Eyes Shut Tight? They Might As Well Be!

Rating: 5/10 (10 January 2001)

As a Kubrick fan I was disappointed I couldn't get to the cinema to see his swansong. Instead I took the opportunity to see it on pay per view cable tv. I nestled down with the coke and popcorn expecting to see a masterpiece. Then a thought occurred to me. Kubrick was by the time he made this film, an old guy, possibly tired and lacking inspiration.
Viewing this film realised my worst fears. Yes, Kubrick blotted his copybook in old age and produced a turkey. Eyes Wide Shut is Kubrick's worst film. Despite the desperate excuses of Kubrick fans this film goes nowhere, it has nothing new to say and employs dull cinematography.
I also think Tom Cruise is too lightweight to be taken seriously in a dark role such as this and his wife Nicole Kidman is underused, merely appearing as a dumb housewife. You do get to see her bum though.
One critic described this film as an old man's dirty fantasy. I have to agree. Although I enjoy erotica such as Cronenberg's "Crash", Eyes Wide Shut went absolutely nowhere, leaving me bored and unfulfilled.
You will enjoy the odd flashes of nudity but the story is pointless. We all know there are pervs out there, acting out sexy role play. So what! The scene in the shop tells us that young women are pimped by ruthless people, but we know that already. Thailand is a good example.
Kubrick has attempted to show us something we have known for years and thats why this film falls down. It doesn't shock. It doesnt't titilate. And it doesn't entertain.