Review of Eyes Wide Shut (1999) by Nikhil U — 30 Mar 2014

Kubrick's final gift from his plethora of ideology to the world. And it wasn't a disappointing one. Satisfying his 30 year long dream of crafting a cinematic experience out of the 1926 novella, Dream Story, Kubrick once again sends out a message through the subtle use of symbolism with the most charming lead couple of the time, Cruise and Kidman.

Eyes Wide Shut is a slow hypnotic movement centered on two night adventures of Dr. William Harford played by Tom Cruise.

As his relationship with his wife hits the rocks on an adulterous note with a recent revelation, Harford sets on an adventure to quench his thirst of new experiences to satisfy his sexual impulses. Alas, even after his quest is christened with numerous opportunities with all the right circumstances, Harford finds it impossible to indulge in any of them as they all seem to magical have errors which almost magically prevent Harford to committing to any of them. Having experienced many failed attempts and having his path lead to him to witnessing odd practices and places, Harford is pushed into the tip of emotional vulnerability and subsequent withdrawal from his secretive activities.

Kubrick triumphs yet again, though Kidman's acting seemed like a dead weight and Cruise was just above par.

Eyes Wide Shut, though not brilliant as Kubrick's flagship projects, but does succeed in being a good film. Kubrick solemnly bids adieu to the world as his final idea does him justice for the great visionary he is.