This movie needed David Lynch *Possible Spoilers*

Rating: Null/10 (7 February 2002)

This is Stanley Kubrick attempting - and failing - to do a David Lynch. Supposedly an escapade into the sexual compartment of the male psyche, this is a movie that is surprisingly ordinary given the talent involved, and is entirely devoid of either surrealism or eroticism. Scene after scene potentially offers so much in the way of how our brains trick us, and how the imagination can blur the distinction between reality and dreams, but the whole thing is played so much for straight that the whole episode is DOA.
There's really not much to be said about the plot; on paper the premise seems disturbing and erotic in equal amounts, Tom Cruise explores New York's seedy underbelly in a fit of sexual jealousy, et al - but the execution is so flimsy, superficial and adolescent that you'll end up shaking your head in disbelief.
A supposed orgy scene is hopelessly dated and reminiscent of Ken Russell on a bad day. Nudity is frequently unnecessary in movies, and this one is no exception - Nicole gets her kit off from time to time, completely pointlessly may I add as all scenes are of her dressing and undressing or in the bathroom on her own. Tom needless to say does not repay the compliment to the ladies and the film suffers badly as a result - not from a mutually gratuitous point of view but he never once indulges in any of the temptations put in front of him once he's out on the town. (It's the same cheap plot trick that Michael Douglas played on us in 'Falling Down' - we're supposed to believe that this guy is on the edge of insanity and will do anything crazy but - because of star power - he always refrains every time).
The supposed plot twist at the end is like an X-Files cast-off.
It is curious that two more recent releases, "Vanilla Sky" and "AI", have been described as Kubrickian in nature (the latter having had his involvement). It's ironic that both of these truly magnificent pictures (whichever is your favourite) would be compared in anyway to the heap of sterile junk that was Kubrick's swansong.
To experience Tom Cruise at his sexual celluloid pinnacle, go see the incredible "Vanilla Sky". "Eyes Wide Shut" is the cinematic equivalent of repeated and failed attempts at copulation followed by inevitable slumber.