An incontrovertible masterpiece -- "Caviare to the General"

Rating: Null/10 (12 March 2000)

Kubrick's enigmatic final film stands beyond criticism and far, far above the perceptions and misperceptions of his audience. I remember the controversies caused by "Clockwork Orange" and "Barry Lyndon". Does Kubrick really owe us the linear-narrative, tidily resolved plots we chew up like popcorn from other filmmakers? The answer is emphatically "NO!". Shakespeare's Hamlet said it best: "for the play, I remember, pleased not the million; 'twas caviare to the general: but it was--as I received it, and others, whose judgments in such matters cried in the top of mine--an excellent play". Apologies (or not) to those who find Kubrick "slow" and "boring" -- you must take another look. But hey! If all I filled my head with was MTV pop-candy, a Mozart opera might prove a bit daunting, even slow and boring. EYES WIDE SHUT takes a rare journey into REAL terror -- a soul-shaking nightmare of modern life with all the attendant paranoias, delusions and temptations. Bravos to Cruise-Kidman who easily surpass their earlier work. To Kubrick: I am on my knees in awe and admiration. You've delivered a masterpiece. Thank you.