An great original crafting from Kubrick

Rating: 8/10 (16 November 2003)

Many say this film was a big disappointment. Sure, you'd expect the project that one of the world's greatest film directors had been working on for nearly ten years would be worth waiting for. Well was it? That's the problem - people's expectations were huge. And that has probably detracted from this being a very well made piece of filmmaking.
I have seen EWS twice now, and I must say, I liked it much better the second time. The lack of depth that was apparent first time around was absent on a second viewing, and the film showed itself for what it was - a complex, challenging and questioning tale of sexual morality. Perhaps we weren't supposed to "get it" first time around, and that the issues and details in the film were so subtle, that a repeat viewing was necessary.
I need not dwell on the fact that the cinematography, shooting and craft were excellent. They were, and this was to be expected from Kubrick, a master of the art.
But I think people have been unfairly critical of the character development, plot, and ultimate point to the film. This film is comprised of short bursts of high-density dialog and much longer descriptive scenes absent of significant dialog. You have to pay attention during the dialog scenes in particular between Cruise and Kidman, as their relationship, the trust, and secret thoughts therein is at the nub of the film's message.
Overall, this is a unique film, both in style and substance, and is, in my mind, ultimately underrated.
Kubrick should be awarded the praise he deserves for his last great work.
Score: 8/10