INDIFFERENCE OF THE UNIVERSE

Rating: 10/10 (26 August 2001)

The problem with seeing a Stanley Kubrick movie for the majority is the frustration that it doesn't yield to any cliche. Worse, not only it's not spoon fed, but also it shatters the usual expectations creating an enigmatic feel which deep down disturbs its audience and the critiques in their subconscious. These two elements, integral to each Kubrick film, that is, the indifference/darkness of the universe we live in and the truth of a thing lying in the feel of it, are alien to Americana (in its dominant global sense). Most become perplexed as to what his movies really mean, why they are recognized as great (in fact, most masterpieces), and for whom they are made except perhaps his arrogant self. Again the same questions are asked and the same comments are made on Eyes Wide Shut (EWS). "Slow, nonsensical, unlike any New York, outdated eroticism, etc...". From an obscure novella of Arthur Schnitzler (Freud's friend) written in 1926, Kubrick has made another immortal film and despite his genuine desire to reach out to the world, he again couldn't break the box office. That was always his paradox. Making movies on universal indifference that dissect the very same and make people feel their inert apathy is not how you win the tickets. EWS is a dream movie (in line with Schnitzler's original title The Dream Novel) with each shot radiating multiple meanings/feelings in pulsating color combinations, lens selections, set and costume design, and camera movements. Christmas trees appear in most settings, Dr. Harford uses his medical ID as a pass to everywhere, female nudity (from the ingenious opening sequence as a Kubrickian laughter to viewers) is over displayed throughout, masks match character traits... all accompanied and contrasted with an unforgettable sound track starting with Shostakovich's waltz and heavily using Ligeti's anti-Stalinist notes (a favorite composer of Kubrick's), the whole film is one heated feel of dreamy confusion of love, fidelity, jealousy, and eroticism that intensifies the more is gets detached from physical nudity. You may not enjoy EWS now, but you will one day, like all other Kubrick movies which stand the test of time. His death is a real loss to the world. Yet he left behind about 10 kaleidoscopic masterpieces, reflecting new meanings each time viewed. As Scorcese says, "One Kubrick movie is like ten made by another director". Aaron