Kubrick's final masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 1999)

One could spend well over the 1,000-word maximum describing the richness and symbolic depth of this masterwork. To make short work of it, Kubrick explores the intertwining relationship between eros and thanatos and subtly supports it with a metaphysical theme (the Fall of Man, Man's redemption by Christ), and still delivers a never less than mesmerizing film, directed as an extended dream sequence. As pretentious as this sounds, the actors register across the board, with particularly excellent work by Kidman. Cruise is something of a revelation here; I've never seen such impressive work from him. The movie is a surprising coda from Kubrick, since it is an uncharacteristically intimate and optimistic film.