Review of Eyes Wide Shut (1999) by Geralt W — 05 Mar 2011

Eyes Wide Shut offers up a compelling study of a happily married couple who suddenly find themselves isolated after a revelation from Kidman's character. Tom Cruise then enters a bizarre and almost other-worldly exploration of his own feelings that takes him into unexpected situations.

The centerpiece of this movie seems to be the scene at the mansion. From an atmospheric point of view, this has to be one of the best shot moments I've seen in quite a while. The music has a lot to do with it; the incessant chants are beyond creepy and work very effectively. Part of the menace also stems from how unexpected and outlandish the whole situation suddenly becomes. The director manages to mesh this extraordinary scenario with the seemingly mundane life of an accomplished doctor seamlessly.

The resolution of this whole situation is also masterfully written and well acted. And, ultimately, one is left wondering whether Cruise merely dreamed everything that happened, or if he was only in a dream-like state. There are subtle hints, but in the end, the audience is left to make up its own mind.

For all its strengths, Eyes Wide Shut does have one horrifying flaw that really drags it down. Namely, the pacing is absolutely atrocious, one of the worst I've seen. I understand what they were trying to do here, but at times it is painfully slow, and I really found it tough to keep my attention focused.

All things considered, I enjoyed it, but I just wish the editing had been a lot crisper. It had the makings of a masterpiece, and it's still a very good movie with an interesting scenario and interesting (if not necessarily likable) characters portrayed well by their respective actors but the dreadful pace does knock it down a few pegs.