh my goodness, wow, thank You, Stanley Kubrick! I finally watched it and most certainly will watch over and over again.. Throughout the movie, it was so intense, never once you get bored! Great dialogue and storyline. It is truly the best heist movie ever. And the ending.. I always love a movie with a great punch line and this one has it.. to plan something so brilliant and then to have a dog ruin it.. I'm amazed. About actors, loved very much Marie Windsor's character in the movie, as well with Sterling Hayden. I also love how the storyteller talks in the movie, with exact details of time and schedules. It is a well made film with strong theme and meaning.