Fear and Desire
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Actors: Frank Silvera, Kenneth Harp, Paul Mazursky
PlotDuring a fictitious war, a plane crashes behind enemy lines, stranding four soldiers in a hostile territory. The group, led by Lieutenant Corby, includes Sergeant Mac, Private Sidney, and Private Fletcher. With limited options, the men decide to build a raft to return to friendly territory. Their situation is dire, as they are not only trapped in enemy land but also must deal with the mental strain that the circumstances of war impose on them—a constant battle between their primal instincts for survival and the psychological toll of fear and desire.
As they embark on their perilous journey back to safety, they come across an attractive peasant girl. The encounter worsens their situation when one of the soldiers mentally unravels, leading to an internal crisis among the group members. Each man's character and mental stability are put to the test as they are forced to confront not only the enemy but also the conflict within themselves, grappling with the morality of their actions and the effects of isolation and stress.
Writers: Howard Sackler
Release Date: 01 Apr 1953
Runtime: 62 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish
Home Video Reviews
Kubrick's 'Fear and Desire,' flawed but glimpsing genius, is contested yet essential viewing.
Read our review of Fear and Desire Blu-ray to find out more