Rating of
4/4
1999: A Sexual Odyssey
Jacob Zembower - wrote on 06/06/11
You can't resist Eyes Wide Shut, you've got to let it wash over you. You need to zone out to it, it practically begs you to. It seduces you into a dream state, an almost mesmerized sedation, that only David Lynch could rival. But this is very much Kubrick's film. It's still curiously distant, the sets are obsessively- yet stunningly- constructed, the sets are beautifully complex, with each shot beautifully composed. Everything is controlled here, but there is a thick mystery which permeates every frame. Not to mention the strong performances from Cruise and Kidman, who is particularly beautiful here. The fate of their real marriage makes the final exposition even more mysterious. Not only did this final scene reflect the finale of one of the most historical film directors shrouded career, but it also reflected the future end to the hollywood's ultimate power couple. A lot of people will be put off, but if you enjoy delicious cinematography, dream-logic, ambiguity, nudity, and bewilderment. And Kidman. Either way you feel towards it, Eyes Wide Shut is essential cinema for true film fans. And an entrancing one at that.
