Russell Metty. Kubrick did not fire him; Metty completed work on the movie--Spartacus--and received an Oscar. There is no evidence that Metty or Kubrick said anything like "you are fucking dickhead." Your words, not theirs. Your ideas.

There are many reversed shots in Kubrick's movies. There is no evidence he fired or attempted to fire every DP who worked for him on a movie which has a reversed shot. Nor was the Metty-Kubrick dispute over a reversed shot.

I can't remember what he actually said

That is very clear. Nor, apparently, do you remember the events, the situation, etc.

Generally one's directorial skills are proportionate to one's communication skills, film skills, knowledge, aesthetic judgment, talent, perseverance, memory for and attention to details, etc. I allow others to draw a conclusion.