Stands up to every Kubrick fan's expectations.

Rating: 10/10 (14 July 1999)

When compared to such films as Dr. Strangelove, The Shining, or Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut has some great shoes to fill. Yet, it manages to meet every possible expectation, and then some. It starts with Dr. Bill Harford, played by Tom Cruise, and his wife Alice Harford, played by Nicole Kidman at an expensive party given by one of their friends. Each are properly being pursued by attractive members of the opposite sex. In a later discussion of such matters by the bed, and with a little help from some narcotics, an argument breaks out surrounding the tense subject of sexual fantasy and infidelity. Upset, by this new information, Bill is exposed to many new and dangerous sexual encounters. Kubrick takes full artistic license when using a very grainy film stock which gives the film a classic and almost warm feeling. But once things get a little harry, his tight close ups and slow zooming in adds to the uncomfortable feelings presented on the screen. Kubrick also uses spectacular lighting, and the sound of a solo piano to deeply intensify every uncomfortable situation. Eyes Wide Shut, though dealing with sexual subject manor, is handled professionally, with a touch of Kubrick just to make everything absolutely perfect.