Review of Lolita (1962) by Zero O — 20 Jan 2013

"Do you believe in God?".

"The question is; does God believe in me?".

Lolita is perhaps one of the greatest stories of obsession ever told. The film, despite containing some somewhat disturbing subject matter, still manages to hold a charm of its own. Acting is solid all-around, and Pete Sellers literally nails it as the eccentric and quirky Clare Quilty, stealing every scene he's in. The major themes of the film - lust, obsession, and manipulation - are weaved skillfully throughout the narrative just like you'd expect from the mastery of Stanley Kubrick. The narrative itself is changed a slight bit from the novel, but I actually feel as though this change is for the better, as the big reveal isn't as far-fetched as it could be. And let's not forget to mention, of course, the fantastic directing and shots (THANKS STANLEY). Lolita will always make me feel a bit creepy, as it essentially boils down to a 40 year-old man having a relationship with a 15 year-old, but the film is still a great one. Don't pass this one up, especially if you consider yourself a fan of film noir or romance dramas.