Very good, but not quite enough.

Rating: 8/10 (22 May 2002)

I finally saw this movie last night. I have yet to see the Spanish original, but I am looking forward to it. I've also read that the story is loosely based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, "I Hope I Shall Arrive Soon." I haven't read that story so I can't verify this.
As I reflect on Vanilla Sky, I realize that I should have been profoundly moved by this movie. My thoughts could definitely be described as wistful. The problem however is that I did not feel that way while watching the movie. I think the ending and explanations were so "far out" that it distracted me from the film's moral statement: live a good life, savor every moment. Life is beautiful and worth living in its own right. Living is its own reward.
The distraction caused by the "gee whiz" sci-fi ending nearly ruins the strongest moment of emotional poignancy. This is Vanilla Sky's only flaw. For that reason I give it an 8 out of 10. By the way, I'm an enormous fan of science fiction. In this instance though, the ending came so suddenly from out of nowhere that it didn't leave the viewer any time to reflect on the larger message.