Something Odd...

Rating: Null/10 (18 July 1999)

Which was exactly what this film was. Like many people, I'm not really sure WHAT I think of this film right now. It was odd yet it was constantly compelling. And as for the sex: got news for ya folks, there ain't a lot of it. Save for the orgy scene(s), some fantasy stuff and the scene which the teaser trailer came from (the one with the Cruises making out in front of the mirror), it's mainly a lot of subplots that are based around sex and that are about sex but not necessarily featuring sex itself.
As for the performances themselves, I'll try to give a brief "review" of each of the main actor's roles. First, Tom. Tom is AMAZING in this film. His character portrays such a wide variety of emotions---everything from pure horniness to shameful tears---that you're pulled deeper and deeper into his character's life with each outburst of emotion. As for Nicole...she should've been in more of the film. However, her role is great. Alice is portrayed as everything---a slut, a bitch, a loving mother, etc.---and you do really feel sorry for her during what I call her "dream confessional." She has a great role to work with and has the best line in the final scene...you'll know what I mean when she actually mutters it. Sydney Pollack seems like a prime candidate for a Best Supporting Actor nomination come spring and it would be well-deserved. He has a great character and a great role. Marie Richardson---the woman who took over Jennifer Jason Leigh's role---really doesn't have much of a role. 5-6 minutes and she's gone. And, unfortunately, a lot of the characters have that problem. Especially poor Leelee Sobieski who only has one or two lines throughout the whole movie. Her nympho act is pretty convincing though, I must admit. Vinessa Shaw---a prostitute in the film---has a nice, meaty role to play...too bad she doesn't have a larger part. And her character turns out with a bad...well, you'll see. And Thomas Gibson---who plays Clark, Marie Richardson's fiance in the film---has a really, really small part---4 minutes overall, I'd say. And finally, Madison Eginton, who plays Tom and Nicole's daughter, is absolutely adorable. Even though she has a small role, hers is pivotal to her parents lives and you'll see what I mean when you watch the film yourself.
The orgy scene could've gone un-edited if you really want the truth. Nothing you probably haven't seen on SKINemax once or twice.
Overall, 'Eyes Wide Shut' was very enjoyable. Just don't be looking for a wild sex romp.