Splendid, Powerful, Extraordinary!

Rating: 10/10 (19 July 1999)

This movie was a tremendous pleasure to watch. It took its time, set up the tensions and arguments with authority, and gave me a chance to feel those tensions along with Cruise's tortured character. Kubrick did a marvelous job of re-creating Schnitzler's "Traumnovelle" and, as he often has with other works, managed to improve upon it. He gave us a portrait of a man who is following his strongest dreams-- the ones that show him what he cannot be. Nicole Kidman was perfect as the doctor's wife. Some critics have complained that she didn't get enough screen time. I would say she had all she needed. Every word she said cut Cruise deeply enough to keep him bleeding throughout the film. I enjoyed the work immensely. When the credits rolled, I was surprised to find that three hours had passed.
There are critics who have reported that the film wasn't as sexy or conventionally thrilling as they expected. To them I would say "Grow up." This is a film that meditates on the meaning of fidelity to a man's nature. Why are we faithful? What are we giving up when we turn away an offer from a stranger? It will haunt and provoke for decades to come, long after Joe Eszterhas and Brian DePalma have faded from our memories. If you want stroke material, there are movie houses that cater to that taste. If you want intelligent, interesting, and emotionally satisfying work, spend the full eight bucks to see _Eyes Wide Shut_.