We're awake now

Rating: 10/10 (1 October 2006)

I saw this movie a couple of times, and each time I was more impressed by how carefully it is construed. With this movie, Kubrick once again lived up to his reputation of being a perfectionist. But the reason why I love this movie so much is not its amazing technical finesse, but its content: We as humans are not in control of our sexual desires, nor are we made for monogamy. Temptation is everywhere. Thus, even a "straight A-marriage" like the Harford's can never be the whole truth. When Mrs. Harford, under the influence of Marihuana, confesses her fantasy of adultery to her husband, their naive illusion of perfect harmony is shattered, never to be restored. Instead, Bill goes on a journey into his own (and more importantly, OUR) hidden wishes and imaginations, and is increasingly overwhelmed by the power of sexuality (it doesn't matter if all this really happens or is just a dream of his). In the end, there's desperation, a confession, and tears, but at least: "We are awake now". The Harfords have matured by accepting an inconvenient truth about what it means to be human. And there's the stunning realization, that there can STILL be love. Maybe not forever ("let's not use that word - it frightens me"), but at least for the moment. And so, after all, there's one thing the two of them are going to do as soon as possible...
What an insightful, liberating and important movie !