Stanley Kubrick’s second directorial effort, *Killer’s Kiss*, isn't exactly a great film. The story is simple, following a standard “B” movie noir formula, and the editing feels abrupt, with dialogue added later and performances from the unestablished cast that are somewhat peculiar; it really should be difficult to watch. Despite this, seeing the early work of a director who would become so highly regarded makes it worth your time, mainly because there are some striking images within the film, created using real New York locations. The story centers on Davey Gordon (Jamie Smith), a 29-year-old boxer nearing the end of his career, and his connection with a dancer and her abusive boss. Love, violence, and revenge unfold over one intense weekend in New York City. Kubrick collaborated with Howard Sackler on the script, and he also handled the editing, co-production, and cinematography himself. The film was funded by money borrowed from friends and family of the young director. The writing isn't particularly impressive—there’s no sign of the sophisticated storytelling that would characterize Kubrick’s later work—but it’s in the visuals—and to a lesser degree, the sound design—that you can see how quickly he developed his skills. The entire film feels like an unsettling fairy tale, frequently transforming into something akin to a surreal nightmare. This is enhanced by the use of negative film and the unusual juxtaposition of scenes featuring different characters. A display of sexual aggression might lead to a brutal boxing match, or a ballerina’s dance could pull you away from the noisy streets. Those streets are populated with oddly dressed musicians and shadowy figures who pursue men down dark alleys to commit violent acts—all creating memorable and distorted imagery, culminating in an axe fight within a mannequin factory where the dismembered parts serve as both weapons and references to the strange themes Kubrick explores. The film is consistently captivating from a technical perspective, thanks to its stark black-and-white visuals and intense music, alongside Kubrick’s experimentation with close-ups and low-angle shots. It's similar to that odd dream you once had after taking too much cough syrup—you’ll be close to understanding it then. 6/10

Source on TMDB