Stanley Kubrick and interns
What the music of 2001: A Space Odyssey tells us about making bold choices when working with interns.
December 1967, London. Rain falls.
In a tiny apartment, composer Alex North fervently works on a film score he barely knows. The deadline is pressing; with scant references, Alex squeezes out forty minutes of music. Remarkable, especially given the analog methods of the time; the MacBook Pro I use today would then need to be city-sized. This effort even sends him to the hospital with back pain. Incredible!
The film? 2001: A Space Odyssey by Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick's choice? Not to use North’s music. Instead, Strauss.
During editing, a colleague adds temporary Strauss waltzes as placeholders. Kubrick sees, listens, and decides, “This is it!” History is made. Kubrick dismisses North, keeping the test music. Scenes with Strauss’s "The Blue Danube" become iconic.
Some might call Kubrick heartless. Others praise his artistic ruthlessness: “Everything for art! Kill your darlings!”
Interns and sunk costs?
Kubrick teaches a lesson in not clinging to sunk costs. If a different approach promises better results, be bold enough to shift, despite initial investments. Plans, like those with interns, should be flexible to ensure the ultimate goal; a stellar experience for students and a strong company reputation.
Even as North suffered, he admired the film’s scenes, wishing Kubrick luck: “All the best to you on the film... what I saw is pretty sensational... so good luck man!!!” Kubrick's uncompromising decisions enhance his legacy. Struggling with an internship?
Try playing Strauss loudly.
See what happens.
Ps: Dont mix up with Wagner. That’s Apocalyps now, thats a whole other vibe 🚁
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/q/blog/12-fascinating-facts-about-2001-a-space-odyssey-1.4597295
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/02/behind-the-scenes-of-2001-a-space-odyssey-50-years-late