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Killer's Kiss
Killer's Kiss
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Killer's Kiss

Killer's Kiss

1955
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 7m
Prize-fighter Davy Gordon intervenes when private dancer Gloria Price is being attacked by her employer and lover Vincent Raphello... (imdb)

Directed by:

Stanley Kubrick

Screenwriter:

Stanley Kubrick

Starring:

Frank Silvera, Jamie Smith, Irene Kane, Jerry Jarret, Mike Dana, Felice Orlandi

Genres:

Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Crime

Country:

USA

Language:

English
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Killer's Kiss

1955
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 7m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 41.66% from 976 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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nathan_sNathan S
Rated 13 Dec 2007
3
45th
An interesting film as much as it is a bad story. The characters are no more than their occupations, and it's amateur hour as the cast goes. The paper thin plot relies on silly contrivances, but at least it's filmed with quick, self-aware economy. There are a few well-designed set pieces that lead up to an honestly thrilling climax. It must be mentioned that Killer's Kiss is among the best looking films noir; New York captured with photographer's-eye compositions and documentary style immediacy.
Rated 13 Dec 2007
sanjurosanjuro
Rated 14 Aug 2007
45
21st
Some great visuals, suggesting what was to come from Kubrick, but otherwise interminable.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
hawkinsHawkins
Rated 04 Dec 2019
39
8th
Swanky love triangle builds to the standard axe/pike fight in a mannequin storeroom that every noir does. Kubrick's photography skills make it pop but the story and characters leave so much to be desired. I could have done without the salsa doom music EVERY time the Latino villain appeared...
Rated 04 Dec 2019
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 25 Aug 2022
65
29th
Adequate but not particularly special drama/crime film. It was made on virtually no budget and was filmed largely without permits (so in secret when they were in public), and given those limitations it's pretty good work, but there just wasn't much special about it. There are a couple of shots and moments where Kubrick shows what he's capable of, but for the most part it's just okay.
Rated 25 Aug 2022
janusjanus
Rated 25 Apr 2013
40
11th
A noir cheapie, nicely shot but hurt by too much voiceover, poor acting, and a happy ending where it definitely doesn't belong (that Kubrick wanted otherwise means little to me in scoring). The highlight is an eerie, tense fight scene in a room full of mannequins, that hints at the kind of vibe Kubrick would come to be known for.
Rated 25 Apr 2013
batuibatui
Rated 12 Nov 2012
70
60th
Great location shots, especially Times Square and Penn Station before it was just a big hole in the ground. Great cinematography period. Shame about the bad acting and that it takes a half-hour (i.e. half the movie) to get going. Too bad Kubrick wasn't born 10 years earlier, so we could have more Code-era studio films like this to balance out the later pet projects he's famous for.
Rated 12 Nov 2012
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 23 Aug 2012
54
21st
It has the feeling of a short that was stretched out into less-than-a-movie. I enjoyed some of the shots quite a bit but the story was really lacking for me. Worth the 67 minutes, especially to fill out the Kubrick catalog
Rated 23 Aug 2012
jodamicojodamico
Rated 27 Dec 2011
78
69th
It's hard to complain about Kubrick's career, but in some ways it's a shame he didn't do more small, desolate b/w films like this, The Killing, and Paths of Glory. There's an emotional rawness to them that's missing in his higher concept stuff.
Rated 27 Dec 2011
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 22 Aug 2010
84
77th
While the budget limitations show through, especially in the acting, it's a very enjoyable, tightly constructed noir. It also shows some nice flashes of visual brilliance.
Rated 22 Aug 2010
kasperlKasperL
Rated 09 Dec 2009
55
39th
Kubrick's sophomore effort was this unspectacular B noir. It does have some nice shots but it also is kind of indulgant and features some weird editing choices. Obviously, the low budget plays into it; however, it is amazing how much he matures in just a year for 'The Killing' (1956). Decent.
Rated 09 Dec 2009
farzanFarzan
Rated 02 Mar 2008
80
75th
Killer's Kiss is Kubrick's 2nd feature film and definitely a step up from Fear & Desire. You can see Kubrick's direction in this not as much as normal, but you can definitely see that it started here. It's overall a great film, great plot, and pretty well acted, except for Jamie Smith. Good Film
Rated 02 Mar 2008
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
50th
The performances are atrociously bad, the storytelling is clunky and even some of the editing choices are poor. It's certainly not of the great noirs. But Kubrick's photographic talents are quite prominent, and the film looks absolutely fantastic. From the fight scene to the warehouse climax, it's a terrific example of noir lighting. Also the use of real New York locations adds a lot of spice, as does the jazzy off-kilter score. The whole thing has a surreal, almost dreamlike quality to it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
doyler29doyler29
Rated 15 Feb 2024
60
23rd
It's been over 20 years since I saw Stanley Kubrick's 2nd feature, and I had only ever seen it on VHS. It's an odd one. In almost every respect, this isn't a very good film, but it's a beautifully shot film, which is only accentuated by watching it on UHD. Even at this stage where crafting an interesting story is still a challenge for him, Kubrick can really compose a shot.
Rated 15 Feb 2024
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 12 Sep 2023
60
35th
A tale of two grades: poor for the hackneyed script and not-quite-synced sounds; above average for some of the fight choreography and lighting. But who doesn't love a noir in a time when a completely random stranger can watch a young lady fall asleep before locking the door on his way out?
Rated 12 Sep 2023
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 22 Aug 2023
75
49th
Begs for a bleaker, more nihilistic ending, and it’s a shame that outside of Silvera’s sweaty, slimy villain, the performers are middling to adequate, but there’s a life and vitality to this that distinguishes it from other knock-off noirs, with Kubrick showing a great feel for vivid urban seediness, while dropping in some signature moments of the bizarre (especially the mannequin factory fight). Made worthwhile because of who’s behind the camera, even if it's not particularly revelatory.
Rated 22 Aug 2023
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 12 Jul 2022
55
18th
This is certainly better than Kubrick's first outing, as you can see some of his artistic flair in this barely there plot. I didn't mind the subtly of the plot as it propelled by the fact that it takes place over something like 36 hours, but the cast doesn't help it much. The lead, Jamie Smith, is especially bland as a very unconvincing boxer.
Rated 12 Jul 2022
pianosamaPianoSama
Rated 24 Jun 2022
65
45th
Short & simple noir fair that caught my eye because it was directed by one of the most prolific directors of all time before he was that. Solid performances, tightly-woven script, & a story that's nothing special but not terribly dull either. It was interesting enough to watch once, but I don't know if I'll revisit it.
Rated 24 Jun 2022
decanusellisDecanusEllis
Rated 13 Jul 2021
67
12th
Sweeping urban cinematography, the lights of New York feel so tangible with their smokey glow. The way the camera glides past Gloria as she crosses the road is astounding, and the long shot of Davey scrambling on the dilapidated rooftops with the metropolis behind him is breathtaking. Although this does feel amateurish with its constant use of flashbacks, and flashbacks within those flashbacks, then flashbacks of other characters within those flashbacks.
Rated 13 Jul 2021
mrarnmrarn
Rated 19 Apr 2021
52
64th
Excellent storytelling of an average story. I enjoyed the cinematography in the fight scenes, both in the ring and out.
Rated 19 Apr 2021
larsvontrierLarsVonTrier
Rated 03 Feb 2021
2
31st
Kubrick's generic Hollywood era before he found himself.
Rated 03 Feb 2021
jonwashereJonwashere
Rated 09 Nov 2020
4
17th
I cannot remember any of the film nor do I intend to rewatch it, but supposedly I gave it a 4. Average/7
Rated 09 Nov 2020
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 12 Jun 2019
63
36th
Tem tantos equívocos quanto tem acertos, ao mesmo tempo que é passável é bem esquecível também. Darflix TV.
Rated 12 Jun 2019
umutheatreumutheatre
Rated 08 Apr 2019
70
40th
1950 başları 1959 sonlarında çıkan bütün filmlerin gerçekten çok ayrı bir yeri ve değeri var. Kubrick'in 2. filmi Killer's Kiss de öyle! Başından sonuna kadar hiç durmadan çalan müziği filmin dinginliğine pek yakıştıramasam da basit olan hikaye senaryo üzerinde çok şık duruyor.
Rated 08 Apr 2019
napolenbradynapolenbrady
Rated 14 Mar 2019
76
2nd
75.50
Rated 14 Mar 2019
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 12 Dec 2018
70
19th
Viewed December 11, 2018.
Rated 12 Dec 2018
glm01glm01
Rated 01 Oct 2018
76
53rd
75.50
Rated 01 Oct 2018
moncliviemonclivie
Rated 27 May 2017
83
83rd
If you're tired of unsatisfying noirs ruined by the code, this one is for you.
Rated 27 May 2017
nevejasnevejas
Rated 20 Jan 2017
42
12th
Sometimes, though rarely, you could have felt the movie trying to create tension, or at least considering to try to, but all the shots were blank. And this very well sums it up. He's a boxer she's a dancer, he does boxing, she does dancing, there could have been some trouble (that's when I was an optimist still). There also was a dream for reason, but reason was nowhere to be found. Trouble disappeared just before the acting skills went. The end was soon to follow. Titanic would be proud.
Rated 20 Jan 2017
liliroseLilirose
Rated 25 Jun 2016
71
38th
Trama banalotta ma alcune scene lasciano il segno, come quella dei manichini
Rated 25 Jun 2016
walkearthwalkearth
Rated 24 Jan 2015
55
47th
The fight scene, wow. Reminded me of Polanski's Macbeth's fight scene.
Rated 24 Jan 2015
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 21 Jan 2015
5
70th
huh? that was good! sure, the performances were a bit dodgy at times, and who gives a shit about the plot, but the photography and lighting were phenomental. also some hilarious symbolism involving two men throwing endless female mannequins at each other. i don't see how this is less competent than any other noir of the time. shit, i even liked it more than THE KILLING.
Rated 21 Jan 2015
hsncrspywlhsncrspywl
Rated 15 Dec 2014
47
16th
Moments of early Kubrick brilliance in the cinematography, but otherwise pretty unremarkable, and unfortunately forgettable. Great lighting - each scene in the film evokes a lot out of it, being used in different ways, but it doesn't tie everything together and keep you hooked like later Kubrick.
Rated 15 Dec 2014
lonewolf2003Lonewolf2003
Rated 03 Dec 2014
80
80th
(2nd viewing, 1st:70)
Rated 03 Dec 2014
nepetaNepeta
Rated 16 Jul 2014
55
22nd
There are some cool shots, and the climax is kind of thrilling. Other than that though, it feels a bit empty (there really isn't a lot to it) and amateur. The plot, dialogue and narration are all weak. It's almost like Kubrick is just using this as an opportunity to experiment around and get more used to the medium of film rather than actually trying to make a great film.
Rated 16 Jul 2014
oskarhuoskarhu
Rated 24 Jun 2014
73
27th
The raw style and urban imagery gave this film an interesting touch. Otherwise, quite forgettable.
Rated 24 Jun 2014
zaezae
Rated 27 Nov 2013
55
19th
Great visuals. Otherwise mediocre.
Rated 27 Nov 2013
damildamil
Rated 25 May 2013
60
43rd
The problem for me was the story - it just wasn't that good & there just wasn't that much of it, even with the film's short running time. I also didn't think much of the actors. A Kubrick film-noir sounds like an amazing idea, but this was too early in his career to be great. If you compare this with the film he did two years later, Paths of Glory, the difference in quality is absolutely huge. Still, there are definitely flashes of his future brilliance in this - there were some beautiful shots.
Rated 25 May 2013
egbertsouseEgbertSouse
Rated 27 Dec 2012
80
52nd
Sleazy noir with a great visual flair. Not a masterpiece, but fun.
Rated 27 Dec 2012
michaelhashMichaelhash
Rated 26 Oct 2012
75
14th
74.500
Rated 26 Oct 2012
friendo55friendo55
Rated 15 Oct 2012
83
58th
This felt like a student film from Kubrick. For a 67 minute movie there's so much going on and yet still leaves room to showcase New York as a rundown broken character in itself. A strange little story but very entertaining - especially that final showdown!
Rated 15 Oct 2012
ofterdingenOfterdingen
Rated 11 Jul 2012
74
85th
I wish more films were 64 minutes long and as good and fine as this.
Rated 11 Jul 2012
braddad68braddad68
Rated 15 May 2012
90
52nd
I just watched this one and was impressed. Kubrick did some very creative things on a limited budget. The acting wasn't so great, but the lighting, camera angles and sound were superb.
Rated 15 May 2012
iyisinekiyisinek
Rated 01 May 2012
65
24th
dansci, boksör, karsi penceredeki kadin, cinayet, kacma kovalama, cikmaz sokak, (Zamanla ilgili hatalar cok dikkat cekici, kadin 1 saat önce derken en fazla 2 dakikalik bir olayi anlatiyor. Yine kadin ablasiyla yas farkinin 8 oldugunu söylerken bir sonra ki cümlede bu fark 7'ye iniyor. Kadinin kendisini öldürmeye calisan patronundan haftaligini almaya gitmesi de enteresan)
Rated 01 May 2012
madmanMadMan
Rated 02 Feb 2012
83
45th
This movie suffers a bit from its low budget style and trappings, but at the same time it also offers up a rather glorious black and white framing of New York City at night. The plot is fairly standard, but here Stanley Kubrick showed his ability to film suspense and create a rather engaging movie.
Rated 02 Feb 2012
chr1sCHR1S
Rated 28 Feb 2011
65
36th
What an improvement compared with Fear and Desire! Overall, a very enjoyable B-level noir, but not that special.
Rated 28 Feb 2011
caimancaiman
Rated 26 Feb 2011
72
42nd
A technically proficient but somewhat unremarkable early Kubrick film. One can definitely see his talent on display here, with lots of great shots and a good uses of dramatic lighting. The acting and storyline, however, are somewhat lacking. Although pretty forgettable, Kubrick fans will enjoy seeing this.
Rated 26 Feb 2011
cat9mancat9man
Rated 23 Dec 2010
62
22nd
Not a knockout
Rated 23 Dec 2010
glmglm
Rated 16 Dec 2010
75
55th
74.500
Rated 16 Dec 2010
catscandalCatScandal
Rated 30 Nov 2010
56
64th
story is nothing you haven't seen before, typical noir nonsense. but god damn, the photography! possibly the best of all of kubrick's black and white films. the climactic fight is pretty great too.
Rated 30 Nov 2010
nobletNoblet
Rated 19 Nov 2010
69
45th
Often feels completely amateur, but still has a lot going for it. It has a strong visual style and some good scenes scattered throughout.
Rated 19 Nov 2010
stanthecaddystanthecaddy
Rated 22 Jan 2010
80
62nd
Though it's not as memorable as his other movies, "Killer's Kiss" definitely hints at the greatness that Kubrick will later achieve. The story isn't very unique, but Kubrick infuses it with enough style that it's enjoyable nonetheless. The climax is particularly good, and the action sequences have a brutal tone.
Rated 22 Jan 2010
joseywalesjoseywales
Rated 12 May 2009
69
53rd
Has some great moments and some swell photography but it's too tame. At only 67 minutes though, it's worth a watch.
Rated 12 May 2009
freudianaFreudiana
Rated 03 Jan 2009
60
25th
Occasionally inspired, but for the most part a very long seventy minutes.
Rated 03 Jan 2009
miss_jesusmiss jesus
Rated 25 Apr 2008
48
32nd
Great cinematography, particularly memorable in the mannequine scene, but otherwise not so special.
Rated 25 Apr 2008
q31Q31
Rated 03 Mar 2008
90
49th
Occassionally strangely surreal, but a very intriguing noir-style movie.
Rated 03 Mar 2008
tonydaltonydal
Rated 29 Sep 2007
65
29th
A let-down from The Killing.
Rated 29 Sep 2007
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 12 Sep 2007
71
24th
A flawed film, but masterfully shot. The mannequin sequence rocks.
Rated 12 Sep 2007
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
63rd
Score based on distant memory.
Rated 14 Aug 2007

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