Review of Lolita (1962) by Nick R — 13 Apr 2013

I'm torn on where to stand on Lolita, as I recognize the overwhelming obstacles Kubrick faced in bringing this film to release in 1962. On the other hand, this is a marked departure from Nabokov's novel, and the comedic angle it takes isn't consistent enough to make me feel like it was a change for the better.

Far too much is left to the audience's imagination, almost gutting the pulse of the inherent drama. The change in narrative structure and expanded role of Quilty also feel like afterthoughts to compensate with the lack of salacious material.

In that way, Lolita is a noble attempt, but ultimately it's too long and too stripped (ironically) to have much impact.