Eyes Wide Shut is is far from being the "sexual thriller"

Rating: 5/10 (19 July 1999)

Eyes Wide Shut is is far from being the "sexual thriller" as it's been billed. Also, there are many other misconceptions about the film that should be laid to rest; like the one about Cruise and Kidman being Psychiatrists (they're not), or that there are several very erotic orgy scenes (there aren't), or that this is Kubrick's finest film (it isn't).
There *is* lots of female frontal nudity (sorry ladies, no naked men), and sex is certainly "suggested", but you never really SEE any of it. At least not in the way people think. There are far more erotic films out there, and if that is what you are seeking I would recommend "Henry and June", or something French. You aren't going to get any titillation here.
This movie is far more complicated than simple "thriller"... it isn't even a very typical Kubrick mind f**k. There are elements of Kubrick's films scattered throughout, and it has a creepy coldness that is both fascinating and uncomfortable. The musical score is as close to excellent as you can get in creating that creepy, cold mood... well done.
Tom Cruise's performance was laughable at times, and painfully lame at others. He was certainly not believable as a physician... no medical doctor I know runs around calling himself a "doctor" the way Cruise does, and his paternalistic mannerisms with his patients are completely unbelievable in the 30-something character. Perhaps the problem was partially the script (which was awkward and comedic at times), but Cruise is also not even half the actor people say he is.
Kidman was indeed quite good in the relatively small role she had, however I am not sure I needed to see her naked behind so often as it was shown. Kubrick must have been highly interested in her ass, or thought film go-ers would be. Don't know that it adds anything to the content of the film, but male audience members will no doubt love it.
Some great "cameos" in this movie: Alan Cumming as the bellboy. Rade Serbedzjia as Milich (costume shop owner) Leelee Sobieski as Milich's daughter (a Lolita if ever there was one, and she doesn't say hardly a word!)
If you are a true Kubrick fanatic you should probably see this movie, but then again maybe not.
For those who haven't experienced some of Kubrick's finer moments in film making, I'd forgo "Eyes Wide Shut" and rent the far more creepy "Clockwork Orange", or my personal fave "Dr. Strangelove", and of course "2001, A Space Odyssey".
Meanwhile, I'll reserve my judgement for this summer's best film after seeing "The Blair Witch Project"... (hasn't come this way yet).