Eyes Shut. And that about says it.

Rating: 2/10 (18 July 1999)

Well I can't say that I'm a major Kubric fan overall anyway but he does have a couple of good ones out there so I had hopes for this. Unfortunately this movie lives up to pretty much nothing. Not even what the trailer makes it out to be. Which for me was a type of sexual thriller. NOT!!!! For about the first near hour the it's just totally boring. But then something interesting starts and for the next hour and a half your strung along by your nose expecting something grand to happen. He feeds you little tidbits just to keep you on the edge of interest and then ends the movie with a great big nothing. A total dud. I don't even think this movie had any reason to be made. Other than "basically" good acting done by Kidman and Cruise, this movie doesn't stand out in any way. And even their acting wasn't anything to talk about. I know they are both excellent actors so I can only attribute their performance to both a poorly written script and somewhat tired directing. I know that Kubric has done some good movies like THE SHINING and 2001 so I can only think that maybe it was his overall health that lead to this unfortunate travesty of a film. And after seeing the film, it boggles the mind that it took three years to make. I even heard on entertainment shows on t.v. that this was one of the most grueling films for Tom and Nichole to make and the it took a toll on them and wore them out. If that's true, there is only one question to ask; Why!? What was tuff out this movie. There is no action; no stunts that either had to do, and as for emotionally, well, there wasn't anything emotional about it either. So again I ask why. Maybe it was just the demanding nature of Kubric or something. Anyway, honestly, I wouldn't bother going to see this film if you haven't already. It's not a thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat; It's not an intriguing story for you to try to figure out(although it does keep you guessing just a little in one part, but not enough to warrant any kudos); and it's not a love story for you to cry about or be happy over. Basically there just wasn't any reason for this movie to be made or any compelling reason for anyone to see it. It disappoints on all levels. Save your money for THE HAUNTING next week instead.