S Is for Stanley (2015) User Reviews

intimate perspective of the lives of 2 men

[brummelfaoro · 8/10 · 12 July 2017]

Some things we don't give a lot of thought to. The one's behind the scenes that are assisting successful people…well this film does just that. An endearing story of the relationship between two gifted people in their own rights. As time passes in each of their lives, this film gives us an intimate perspective of the lives of 2 men and how they worked together. You'll enjoy the commentary, the famous films unfolding behind the scenes, and the quirkiness of the personal letters and habits of Stanley K.

I'D DO ANYTHING FOR THIS MAN, OKAY ALMOST ANYTHING...!

[masonfisk · 7/10 · 5 July 2018]

S is for Stanley is another entry point to the enigma that was Kubrick. Included w/other docs as Boxes & even Room 237, we get another sideways glimpse into the uncontrollable mind of probably the best filmmaker ever. That he comes off as a mere human is a testament to the efforts of his driver & loyal aide Emilio who put up w/what probably any other person would deem unacceptable in this day & age.

One for the ages

[rcyoung-02426 · 8/10 · 18 May 2020]

The mark of a good documentary IMO, is one that offers new insights on the subject, and tells a complete story.

This one does both, deftly balancing a biography Kubrick through the eyes of the man who would serve as his trusted aide and confidant Emilio D'Alessandro.

This is a must watch for any fan of Kubrick or fils in general.

A real gem!

[tuco73 · 10/10 · 20 October 2016]

This movie is a treat not just for all Stanley Kubrick's fans, who will be granted an insight into the personality and everyday life of one of the greatest movie directors of all times, but also a fantastic and moving tale of commitment and friendship that lasted thirty years, between Kubrick and his personal assistant, Emilio D'Alessandro. The documentary is following the success of a book made by Filippo Olivieri, who managed to convince the shy and private Emilio to tell him his extraordinary story. The documentary is very well made, without distracting excerpt from Kubrick's movies, focussing instead on the human relationship between the two characters, following Emilio story and his gradual involvement in taking care of Kubrick's everyday more demanding needs. I would strongly recommend this film to everyone: it is an interesting, sincere, touching and moving story of friendship that will leave its mark. A real gem!

As time goes by...

[philip-00197 · 8/10 · 18 May 2021]

If it's a documentary providing insights to the greatness of Kubrick's artistic achievements you are expecting; "S is for Stanley" has absolutely nothing to offer - other than disappointment.

However, as a frogs eye view and insight into one of the unselfish contributions and sacrifices made by the many for the few - this is a delicacy.

Concept and execution are flawless. This is a gem of a documentary - heartfelt and relevant. Apart from providing an excellent insight into the day-to-day "pieces of ordinary" that, in the right hands, sum up to genius - Infascelli manages to, subtly convey the passing of time, the tic-tock, that to an extent catches us all off guard.

Giving this a poor rating for diverging from topic is understandable, but not enjoying it for what it is would be a mistake.

I love this film and the book that Inspired it

[maxren17 · 10/10 · 22 February 2021]

It's not a film about film making but a personal account of a 30 year friendship that developed between Kubrick and his chauffeur. Emilio's role went from driver to personal assistant during the span of their relationship. It gives insight into the person that was Stanley Kubrick, not the filmmaker. It was years before Emilio saw any of Kubrick's films. His favorite? Spartacus, the least "Kubrick" film of all. 😂. Still their friendship and long association is heart warming. I value this most because I like knowing what Kubrick was like as a man as well as an artist.

Meh

[theguywill · 5/10 · 30 May 2018]

The movie is quite bland. You have this driver who talks about his experience with Stanley, but he's a driver so it mainly focuses on the chores he had to do for that day and not really who Stanley and what it was like on set with him. You mainly learn about the drivers life and personal affairs that are not interested because the movie doesn't give me a good reason to care about this guy.

Emotional documentary

[Santarelli_Luca · 8/10 · 13 January 2020]

The documentary is the improbable story of two friends than it can help us to understand the person under the genius of Kubrick

highly recommended, and the ingenuous, hugely likeable Emilio makes for a wonderfully engaging host!

[Weirdling_Wolf · 10/10 · 4 September 2021]

Alex Infascelli's delightfully intimate 'S is For Stanley' is a fascinatingly in-depth documentary on master film-maker Stanley Kubrick told expressly from the warmly related perspective of his beloved personal assistant Emilio D'Allessandro. Ceaselessly edifying, and no less meticulous than the intriguing subject matter, 'S is for Stanley' is a sheer delight, blessed with a palpably warm heart, being profoundly immersive from the beginning until to the end, curious cineastes, avid Kubrick aficionados and biography fans are most certainly in for a rare, truly edifying treat, since the wealth of exquisite detail and welcome insight into the great man's life had me wholly spellbound throughout! Among the myriad burnished nuggets of background information are deliciously colourful recollections from the amicable Emilio about legendary rapscallion Jack Nicholson and maestro Frederico Fellini! Needless to say after watching this entirely charming, surprisingly gentle, consistently soulful documentary, I will inevitably revisit Kubrick's extraordinarily exhilarating oeuvre! This is highly recommended, and the ingenuous, hugely likeable Emilio makes for a wonderfully engaging host!

E Is for Emilio

[chadodgers · 8/10 · 24 December 2018]

Inspires gratitude (as after watching "Good 'Ol Frieda") that side-stories are thoughtfully captured, being told by those who can tell them best.

Who cares?

[malcolmgsw · 4/10 · 13 July 2020]

A film about Emilio who was the driver of that true obsessive Stanley Kubrick.It isn't that interesting unless you want to know about Kubricks cars pets and household.Nothing very much about the films.