A classic thriller with many different meanings

Rating: 7/10 (5 June 2016)

Based on the 1926 novel 'Traumnovelle' by Austrian author, director Stanley Kubric changes the setting to fit the 90's New York keeping the flavour same. New York city doctor William Harford aka Bill (Tom Cruise) is successful in his profession, has married a former art curator Alice and has a beautiful 7 year old daughter Helena. All is picture perfect until Alice reveals that she was not perfectly loyal to her husband, and that she fantasized about a naval officer who she had just seen, but never even talked. She was ready to give up everything just for being with him for one afternoon, but instead, returned to her husband. And that she continues fantasizing about him. Learning about the near-infidelity of his wife, Bill is determined to find the thrill of having a relationship with someone else and sets out to do just the same. For that, he is prepared to go to any lengths, including the one which will prove to be a threat for his life, and his family.
This movie has many layers, and includes the portrayal of many characters who are a part of Bill's journey. This is no blood or gore. Instead, it takes the classic route of a thriller, and mostly relies on human psychology. Accordingly, this movie cannot be specifically categorized as a thriller, suspense or classic. This is a mixture of all three. The entire film explores the relationships between humans, especially couples, and just how their mind can waver. It poses a question that how lethal is infidelity? Is near- infidelity equally dangerous? As this film basically is about sexual fantasies and obsession, few of the scenes are slightly cringe-worthy. (It received an R rating, so.. you might just want to keep your 'eyes wide SHUT').The attention paid to minute details is worth watching. This is a slow paced, dramatic movie, with ominous piano music in the background, so you will need plenty of patience to reach the conclusion. Also this movie depends heavily on psychology, so it is filled with ambiguous meanings. So interpret in your own way. However, compared to the powerful beginning, the ending slightly wavers. But it is an equally thought provoking one. After this movie ends, you might just continue thinking, untangling the chain of events. This one is completely different.