Psychologically Spell Bounding

Rating: 10/10 (16 July 1999)

This film excels at developing the mind of its characters with regard to; sex, fidelity and honesty. The slow pace served very well to allow the audience to get into Cruise and Kidman's head and realize what they were going through. The head games were serviced by the plot and communicated by the superb music. Naturally the key scene for myself was the interrogation of Dr. Harford. The combination of drama and music, mostly accomplished without facial expression, was exquisite.
What will be disappointing to people who go to this movie, expecting lots of sex, will be woefully disappointed. The tense tone of the film prevent much, if any titillation.
Finally as a 16 year old who got into this movie by virtue of my elder looks, I think it's really sad that our society has such a puritanical view toward sex. There are many other intelligent young people that will be denied this film experience for many years, unless they break the rules, and that's just not fair.