Review:
Eyes
Wide Shut, which is based on the novel Traumnovelle by Arthur Schnitzler,
is a thought-provoking and visually stunning drama. It is beautiful, sensual,
gothic and mystifying. Kubrick (Clockwork Orange,
Full Metal Jacket, The Shining,
Paths of Glory) takes us on a Kafka-like thriller which
is unlike most movies I have seen. I’ve read that Kubrick shot it using lots
of backlighting and strong primary colors, and set the film at Christmas to take
advantage of the holiday lights. The music is incredibly effective, the pronounced
piano notes heightening the tension. The title of the film refers to the way we
convince ourselves we want honesty when it's often just as likely that we're happier
in the dark. Kubric was a genius and he will be greatly missed by film fans everywhere.
-Review by Aaron Caldwell
