Vanilla Sky = Adventurous swirl

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2002)

I've waited nearly a month to post my thoughts on this movie, so we'll see if I can pull this off in a coherent fashion ....
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit, the latest offering from Cameron Crowe. Aside from using the music from his record collection, there aren't any similarities between this movie and his previous efforts. This is a sweeping story that blurs the lines of perception, and, I will admit, requires a little bit of patience from the viewer.
David Aames (Cruise) wants it all, even after it is taken away. Getting it back leads to a blurring of lines that leaves him confused, even petrified. Once he realizes what it costs to have a second shot at what he wanted, a choice for regularity is presented. And for Mr. Aames, the guy who seems to lose the most when his face is destroyed, still has a hard time with the decision.
The second half of the movie is very intriguing, although I found it quite confusing at one point. I will want to watch this a second time, but not until it comes out on DVD. I guess I didn't like it THAT much. What is real, what is not .... what is happening? Those were the questions I was asking myself. And for the most part, it made sense in the end. The resolution was spelled out in blunt fashion -- that is one complaint I had with the movie. Over explained; telling, not showing.
The thing that worked for me is that the disjointed feel during the second half (or post-accident, if you will) reminded me of some of my own dreams, in theory. Things don't quite make sense, reality creeps in .... it captured the feel perfectly for me.
The film does not depend on strong acting, and it doesn't get anything outstanding from Cruise or Cruz, although Cameron Diaz is a strong personality. The surreal elements are what did it for me. This is worth a viewing, but it could be done when it comes out for home viewing.