Visual Perfection

Rating: Null/10 (9 November 2004)

I may not be as eloquent in the phrases of film as some of the critics here, but I am no less passionate. I love just about everything Kubrick has done (Full Metal Jacket is lost on me, and Eyes Wide Shut took several viewings, and a recognition that Cruise has far less talent than Kidman and was probably mis-cast, to appreciate), but this is the jewel among his work. The film does not manipulate, but is the perfect visual equivalent of a book, or work of art: its sets the stage, and lets the rest take place in your mind. You take the long journey in, rejoice in the success, and writhe in pity at the decline and fall of the Redmond Barry dynasty. One writer talked about needing the ability to understand and appreciate the "pregnant pause", I think that sums it up. You have to surrender and let this film envelop you, it will not disappoint.
I convinced a friend who managed an art film theater in Seattle to bring this film back in the early '80s. It was a major success. If it came out today it would most likely bomb from a commercial perspective.