A sincere look at the human psyche as it struggles with marriage, lust and jealousy

Rating: 9/10 (18 July 1999)

Stanley Kubrick creates a moving, intelligent, mature piece of cinematic work. Some may criticize this film for the length. I would challenge with which scene would you delete? Every scene is essential. I was not able to see the final cut (65 seconds longer than the released version) Kubrick turned in but as soon as it is made available, I am there. Some may criticize this film for the amount of nudity. I would challenge that it is not the amount you should be concerned with but instead the way in which it was used. Kubrick takes the act of sex and the nude form and raises them to a level of beauty, art and to some degree, realism. This film is just that, a film. It is not a blockbuster movie that relies on quick cuts and disorienting camera work. Kubrick allows you to see, even though the American movie rating system does not, what happens to a man who becomes so jealous with the thought that his wife would give up everything to be with another man. You feel this film.
The acting is top notch. Tom and Nicole are pure and refreshing. The scene where Nicole first reveals herself to him is one of the best scenes I have ever witnessed. It is not just the acting, it's the way in which the scene is shot. Watch this scene and watch how movement is used to display the emotion.
I have watched this once and I would watch it again and again. I find that the more I think about it, the more I love it. That is the true test of a great film. It sticks with you.
I feel sorry for those who don't get this movie and I say to them come back to it in a couple of years and maybe then you will appreciate it for what it is - a sincere look at the human psyche as it struggles with marriage, lust and jealousy.