Strange but well worth watching.

Rating: 8/10 (3 August 1999)

Kubrick's final film is a mesmerizing odyssey consisting of dreamlike images. It was also not what I expected. I was very surprised that a huge star like Tom Cruise agreed to do this film, because there is nothing at all commercial or mainstream about it--it is an arthouse film from beginning to end. In fact, if it had been any director other than Kubrick, I'm sure he would've turned it down. I'm glad he did it, though, because I was getting tired of his clean-cut crusader roles he's played throughout the '90's. This is his first difficult part since "Born on the Fourth of July". The story takes place in New York City, even though, of course, it was shot in England. The photography, by Larry Smith, is outstanding. This is Kubrick's most beautifully shot film other than "Barry Lyndon". Since the film is set during the Christmas holidays, there is great use of color throughout, especially from the numerous Christmas trees we see in just about every indoor location. No wonder this film took forever to shoot. The story of the film isn't of great importance--what is important is the atmosphere, especially the amazingly surreal sequence at the mansion, which is the film's centerpiece. There are darkly funny moments scattered throughout. Although the film is long at some 2 hours, 40 minutes, it felt about a half hour shorter. Like all of Kubrick's films, it's never boring, but many mainstream moviegoers will no doubt think so, especially Tom Cruise fans. I was angry that the film was altered for American release but that the rest of the world gets to see the original version. Let's hope DVD will set the record straight.