Not without flaws, but a demanding film and well worth the demand

Rating: Null/10 (21 January 2002)

Vanilla Sky does have its cliches and does have plenty of commercial devices that are at times grating. However, the film demands that the viewer pay attention to it AND that the viewer wait for explanations and, for a Hollywood movie, this is a good thing. The aggressive filmgoer, should find himself or herself rewarded by a viscerally entertaining psychological thriller by the end of the film's over 2 hour running time.
The movie, based on a Spanish novel, is basically an "is this fantasy or is this reality" type of film, yet, with a lot of psychology and creativity thrown in.
Its non-linear style, which only serves to advance the chaotic, yet cohesive storyline, and the film's strikingly visual appeal, make up for its contrivances and minor weaknesses.
Like Cameron Crowe's other films, the viewer really has something to sink his or her teeth into with Vanilla Sky. Perhaps not as "down to earth" as his recent Almost Famous, but just as involving and much more daring. Whatever he does, Crowe has emerged as one of our more prolific and important directors and Vanilla Sky is no exception.