A Brilliant Finale !!!

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 1999)

This film is not what it's hyped to be. It is certainly not pornography, it is not even particularly sexy. In fact, there's not very much sex in it! If that's what you come to this film looking for, you'll be very disappointed.
If, on the other hand, you're looking for a thoroughly crafted, thoughtful and provocative, beautifully conceived, acted and presented film experience, then you'll hardly do better. Kubrick's films have often gotten indifferent, dismissive and outright negative reviews. Media critics tend to react this way when media events don't live up to the hype they themselves have created. Sadly but not surprisingly, the reviews are so much more predictable than the film itself.
Eyes Wide Shut is a film about sex, and about what sex does to us where we live, which is between the ears. The script is rich, tantalizing, playful and full of suspense. The cinematography, design and art direction are sumptuous. The acting is dead on in every single role, and much credit is due Kubrick and Raphael for the body and fullness written into so many of the minor characters.
I became a full-fledged Kubrick fan more than 30 years ago at my first viewing of 2001. I've been on his bandwagon ever since, waiting ever longer periods in between his offerings. None of his films has ever presented me with precisely what I thought I was waiting for, and Eyes Wide Shut is no exception. Whatever my initial reaction to his films, I've always found that one, two and five years later they've grown on me, and I've discovered more in them than I first beheld. This one will be savored for a long time. It's a beautiful piece of work!
I only wish I could expect that after another long, long wait, Kubrick would do this to me again! BRAVO Stanley, wherever you are!