Really great Psychological Torment

Rating: 10/10 (22 July 2002)

This Kubrick film, based on Arthur Schnitzler's "Traumnovelle" is an extremely interesting adaptation of a modernist's approach to the traditionally German genre of the novelle. Kubrick captures some of the wonderful psychological torments that the couple faces, whether through simple dreams, as in the character of Alice played by (Nicole Kidman), or a dream-like physicality, what Bill Hartford (played by Tom Cruise) experiences. Here is where Kubrick with Schnitzler's eloquently written novelle about dreams and the desires they create with the analytical as well as clinical portrayal of Freud's "Interpretations of Dreams." Overall, Kurbick does a wonderful job dealing with the psyches of two people whose minds are too over-active. I give a thumbs up!