Review of Eyes Wide Shut (1999) by Kilo D — 21 Sep 2014

After countless viewings, the brilliance of Kubrick's final movie, "Eyes Wide Shut", yields tremendous power. This haunting look at intimacy is all about nuance, from the performances to the storytelling, and is highly effective in creeping the viewer out to the point of near paranoia. And that ending, in the seemingly satanic toy shop (black magic toy boxes; red circle with upside down stars that wouldn't be out of place in a Kenneth Anger short) where we witness their child taken away by two strangers from the opening party--all these details create a gloomy atmosphere leading the viewer to question a lot of things, particularly what the fate of their daughter will be.

Now, admittedly this movie has not impressed me for (too long) a time so the five star rating doesn't apply to everyone. The best and funniest observation--that this reviewer once shared--comes courtesy of Pauline Kael, reprinted below:

"It was ludicrous from the word go. That orgy was the most hygienic thing I've ever seen. It was strangely decorous. What was that all about, and who were these people that they had the money to stage such things? It really is a creepily bad movie. I don't understand why people were so willing to give Kubrick the benefit of the doubt when a lot of talented directors don't get the benefit of the doubt.".