Just think.

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 1999)

Each Kubrick film is primarily interesting in its predictable enhancement and elaboration of the rest of his body of work. Just think . . . Think - the evolution of mankind. Think - "Traumnovelle" written by a contemporary of Freud. Think - An overseeing, controlling and protective presence who nurtures two young innocents, male and female, in a secluded world where anything can happen. Think - a "snake"like smoothie seduces the young woman on the dance floor and draws out certain ideas and urges in her mind. Think - she follows her impulse to share this experience of knowledge with her man. Think myth. Think Orpheus and Eurydice, perhaps reversed. Think Pandora's box. Think the fate of the 20th century in the light of the revelation of the workings of the Unconscious. Think Madonna & Whore. Think "redemption." Think the final dialog - "What do we do NOW?" "What (WE) do is be grateful that we have survived all our (mis)adventures, whether they have been just dreams or reality." Just think of Kubrick contemplating what he may have achieved. No wonder, in a sense, what happened then.