Icey Eroticism from the mind of Kubrick

Rating: 8/10 (8 August 2002)

Stanley Kubrick's last film proved to be one of his chilliest. While some might label the erotica in the film as hot and steamy, Kubrick managed to make naked women and animal lust feel cold and isolated. From the opening cut to the last line uttered by Nicole Kidman, this will be one of those films that will be simply labeled a `Kubrick film.' While it saddens me to think this was his last film, at least I got to watch this one in a theater. With the exception of this film and Full Metal Jacket, I have never seen any of Kubrick's previous film in a larger than life fashion. While the pacing was a little slow, even for Kubrick, I really felt the dialogue was strange and unique. Coupled with some great camera movements and music, everything is put together evenly over the run of the film. It may have been a long two and half year wait, but at least Kubrick's swan song isn't something to be completely embarrassed about.