Stanley Kubrick: Use of Models or Maquettes

Stanley Kubrick as a consumate pre-production planner, had models (also called maquettes) as a way to ensure the filming was successful. Some of these ended up on-screen, such as the maze model from THE SHINING. There is also a model showing from EYES WIDE SHUT.

These models, like architectural models, can help to anticipate problems such as shadows and perspective that may require unique elements such as special lenses or cranes or dollies in order to achieve a certain result.

Stanley Kubrick: Unique approaches

Hopefully these various illustrations of Kubrick's work will demonstrate his unique approach to filmmaking. They should also suggest simple ways that filming can be approached, either at his level of obsession or a more basic approach.

Illustrated here are examples from the Maze scene in THE SHINING, which can be seen on Youtube. Notice in the sequence how effectively the steadicam is used to create tension. Notice the maze floorplan which suggests how the steadicam sequence will be shot. No doubt the model of the maze which was used in the film was also used in the planning of the sequences with the maze.