It took a second viewing

Rating: Null/10 (14 June 2002)

I saw this when it first came out, in a theatre, and came away
disappointed. I just saw it again on HBO and, to my surprise, I
enjoyed it!
What I noticed this time was the fantasy. More exactly, just how
much of it was fantasy. Hint: think blue. Blue, blue, blue, Nicole
recounting the sailor fantasy in front of a blue window, the blue
windows when the night's adventures begin with a surprise kiss,
right down to Rade wearing blue clothes in the costume shop
when he offered up his daughter as a sexual toy and the blue
gates to the orgy that never actually happened.
I have to admit it, Kubrik was both cleverer and baser than I could
imagine at the time. This is no more - but also no less - about a
man trying to figure out the role of sex in his life.
Upon further reflection, this film is recommended.