Even worse than The Shining

Rating: 5/10 (14 September 1999)

Yes, I am sad to report that the film that kept audiences waiting so long is very disappointing. The plot is quite close to that of Arthur Schnitzler's 'Traumnovelle'. However, this is a two and a half hour film based on a ninety page novella, which takes a similar time to read. Surely that is crazy? Tecnically, the film boasts all of the attributes which have made Kubrick one of THE greats. However, as with the Shining, form has taken priority over content leaving the poor viewer with a often beautiful looking but very dull film. The issues of jealousy that dominate the film are not taken to resolution in a satisfactory manner at all and the film as a whole falls apart around half way through, after a major scene which is far too long and sadly comical rather than erotic. Kubrick seems to have found something of a dilemma in taking 'Traumnovelle' to the screen. What to modernise and what to leave 'timeless'? The fantasy/erotic parts of the film are rendered somewhat silly and out-of-date in appearence. A shame that the great man's last film is his second turkey.