Confusing, mindbending did I miss something?

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2002)

I no idea what I was leading myself into when I first took a glimpse of Vanilla Sky?
I mean sure it was another Tom Cruise flick re-uniting with 'Jerry Maguire' favorite Cameron Crowe and throwing in the likes of Penelope Cruz, Jason Lee, Kurt Russel and the un-avoidable Cameron Diaz but there was something about this film I didn't quite catch. . . .?
To begin with I heard it was a remake of a Spanish film "Open your Eyes" and secondly the story was not was it was meant to be then I realized that maybe it wasn't such a good idea?
The confusing aspect about the story was Tom Cruise's character' a successful millionaire who's claimed everything only one could ever dream of and then meeting the girl of his dreams (real-life love interest Penelope Cruz).
The story then begins to take a somewhat "abstract" turning point when past girlfriend Cameron Diaz turns up taking our lead for a ride only to end up committing suicide by driving off a bridge. All in the name of love I might add.
What you end up experiencing is a series flashbacks of present day events and wonderful vivid dream like sequences. Which sends a host of "should I say" unanswered questions.
For me this film reminded more of a Dario Argento formula: Stylish camera work and set design not to mention awkward scenario.
Although this is my first time seeing a virtual remake it's not surprising in the least how some of these big time directors dish out bucket loads of cash on sprucing up old cuts with style and vision. The one image that many will reflect upon is the Times Square scenario, in which Tom Crusie gets out his car and begins to run through an isolated environment (note: Cameron Crowe had closed off Times Square for an hour just capture this one beautiful scene).
All in all not bad, but when watching this film it began to remind me of other mindbending films that had me on the rebound (Total Recall, Twelve Monkeys and Fight Club).
With alot of style but little appreciation towards story, I'd probably have to say that this is a slight let down. The film too began to suffer from an identity crises. Whatever you may think I couldn't but feel robbed as your never left feeling satisfied as to whether he was dreaming or not?
Stylish but not impressive. 7/10