Aside
from The Phantom Menace, Eyes Wide Shut was certainly the most talked about movie
of the year. After all, the film did take over two years to complete--making it
one of the longest film shoots in history. Sadly, director Stanley Kubrick died
shortly after the films completion. Thankfully, the film is more brilliant than
I could have imagined, and in a different way than I anticipated.
Tom
Cruise plays a doctor who embarks on a voyeuristic odyssey of self discovery after
a startling confession from his wife (played by real-life mate Nicole Kidman).
As usual, Kubrick grabs the audience and doesn't let go. He gives the film a haunting,
mesmerizing feel that's almost dreamlike. As with so many of his films, Kubrick's
latest masterpiece is thought-provoking. He's never been one to coddle the audience;
instead, he challenges them and leaves the film open to all kinds of interpretation.
This is what makes this film such a wonderful experience. I've heard many say
that Eyes Wide Shut is a nonsensical bore. They obviously saw a different film
than I did. This is a deeply thoughtful film about marriage, sex, trust, and obsession.
Cruise
and Kidman give brilliant, uninhibited performances as a married couple put to
the test. Sydney Pollack is also terrific in a well defined supporting role.
After
months of rumors and speculation, it's nice to see a film that doesn't disappoint.
Mr. Kubrick's swan song is a restrained and poetic masterpiece. Eyes Wide Shut
is not only one of the best movies of the year, it's one of the best movies of
the decade, and quite possibly ever!
