A Feast for the Eyes and Soul

Rating: 9/10 (24 December 2001)

Much like a great painting, I let the experience of this movie wash over me. I took in the breathtaking sights and sounds. It was an assault of a dream. And like a dream it feels exhilarating and frustrating at times. It truly is a film that will displease many a viewer. It takes on elements of romance, character study, dream voyage, and sci-fi. Perhaps a heady mix some would rather not do with. But I loved it. It's a strong, risky performance by Cruise who takes us on a journey through one man's mind and soul as he tries to figure out who he is amidst all the loneliness and confusion. He's a man engulfed in wealth and power who ends up stripped of everything and awash in dream and pop culture. It reminded me of the movie THE GAME by way of WAKING LIFE. But make no mistake, this is Cameron Crowe's vision of life. Twisted, lonely, deeply romantic, full of all things american, musical, and cinematic. It's a journey worth taking.