Ponderous, pretentious and ultimately silly

Rating: 5/10 (1 August 1999)

I find it hard to believe that anyone could take such a silly film seriously. The psychology behind what initiates the plot is not handled credibly, the plot twists that develop via the now-famous orgy sequence are laughable (as is the entire orgy itself--where did Kubrick come up with this stuff, 50's porno flicks?) and the ultimate denouement irrational and unfulfilling. Kidman is reduced to a couple of good scenes but little screen time (and almost no screen time when she isn't on display); Cruise just walks around looking perplexed. Of course it LOOKS great; it was shot by Stanley Kubrick. But after so many significant films, it's sad he ends his career with this minor piece of fluff. What were Cruise and Kidman thinking when they agreed to do it?