Fear and Desire DVD Review:

Available to purchase on DVD exclusively from Elusive DVD.com

Trapped behind enemy lines after their plane was shot down, Lt. Corby (Harp) has to come up with a plan to get his men back to safety. They locate a river and start building a raft so they can head down stream under the cover of darkness, evading the enemy. The nature of their mission takes a turn as Sgt. Mac (Silvera) spots an enemy airfield down river, which is run by a high-ranking German General. The question then arises should they continue with escape plan or do their duty and take out the General?

The great Stanley Kubrick’s first feature length movie is finally released even though he never wanted anyone to see it.

Self funded by the man himself in 1953 for the grand sum of $13,000, he was never particularly proud of the film to the point that during the late 50s and early 60s Kubrick tried to locate all of the existing prints and destroy them. Fortunately he didn’t find every single one of them and we now have the chance to witness the emerging style of this legendary filmmaker.

Who else but Kubrick would make a movie about the psychological effects of war during a time when Hollywood was using conflict as a propaganda tool? The story, co-written by Kubrick and friend Howard Sackler, dealt with elements of war that no one would even consider putting to film until the 1980s. Plotlines involving indecisive Lieutenants, the guilt of taking a life and post-traumatic stress are all raised far earlier than anyone involved in the military would have admitted they existed.

The acting is very reflective of the time. Grandiose performances and lingering stern looks are commonplace amongst the cast of relatively unknown actors. Frank Silvera is the standout performer as Sgt. Mac, the only sane voice amongst the men. Kenneth Harp is also good in the duel roles of Lt. Corby and the German General.

The film is filled with early indications of Kubrick’s emerging style. He was only twenty-five years old when he made this feature but his eye for a shot was already coming to bare. Just watch the storming of the outpost scene and you can instantly see the Kubrick style already breaking through.

The budget and the actors restrict the story that Kubrick and Sackler are trying to tell but this is still a very commendable effort for the time. He would revisit many of the plot themes in Full Metal Jacket but this is an interesting look into the early career of a master of cinema.

Star Rating = * * *

PICTURE & SOUND

While the soundtrack is very clear throughout the picture quality is very poor. You have to understand however that this was a low budget movie when it was made in 1953 so the fact that we are seeing it at all is a blessing.

OVERALL

For Kubrick fans and to complete your collection, Fear and Desire is a must. The inclusion of some bonus features would have added to the value of the release, even if it were just a text look into the background of the movie.

DVD Star Rating = * *

Jamie Kelwick

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