Visually interesting, but ultimately disappointing

Rating: 5/10 (9 May 2000)

I have liked most of Kubrick's movies, so I had high expectations. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with most of the film. I could have forgiven the plodding pace had the plot been more solid. I could have enjoyed the visual appeal of the film had the dialogue not been so choppy and forced. I would have applauded his use of sexuality in the film had the movie been remotely sexy (never have so many people bared so much with so little effect). Most of all, though, I didn't care about any of the characters. It wasn't just that I didn't really like them, it's that I didn't really care one way or the other for them.
Was this film filled with subliminal imagery? Definitely. If you're one of those people who like to ponder the meaning of cleverly placed props and what they may mean, you will probably like this movie. There is a side of me that likes that kind of detail, but I wasn't pulled in enough to care. There are also a lot of weird/quirky characters, which I generally like in a film like this. But they never seem to move the story forward and they were ultimately wasted.
I am not a big fan of Tom Cruise, but I thought his performance was one of the few high points. Considering his character was generally restricted to awkward pauses and brooding silence, I thought he was fine. When Kidman delivered her fantasy monologue I felt like I was watching an audition for a high school production. Ugh!