Pre-release rumors detract from this film...

Rating: 3/10 (17 July 1999)

I was extremely disappointed with "Eyes Wide Shut", for a number of reasons. The first, which is unfortunately no fault of Kubrick, Cruise, or Kidman, is that part of the marketing campaign was to NOT disavow any of the rumors about the plot of this movie. My understanding, at the time I was walking into the theater, was that I was about to see a movie about a married couple, both of whom happen to be sex therapists, who explore their mutual sexual fantasies. Sorry to spoil things for you, folks... the movie has nothing to do with that. in fact (sorry ladies) Tom Cruise never has sex in this film. Granted, it's equally disappointing when a movie trailer reveals the best scenes of a movie, but in this instance, i felt totally misled.
Reason number two: 3 hours of very slow, dragging, film. I felt there were numerous scenes that could have been trimmed. There were a number of supporting characters who have moderately lengthy scenes, for no payoff whatsoever. Why the lengthy scene at the costume rental shop, when we could just see Cruise in a costume, and ASSUME he managed to get one?
Reason number 3: I had little or no emotional attachment to the cold, machine-like Cruise, and no sympathy for Kidman, who laughs at her husband while revealing a past sexual fantasy with another man, and her willingness to jeopardize her own marriage over it.
There are aspects of this movie that are deep and interesting. Even in the 24 hours since I've seen the film, I've found some deeper insight after reflecting on it. However, I'd recommend that you wait for this to hit the $1.50 rental rack, instead of rushing to the multiplex to catch it!