Review of Eyes Wide Shut (1999) by Margarita S — 25 Oct 2011

Contrary to popular belief, this movie has more to it than just the overt sexual content. Itâ(TM)s a smart film that makes effective use of paradoxes â" fantasy/dream state vs. reality; upper vs.

lower crust of society; definitions of fidelity vs. infidelity. It is beautifully shot with excellent usage of lighting (soft golden hue for the â~dream-likeâ(TM) sequences) and colour (particularly the splashes of Indigo blue throughout).

Music and sound effects convey appropriate creepiness. Overall, performances by Cruise and Kidman are strong. The only drawback? Some scenes, like when Kidman goes on her pot-stricken rampage, are so deliberately drawn out in terms of delivery, that you want to yank the words right out of the actors mouths.

It also gives the film as air of pretension. A good discussion piece, if you choose to look past the surface.