Stanley Kubrick, the legendary perfectionist behind iconic films like Spartacus and 2001: A Space Odyssey, was fiercely protective of his image and work. In 1970, he took legal action to block a book that criticized his films. Neil Hornick’s book, “The Magic Eye,” was originally commissioned by Kubrick himself but ultimately rejected due to its critical nature. The book, now published over 50 years later, offers a rare, unbiased perspective on Kubrick’s films, unlike other literature. Kubrick’s extreme measures to control his image are highlighted, showing the lengths he went to maintain his reputation as an infallible director.
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/apr/21/stanley-kubrick-director-book-block-flaws-films-published