# The Killing

> 1956 film by Stanley Kubrick

**Wikidata**: [Q592072](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q592072)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Killing_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-killing

## Summary
*The Killing* is a 1956 film directed by Stanley Kubrick, widely regarded as a seminal work in the heist and film noir genres. It is known for its intricate plot, non-linear storytelling, and influence on later crime films.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *The Killing*
- **Director**: Stanley Kubrick
- **Release Date**: January 1, 1956 (general release)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Genre**: Heist film, film noir, crime film, thriller film
- **IMDb ID**: tt0049406
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424 (film), Q496523 (heist film), Q21401869 (film noir)
- **Runtime**: 85 minutes
- **Budget**: $320,000
- **Box Office**: $164,940 (adjusted for inflation)
- **Language**: English
- **Sitelink Count**: 42 Wikipedia language editions
- **Wikipedia Title**: *The Killing (film)*
- **Aliases**: *Killing*, *Rapina a Mano Armata* (Italian title)
- **Awards**: Nominated for the Grand Prize at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival
- **Influence**: Inspired later heist films like *Reservoir Dogs* and *Ocean's Eleven*

## FAQs
**What is *The Killing* about?**
*The Killing* is a heist film directed by Stanley Kubrick, following a group of criminals who plan and execute a meticulous racetrack robbery. The film is known for its non-linear narrative structure, which was innovative for its time.

**Who directed *The Killing*?**
The film was directed by Stanley Kubrick, one of the most influential filmmakers in cinema history. *The Killing* was his third feature film and marked a significant step in his career.

**What genres does *The Killing* belong to?**
*The Killing* is primarily a heist film and film noir, but it also incorporates elements of crime, thriller, and drama genres. Its complex plot and dark themes align it with classic film noir.

**When was *The Killing* released?**
The film was released on January 1, 1956, in the United States. It had a limited release before gaining wider recognition.

**What is the significance of *The Killing* in film history?**
*The Killing* is notable for its non-linear storytelling, which was ahead of its time and influenced later films in the heist and crime genres. It is also significant as an early work by Stanley Kubrick, showcasing his emerging directorial style.

**How was *The Killing* received critically?**
The film received positive reviews for its innovative narrative structure and tense atmosphere. It has since been recognized as a classic of the heist genre and a key work in Kubrick's filmography.

**What is the budget and box office performance of *The Killing*?**
The film was made on a modest budget of $320,000 and grossed approximately $164,940 at the box office. While not a major commercial success at the time, it has since gained a cult following.

## Why It Matters
*The Killing* is significant for its pioneering use of non-linear storytelling in cinema, which has influenced countless films in the heist and crime genres. As an early work by Stanley Kubrick, it showcases his talent for crafting intricate plots and tense atmospheres, setting the stage for his later masterpieces. The film's exploration of human greed, betrayal, and the consequences of crime resonates with audiences, making it a timeless piece of cinema. Its impact on filmmaking techniques and narrative structures cements its place in film history.

## Notable For
- **Innovative Narrative Structure**: One of the earliest films to use non-linear storytelling, influencing later works like *Pulp Fiction* and *Memento*.
- **Stanley Kubrick's Early Work**: A key film in Kubrick's career, demonstrating his skill in directing complex, character-driven stories.
- **Heist Genre Classic**: A foundational film in the heist genre, inspiring later movies such as *Reservoir Dogs* and *Ocean's Eleven*.
- **Film Noir Elements**: Combines the dark, cynical themes of film noir with the intricate planning of a heist.
- **Cult Following**: Despite modest initial box office performance, the film has gained a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim over the years.
- **Influence on Crime Films**: Its portrayal of criminal planning and execution has become a template for many crime films.
- **Non-Linear Storytelling**: The film's fragmented timeline was groundbreaking and has been studied in film schools worldwide.

## Body

### Overview
*The Killing* is a 1956 American film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It is a heist film that follows a group of criminals as they plan and execute a robbery at a racetrack. The film is notable for its non-linear narrative structure, which was innovative for its time and has since become a hallmark of Kubrick's filmmaking style.

### Plot and Themes
The film's plot revolves around a meticulously planned robbery, with each character's perspective and actions contributing to the overall heist. The non-linear storytelling allows the audience to see the same events from different angles, creating a sense of tension and inevitability. Themes of greed, betrayal, and the consequences of crime are central to the film, reflecting the cynical tone of film noir.

### Production and Release
*The Killing* was produced on a modest budget of $320,000 and released on January 1, 1956. Despite its limited initial success, the film has since gained recognition as a classic of the heist genre. It was nominated for the Grand Prize at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, further solidifying its place in cinema history.

### Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, *The Killing* received positive reviews for its innovative narrative structure and tense atmosphere. Over the years, it has been recognized as a significant work in Kubrick's filmography and a foundational film in the heist genre. Its influence can be seen in later films that employ non-linear storytelling and complex heist plots.

### Genre and Style
*The Killing* is primarily a heist film and film noir, but it also incorporates elements of crime, thriller, and drama genres. Its dark themes and complex plot align it with classic film noir, while its focus on the planning and execution of a robbery places it firmly in the heist genre.

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 85 minutes
- **Budget**: $320,000
- **Box Office**: $164,940 (adjusted for inflation)
- **Language**: English
- **Country of Origin**: United States

### Related Genres and Films
*The Killing* is part of several film genres, including heist film, film noir, crime film, thriller film, and drama film. It has influenced later films in these genres, such as *Reservoir Dogs* and *Ocean's Eleven*.

### Wikipedia and Online Presence
The film has a Wikipedia page titled *The Killing (film)* and is linked to 42 different language editions of Wikipedia. It is also referenced in various online databases and film archives, including IMDb and Wikidata.

### Awards and Nominations
*The Killing* was nominated for the Grand Prize at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, highlighting its critical acclaim and significance in the film industry.

### Cultural Impact
*The Killing* has had a lasting impact on the heist and crime genres, inspiring countless films and filmmakers. Its innovative narrative structure and dark themes continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless piece of cinema.

### Stanley Kubrick's Career
*The Killing* is an early work by Stanley Kubrick, showcasing his talent for crafting intricate plots and tense atmospheres. It set the stage for his later masterpieces, such as *2001: A Space Odyssey*, *A Clockwork Orange*, and *The Shining*.

### Conclusion
*The Killing* is a seminal work in the heist and film noir genres, known for its innovative narrative structure and influence on later films. As an early work by Stanley Kubrick, it showcases his emerging directorial style and has gained a cult following and critical acclaim over the years.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. The Killing. Rotten Tomatoes
4. IMDb
5. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049406/releaseinfo)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Kinopoisk
8. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/the-killing/)
9. AlloCiné
10. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
11. film distribution certificate
12. Bechdel Test Movie List
13. mymovies.it
14. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/87845)
15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
16. Trakt.tv
17. FilmVandaag.nl