Eyes Wide Shut. The title alone is evocative of mystery, intrigue, and a hint of scandal. This film, with then-married Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, most definitely tested the boundaries. It raised eyebrows when it came to love, lust, and secrets. This article takes this film from its start through its lasting impact and why audiences are still intrigued with it today.
The Genesis of Eyes Wide Shut: Novel to Screen
Eyes Wide Shut did not just happen overnight. And in fact, it\’s actually based on a novella called Dream Story by Arthur Schnitzler. The director of the film, Stanley Kubrick, had always longed to bring this tale to the big screen ages ago. He finally got his opportunity to do so with Kidman and Cruise.
Schnitzler\’s Dream Story: The Foundation
So, what is Dream Story about? It tells the tale of a doctor, Vienna-based, who is made aware of his wife\’s sex fantasies. The revelation takes him on a rollercoaster ride through Vienna\’s seedy underbelly, full of temptation and bizarre encounters. Eyes Wide Shut retains the core idea but relocates it to New York City. It also modernizes the themes.
Kubrick\’s Vision: A Modern Interpretation
Why New York? Kubrick wished to examine these issues of marriage and desire in the context of today. It would engage more with the audience, he thought. He was a perfectionist, and this movie was no different. Every shot, every detail, was thought out and meticulously done. That\’s the reason it took so long!
Navigating the Narrative: Decoding the Plot and Themes
Okay, let\’s get into the story itself. Eyes Wide Shut is a ride. Not always easy to keep up with, but that\’s part of what makes it so interesting. Beneath the surface there are so many important themes and ideas about humanity.
A Journey Through the Night: Plot Synopsis
The film begins with a Christmas party. Alice Harford and Bill, who are played by Cruise and Kidman, are an affluent New York couple. The party over, Alice hints at a former romance with another man. Bill descends into madness. He wanders through the city streets, experiencing strange and clandestine affairs. The ride ends at a remote mansion masked orgy. It\’s crazy, believe me.
Uncovering the Unconscious: Themes and Interpretations
What is it about? The film deals with some heavy themes. Consider sexual repression, jealousy, paranoia. It leaves you questioning how well you really know your partner and yourself. The masked orgy, for example, as a symbol of repressed desires and the sleazy underbelly of human nature. It\’s all done so that you begin to question what is real and what isn\’t.
Kidman and Cruise: Blurring of Act and Reality
It was either a masterstroke, or a recipe for disaster, that Kidman and Cruise played opposite each other in Eyes Wide Shut. Their real marriage lent the film a sense of authenticity. One cannot help but wonder how their own relationship influenced their performances.
Performance Analysis: Character Portrayals
Kidman and Cruise both gave strong performances. Kidman conveyed Alice\’s vulnerability and inner conflict. Cruise captured Bill\’s slide into confusion and paranoia to perfection. They were able to express the tangled emotions of a couple torn apart by desire.
Marriage Under the Microscope: On-Screen and Off-Screen Dynamics
Did Eyes Wide Shut affect Kidman and Cruise\’s marriage? It\’s impossible to say for sure. But it\’s clear that the film\’s topic of infidelity and mistrust would have been tough. They went on to divorce, creating a further enigma surrounding the history of the film. Neither Kidman nor Cruise have ever really explained in depth how the film affected their relationship.
The Production: Kubrick\’s Last Masterpiece
Producing Eyes Wide Shut was a gigantic challenge. It was Kubrick\’s last film at the time of his death, which has surrounded it with more mystery. It was a prolonged, stressful shoot with lots of problems.
A Lengthy Shoot: Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
The timeline of the making of the movie was notoriously protracted. Even a record of sorts! The perfectionist film director Kubrick insisted on having multiple takes and constant checks of details. All this was quite stressful for actors and crewmen. It brought about delays, of course, and naturally further costs.
Legacy of Kubrick: A Director\’s Vision
Eyes Wide Shut is considered a classic film, especially because it was the last one from a visionary director. Kubrick left an indelible mark on cinema. His films are famous for their unique visual style, complex themes, and technical precision. Eyes Wide Shut is proof of his genius.
Controversy and Reception: A Divisive Film
Eyes Wide Shut was not everyone\’s darling when it first came out. Some critics praised its craftsmanship, but others slammed its explicitness. It definitely generated controversy and debate.
Initial Reactions: Divides Among Critics
Critics didn\’t agree. Some thought it was a masterpiece, an exploration of the human mind. Others thought it was slow, confusing, and even pretentious. Roger Ebert, for one, had given it a mixed review, praising its visual beauty but ripping its storytelling.
The Explicit Content: Censorship and Controversy
The film\’s explicit sex material created censorship issues in some countries. Some scenes were cropped or censored to avoid violating local laws. Some argued that the censorship damaged the artistic merit of the film. Others felt that it was necessary in order to protect the audience from possibly offensive material. The film grossed approximately $162 million on a budget of $65 million.
Conclusion
Eyes Wide Shut remains a captivating and complex movie. It\’s an exploration of deep ideas about marriage, lust, and what\’s hidden in our minds. The fact that Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise were actually a couple at the time adds to the fascination. Eyes Wide Shut is a testiment to the genius of Kubrick and evidence of the force of film to disturb and upset us.