Requires multiple viewings to get the full impact of Stanley Kubrick

Rating: 7/10 (5 March 2005)

When I saw this film for the very first time, I will admit that I did not like it,,but I couldn't think of the exact reason why. I thought it was very slow in some parts (mainly when Tom and Nicole are in their bedroom getting stoned and having an argument, that part just dragged on and on), and the movie scared me a little bit. After HBO kept airing Eyes Wide Shut I found myself watching it over and over, and now I think this movie is a work of art and a masterpiece. You really have to have an appreciation for Stanley Kubrick to appreciate this film.The movie is supposed to be set in NYC,, but one of its biggest flaws was , it was apparent it was filmed in another city (London to be exact). Tom Cruise plays a physician, Bill Hartford. His wife, Nicole Kidman, admits she often fantasizes about sex with another man,, and then he starts to question his true desires and feels he should get back at his wife for her fantasies. It's almost like this movie sends a subtle message- don't cheat or even think of cheating or "they" will get you! This is all proved by a series of strange coincidences throughout the film, including the prostitute that Dr. Hartford attempts to hook up with. Sydney Pollack has a role in this film as a friend of Bill Hartford, seemingly normal, but then he too is involved in orgy-like escapades that involves people wearing masks,, another part of the film I thought was creepy.The music played during the orgy scenes, believe it or not, is hauntingly beautiful. There is a lot of speculation as to whether Dr. Hartford is dreaming the entire time the film takes place. I honestly do not know and this never occurred to me the many times I've seen this film. Also, I couldn't figure out the purpose of the scene involving the "Rainbow Fashions" shop owner,, who apparently allows his underage daughter to seduce older men. I guess Mr. Kubrick is just telling us that the world is full of perverted sickos. I think, overall, this is a fine film but you have to be open minded about it.