Review of Lolita (1962) by Ben M — 23 Jul 2012

I know its cliche to say this but "How did they make a movie of Lolita?". The answer is simple: take out the more morally disturbing pieces of the novel (which I have not read) and leave everything subtle and to the imagination. What you get is Stanley Kuberick's own interpetation of the source material.

Now this isnt an easy movie to review because of the controversial subject matter in the film I have to admit that Kuberick had some balls to adapt Lolita into film and still manage to make a good and intriging movie about sexual obsession and how it leads to self destruction.

Everyone gives great preformances. James Mason gives a great preformance as the moraly sexualy messed up Humbert who falls for his step-daughter. Shelly Winters is great as Lolita's mother. Peter Sellers is great as always before his Pink Panther days. And most importantly, Sue Lyon gives a memorable preformance as the title character who is a innocent young girl who becomes aware of her sexual appeal to the opposite sex. (Just because the preformances are great doesn't mean the characters are likeable, even Lolita isnt very likeable nor is Humbert but thats the point of the story.).

Stanley Kuberick did a good job with his interpetation of Lolita, similar how he would later adapt "The Shining" and like I said he leaves everything subtle and to the imagination which is what I liked. I also liked how it explored unhealthy sexual obsessions and at 2 hours and 30 min I was never bored. The use of black and white was a good choice for this film because gave it a dark and atmospheric feel to it.

I recommend this to Stanley Kuberick fans and readers of the novel. 4 out of 5 stars.