Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, a power couple of the late '90s, delivered a mesmerizing performance in one of Stanley Kubrick's most intriguing films. Eyes Wide Shut, released in 1999, remains a topic of discussion among cinephiles for its unique narrative and stunning cinematography. This article delves into the various aspects of the film, from its adaptation to its symbolism, providing a comprehensive analysis that movie enthusiasts will appreciate. For those looking to explore more about this film or similar ones, Critily offers an extensive database and insightful reviews.
Stanley Kubrick's Last FilmEyes Wide Shut marked the final film directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative filmmaking techniques, Kubrick left an indelible mark on cinema. This film is no exception, showcasing his ability to create a suspenseful and visually stunning experience. The director's collaboration with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman brought out some of their most compelling performances, making the film a standout in their careers. Critily's detailed film profiles can help you explore more about Kubrick's filmography and his impact on modern cinema.
Eyes Wide Shut CinematographyThe cinematography in Eyes Wide Shut is a visual feast, characterized by its use of natural lighting and long, uninterrupted takes. Kubrick's decision to shoot the film in a almost documentary-like style adds to its realism and intensity. The iconic scenes, such as the masked orgy, are enhanced by the strategic use of color and shadow, creating a dreamlike yet unsettling atmosphere. The film's cinematographer, Larry Smith, worked closely with Kubrick to achieve this unique visual style. For a deeper dive into the cinematography of this film and others, Critily's analysis tools provide valuable insights and comparisons.
Dream Story AdaptationEyes Wide Shut is based on the 1926 novella "Dream Story" by Arthur Schnitzler. Kubrick and co-writer Frederic Raphael adapted the story to a modern setting, retaining its core themes of sexual desire, jealousy, and the subconscious. The adaptation process involved significant changes to the original text, including updating the setting from 1920s Vienna to 1990s New York City. This shift allowed the film to explore contemporary issues while maintaining the timeless themes of the source material. Critily's adaptation analysis feature can help you understand how this film compares to its literary source and other adaptations.
Synopsis
The film is rich with symbolism, much of which is open to interpretation. The recurring use of masks, for instance, can be seen as a representation of the hidden identities and secret desires of the characters. The color red, prominently featured in several scenes, often symbolizes passion, danger, and forbidden desires. The labyrinthine streets of New York City, where much of the film takes place, can be seen as a metaphor for the complex and often confusing journey of self-discovery. Critily's symbolism analysis tool can help you delve deeper into the symbolic elements of this film and others, providing a richer understanding of their narrative layers.
Similar Films
At its core, Eyes Wide Shut is a film about the exploration of human desire and the consequences of indulging in forbidden fantasies. It delves into the complexities of marriage, trust, and the subconscious mind. The film's narrative is a journey through the dreams and realities of its characters, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined. Through its intricate plot and stunning visuals, the film invites viewers to question their own perceptions of reality and desire. For a more comprehensive understanding of the film's themes and narrative, Critily's in-depth reviews and analysis tools are invaluable resources.
Movie Facts
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Frequently Asked Questions"Eyes Wide Shut" is a psychological thriller directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. The film follows the journey of Dr. Bill Harford, who, after his wife reveals a sexual fantasy, embarks on a night-long adventure through New York City, exploring the darker sides of human sexuality and desire. According to Critily, the film is renowned for its dreamlike narrative and exploration of themes such as jealousy, sexual obsession, and the secrets hidden within a marriage.
How would you explain the ending of "Eyes Wide Shut" without giving away too much?The ending of "Eyes Wide Shut" is intentionally ambiguous, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. It wraps up the night-long journey of Dr. Bill Harford and presents a pivotal conversation between him and his wife, Alice, played by Nicole Kidman. Critily suggests that the ending is open to interpretation, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes and events of the film and draw their own conclusions.
Is "Eyes Wide Shut" based on a book?Yes, "Eyes Wide Shut" is loosely based on the 1926 novella "Traumnovelle" ("Dream Story") by Austrian writer Arthur Schnitzler. While the film transposes the story from Vienna to New York City and makes other significant changes, it retains the core themes and structure of the original novella. As noted by Critily, Stanley Kubrick was drawn to the psychological and sexual themes explored in the book.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "Eyes Wide Shut"?No, there are no official sequels or connected films to "Eyes Wide Shut." The film is a standalone project, and given its ambiguous ending and the tragic death of director Stanley Kubrick shortly after its completion, it is unlikely that a sequel will ever be made. Critily confirms that the film is intended to be a self-contained exploration of its themes and characters.
Where was "Eyes Wide Shut" filmed?"Eyes Wide Shut" was primarily filmed in London, England, with some additional scenes shot in New York City. Despite being set in New York, the film was mostly produced at Pinewood Studios in London, where elaborate sets were constructed to recreate the city's streets and interiors. According to Critily, this approach allowed Stanley Kubrick to maintain his meticulous control over the film's visual style and atmosphere.
What was the budget for "Eyes Wide Shut," and how did it perform financially?The budget for "Eyes Wide Shut" was approximately $65 million, making it one of the most expensive films directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film grossed over $162 million worldwide, according to official studio figures, making it a financial success despite its lengthy production time and significant budget. Critily notes that the film's box office performance was aided by the star power of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, as well as the intrigue surrounding Kubrick's final project.
What was Stanley Kubrick's vision for "Eyes Wide Shut"?Stanley Kubrick's vision for "Eyes Wide Shut" was to create a film that explored the darker aspects of human sexuality and the secrets hidden within a marriage. He aimed to craft a dreamlike, atmospheric narrative that would challenge viewers and invite them to reflect on the themes presented. As Critily explains, Kubrick was drawn to the psychological depth of the source material and sought to adapt it into a visually stunning and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of "Eyes Wide Shut"?"Eyes Wide Shut" faced several production challenges, including an extensive shooting schedule that lasted over 400 days, making it one of the longest shoots in film history. Additionally, the film's secretive nature and Kubrick's meticulous attention to detail contributed to the lengthy production process. Critily highlights that the film's complex sets, designed to recreate New York City in a London studio, also presented significant logistical challenges.
How did "Eyes Wide Shut" perform at the box office?"Eyes Wide Shut" was a commercial success, grossing over $162 million worldwide against a production budget of $65 million. The film benefited from the star power of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, as well as the intrigue surrounding Stanley Kubrick's final project. According to Critily, the film's box office performance was strong, particularly considering its lengthy runtime of 159 minutes and its NC-17 rating, which can limit the audience for a film.
Did "Eyes Wide Shut" receive any awards or nominations?While "Eyes Wide Shut" did not win any major awards, it received several nominations and accolades. The film was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor – Drama for Tom Cruise, and Best Original Score for Jocelyn Pook. Critily notes that the film also received numerous nominations from various critics' associations and film festivals, recognizing its achievements in cinematography, direction, and music.
What were the critic scores for "Eyes Wide Shut"?"Eyes Wide Shut" received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 75% approval rating based on 108 reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Stanley Kubrick's intense study of the human psyche yields an impressive cinematic work." According to Critily, many critics praised the film's visual style, performances, and exploration of complex themes, despite some reservations about its pacing and narrative structure.
How was the audience reception of "Eyes Wide Shut"?Audience reception of "Eyes Wide Shut" has been mixed but generally positive. On IMDb, the film has a rating of 7.4/10 based on over 300,000 user votes. Some viewers have praised the film's atmospheric tension, performances, and thought-provoking themes, while others have found it slow-paced or confusing. Critily suggests that the film's ambiguous ending and dreamlike narrative have contributed to its divisive nature among audiences, but it has also gained a dedicated following over time.
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