Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Erotic psychological drama and mystery thriller film directed, produced, and co-written by Stanley Kubrick, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
Kubrick’s intense study of the human psyche yields an impressive cinematic work.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Story: A Manhattan doctor embarks on a bizarre, night-long odyssey after his wife’s admission of unfulfilled longing. (IMDb)
Where to watch Eyes Wide Shut?
You may also like…
Eyes Wide Shut: Cruise and Kidman Dive into Kubrick’s Erotic Nightmare (But is it a Dream?)
– Retrospective & Movie Review –
Imagine Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, Hollywood’s golden couple, spilling their deepest, darkest fantasies over flickering candles. Sounds like a Lifetime movie, right? Wrong. This is Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” a film that’s more like an erotic thriller meets therapy session, all wrapped in a dreamlike haze. Buckle up, cinephiles, because we’re about to take a peek through Kubrick’s keyhole.
First things first, the good stuff. Kubrick, the master of meticulousness, paints a New York City dripping with champagne wishes and caviar dreams. Think swanky apartments, smoky jazz clubs, and masked figures whispering secrets in dimly lit corners. It’s a world that feels both familiar and unsettling, like a dream you can’t quite shake. And then there are Cruise and Kidman.
Cruise, usually known for his death-defying stunts, delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as a man teetering on the edge of obsession. Kidman smolders with an intensity that could melt glaciers, hinting at a darkness lurking beneath the surface. Their chemistry, both tender and volatile, keeps you glued to the screen like a moth to a flame.
But hold on, this ain’t your average rom-com. “Eyes Wide Shut” dives deep into the murky waters of relationships, asking the question that makes therapists blush: Can love survive honesty, especially when that honesty involves some seriously wild fantasies? Kubrick throws us into a whirlwind of masked orgies, cryptic encounters, and near-misses with infidelity, leaving us to ponder the boundaries of love, marriage, and morality.
Now, let’s be real. This film ain’t for everyone. Its slow pace, dreamlike atmosphere, and ending that leaves you more confused than a cat in a kaleidoscope can be a turn-off for some. The spicy scenes, though tastefully shot, might make your grandma clutch her pearls. And let’s not forget the dialogue, which sometimes sounds like it was written by someone who swallowed a thesaurus whole.
So, is “Eyes Wide Shut” a masterpiece? It depends on your cinematic taste buds. If you crave popcorn flicks with clear-cut endings, this film might leave you feeling like you just ate a bowl of alphabet soup.
But if you’re up for a mind-bending journey into the human psyche, with stunning visuals and powerful performances, then “Eyes Wide Shut” is worth a watch. Just remember, this is Kubrick, so prepare to have your mind blown and your expectations shattered like a dropped glass of champagne.
Here’s the deal: “Eyes Wide Shut” is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It lingers in your thoughts, prompting questions about your own relationships, desires, and the line between fantasy and reality. It’s a film that rewards multiple viewings, each time revealing new layers and interpretations. And that, my friends, is the mark of a truly great film, even with its flaws.
So, should you watch it? Absolutely. Just grab a strong cup of coffee (or something a little stronger), an open mind, and a willingness to embrace the weird. After all, sometimes the most interesting journeys are the ones that leave you with more questions than answers.
And who knows, maybe “Eyes Wide Shut” will unlock a keyhole in your own understanding of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. Just remember, don’t be afraid to peek inside, but be prepared for what you might find. It might just be your wildest dream… or your worst nightmare.
A cinephile whose love for the Silver Screen transcends eras and genres. Armed with a deep passion for films, from classic masterpieces to contemporary gems, I’m on a lifelong quest to explore all 100+ years of Cinema, one Frame at a time. Care to join the adventure?
Eyes Wide Shut reviews from fellow movie blogs we endorse:
You are a fellow blogger and you’d love to see your review here?
Find out more about Eyes Wide Shut:
IMDb | Wikipedia | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | Letterboxd
