Essay on Fidelity and Marriage

Rating: 10/10 (5 November 2000)

I rate this movie as one of two finest films made in the 1990s--alongside Terrence Malik's The Thin Red Line. Both films had the majority of their viewers disliking the films in question and a minority heaping praises on them! I belong to the minority who loved the film.
A major problem for most viewers was that most viewers expected a film full of sex and nudity. Sex and nudity serves only as the backdrop of the film.

From the password "Fidelio" to the fact that two married individuals chose to play the main roles, there are clues that this fascinating film is all about reaffirmation of faith in marriage and trust, on jealousy and redemption of faith in marriage..small but important facets of the cosmic reality of our lives. The trail of thought is connected to several facets philosophical innuendoes provided in "2001".
Pook's minimalist score is another highlight of this great film. Mature performances abound.
I saw the film when I was sleepy and five minutes into the film, I was wide awake. It is not a film for the average filmgoer; it is one for those who appreciate cinema, music and philosophy. I loved "2001", but I appreciated "Eyes wide shut" even better.