A disturbing masterpiece

Rating: Null/10 (15 December 2001)

A disturbing masterpiece showing finest work by Cameron Crowe, Tom Cruise, and the editor. Use of music and sound editing is ground-breaking and fascinating. First half of story is straight-line narrative- cocky rich guy, on top of his world, gets into accident. Second half of film shows what it is like to have a mind that is broken by alcohol, drugs, paranoia, head damage, fear and situational psychosis. The movie lets you experience what this is like to have a riven mind, rather than letting you observe it from the outside. Sure, it is a little confusing and sometimes you do not understand just who is who and what is going on- just like the guy in the movie is experiencing. Just an absolute smash-up work of genius! Sound editor deserves an Emmy. Real sexual chemistry between Cruise and Cruz, too. And Cameron Diaz as an evildoer is great- I did not know she was such an actress! Tom Cruise is in top form here. Do not go expecting this to be a romantic comedy or something. This is a haunting, highly disturbing film that should probably not be viewed by those in any state of mental disturbance. You can really get into the confusion and emotions, and enjoy feeling unhinged and whacked out for an evening- such FUN! Makes me hope Cruise and Crowe have more projects in the works together!!!!