
The Killing
1956, Drama/Crime, 1h 23m
41 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
An expertly crafted noir with more on its mind than stylishly staged violence, The Killing establishes Stanley Kubrick as a filmmaker of uncommon vision and control. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
The Killing Videos
The Killing Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Johnny Clay
Fay
Val Cannon
Marvin Unger
Sherry Peatty
Mike O'Reilly
News & Interviews for The Killing
Critic Reviews for The Killing
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (40) | Rotten (1)
-
This taut crime picture was one of the earliest films in the career of Stanley Kubrick, but something of the director's voice and characteristic preoccupations are already evident here.
February 5, 2015 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… -
Underneath The Killing's clockwork violence is a pungent layer of irony, something Kubrick would further explore many times later in his career.
September 14, 2013 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
Faultless and enjoyable.
June 24, 2013 | Full Review… -
Plotted with the kind of Swiss-watch precision and attention to detail that would eventually get Kubrick labeled Hollywood's most notorious perfectionist.
August 11, 2011 | Rating: A | Full Review… -
At 27 Writer-Director Stanley Kubrick, in his third full-length picture, has shown more audacity with dialogue and camera than Hollywood has seen since the obstreperous Orson Welles went riding out of town on an exhibitors' poll.
August 3, 2011 | Full Review… -
Even though he was just staring out, Kubrick instantly mastered the crime genre. A stunning film.
October 3, 2007 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Killing
-
Dec 24, 2020I love the early works of Stanley Kubrick as much as his literary-like masterpieces (2001, Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon). The Killing is a noir classic.Aldo G Super Reviewer
-
Feb 11, 2016Being a relatively straightforward crime thriller makes it somewhat unique in the Kubrick filmography, and it's still one of the best movies in the genre.Alec B Super Reviewer
-
Nov 08, 2014Good, establishes tension by taking its time with the elaborate set-up. The theme of irony runs strong. Well-shot. It maybe would have even been better had the studio not forced the narration onto the film, against Kubrick's request -- in that way, it brings to mind the same dilemma of 'Blade Runner' and the difference between having its narration vs. without. Overall, a good film. I'd put it 3.5-4, but I'll bump it to 4 here.Kyle M Super Reviewer
-
Jun 24, 2014A decent film noir and an interesting early work by Kubrick. One that is forgotten for good reason - it is passable but not terribly memorable. One can see Kubrick just pumping this out.John B Super Reviewer
The Killing Quotes
Sherry Peatty: | You've never been a liar, George. You don't have enough imagination to lie. |
George Peatty: | None of these men are criminals in the usual sense. They've all got jobs, they all live seemingly normal, decent lives, but they got their problems and they've all got a little larceny in 'em. |
Johnny Clay: | You know, Fay, the mistake I made before was shooting for peanuts. Five years have taught me one thing, if nothing else. If you take a chance, be sure the reward's worth the risk. They can put you away just as fast for a ten-dollar heist as for a million. |
George Peatty: | I gotta go out. I don't suppose there's anything for dinner? |
Sherry Peatty: | Of course there is. There are all sorts of things. Well, steak and asparagus and potatoes |
George Peatty: | I don't smell nothin' |
Sherry Peatty: | That figures. You're too far away from it. |
George Peatty: | Too far away? |
Sherry Peatty: | Certainly. You don't think I had it cooked, do you? It's down the shopping centre |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified