Technically brilliant, empty of feeling

Rating: 4/10 (2 August 1999)

Eyes Wide Shut is a masterpiece of cinematography and of marketing.. and unfortunately fails to deliver on any of the hype.
The movie is not erotic at all, nor even sexy. It is beautifully filmed, well acted, and contains magnificent sets and costumes. It is very long.. but makes good use of the lengthy pauses in action, putting enough real life around the action to make the viewer more a part of the scene. Missing here are the all too common jarring transitions of scene.
Unfortunately, also missing here is anything to make the viewer care for any of the characters. Motivations, and especially depth, are nearly completely absent from any of the players. Myriad possible themes are opened.. with few explored much.. and with no conclusions offered. No, we do not want a film to spoon feed us a conclusion.. but this film makes no comment, and leaves its explorations so vague as to leave the viewer uncertain even in which directions to contemplate.
If you are in the mood for a visually sumptuous film, and are prepared to find no other content, then consider this film. Otherwise, save your time and money.