Slow But Eventually Intriguing

Rating: 8/10 (20 January 2019)

4 July 2008. On second viewing, Eyes Wide Shut borders on tedium and almost becomes a caricature of greatness as several scenes and performances seem almost amateurish. Yet by the end of the movie, the fantasy and reality fuse together in a way that can leave the viewer intrigued and reflective. In some ways the daring boldness of this movie when it come out has diminished with time. Yet the raw, starkness of some of the images linger in their power and vitality. This movie while standing the test of time, appears now to have only begun the cinematic process of greatest not defined it. While possibly not a classic, Eyes Wide Shut is a bold attempt that raised the bar but not without increasing weaknesses in its presentation. Eight out of Ten Stars.