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The classic 1936 movie Stanley Kubrick couldn’t stand: “What are you trying to do to me?”
Whilst collaborating with screenwriter Arthur C. Clarke on 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick demonstrated considerable fondness for science fiction cinema, appreciating works ranging from Ridley Scott's Alien to Fritz Lang's Metropolis. Confident in his taste, Clarke screened the 1936 film Things to Come—a celebrated British adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel widely regarded as a landmark in sci-fi cinema—expecting Kubrick would similarly admire it.
The screening proved a serious miscalculation. Kubrick's reaction was decidedly hostile, demanding "What are you trying to do to me?" and vowing to disregard any further film recommendations from Clarke. The severity of his rejection presents a stark contrast to his documented enthusiasm for other science fiction films, underscoring how subjective artistic preferences can be between even closely collaborating creators.
In short
- Kubrick rejected Arthur C. Clarke's recommendation to watch 1936's Things to Come whilst developing 2001: A Space Odyssey, finding the film unbearable
- His hostile response—vowing to ignore Clarke's future film suggestions—contradicted his known appreciation for other sci-fi classics
Explained simply
Stanley Kubrick was one of cinema's most celebrated directors, known for his perfectionism and distinctive approach to filmmaking. Arthur C. Clarke was a distinguished science fiction author who collaborated with Kubrick on 2001: A Space Odyssey, one of the most influential films in the science fiction genre. The two worked together extensively on this ambitious project.
Things to Come, a 1936 British science fiction film adapted from H.G. Wells's novel, is widely regarded as a classic and pioneering work in cinema. Clarke, noting Kubrick's appreciation for science fiction films, arranged a screening expecting Kubrick would share his enthusiasm. The decision proved mistaken.
When Kubrick watched the film, his reaction was decidedly hostile, reportedly demanding "What are you trying to do to me?" and vowing to ignore any future film recommendations from Clarke. The episode illustrates how subjective aesthetic taste can be, even amongst accomplished collaborators who work closely together on major creative projects.