The Simpsons has always been well-known for its pop culture references. Some may say that after nearly three decades on-air, the references are the best part of the show. Either way, there's no better place for these references than in The Simpsons' annual "The Treehouse of Horror" episodes. For almost as long as the show has been on the air, the "Treehouse of Horror" has been a love letter to both the Halloween season and classic horror films. This year's special was no different, and may have actually contained one of the best tributes so far.
Stanley Kubrick is easily one of the most distinctive and divisive directors in history, and his work in film is considered some of the best of all time. In fact, The Simpsons have already spotlighted Kubrick's work before when it parodied The Shining back during season five. Now, it seems like the team behind the episode wanted to pay tribute to the rest of Kubrick's library in one shot.
Even as an overt homage to A Clockwork Orange, the tribute is littered with references to Kubrick's other films. 2001: A Space Odyssey's amazing opening scene is parodied (again), and the infamous suicide scene from Full Metal Jacket is represented as well. The video even pokes fun at Kubrick himself, who was known for borderline-psychotic work tendencies and a habit of working his cast and crew to the bone.
Regardless of one's feelings on Kubrick's work, there's no doubt that The Simpsons has done him justice throughout the years. "The Shinning" is still absolutely hysterical to this day, and while it may not be quite as iconic just yet, this new tribute was obviously crafted with the same affection.
"Treehouse of Horror XXV" is available to watch online.
