As a cinephile with a penchant for Stanley Kubrick’s oeuvre, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some truly remarkable cinematic masterpieces throughout my years. Yet, none have left me quite as spellbound and perplexed as ‘Eyes Wide Shut.’ This film is not just a Christmas movie; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, desire, and the intricacies of relationships during the festive season.
As a dedicated follower of Tom Cruise, I’m always grateful for the consistent stream of new content he provides. From his entry into Hollywood in the ’80s, he’s been a mainstay in blockbuster movies, solidifying his place among cinema’s all-time greats. Since 1981, Cruise has averaged one movie per year, starring in an impressive total of 44 films thus far. Given that he often takes on lead roles and performs most of the stunts himself, it’s hard not to admire his dedication and talent.
Tom Cruise primarily enjoys action movies, yet he has dabbled in almost every film genre up to this point, even creating a Christmas movie that strays from the usual festive joy. In 1997, Tom Cruise collaborated with his then-spouse, Nicole Kidman, in Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” an adaptation of the 1926 novella “Traumnovelle” by Arthur Schnitzler. This film, directed by the esteemed Stanley Kubrick (his last production), holds the Guinness World Record for the longest uninterrupted film shoot. Almost three decades after its premiere, it’s an excellent opportunity to revisit this classic.
‘Eyes Wide Shut’ Is a Bizarre Blend of Christmastide and Eroticism
As per the book “A Critical Companion to Stanley Kubrick” by Elsa Colombani, Stanley Kubrick suffered a fatal heart attack six days following the presentation of the final edit of Eyes Wide Shut to Warner Bros. executives. He regarded it as his most significant work in cinema, and rightfully so, as this film marked the first time he effectively combined countercultural ideals with the intricate aesthetics of American art cinema. However, opinions among critics and fans were split. With a rating of just above Fear and Desire on Rotten Tomatoes, it may be considered one of his least appreciated films, but it certainly has its merits and continues to be both Kubrick’s and Cruise’s most underestimated work.
The movie showcases an exquisite, refined romantic tale, a genre that seems to be fading away, thanks to its exceptional cast members. In this production, Tom Cruise takes on the role of Dr. Bill Harford, a prosperous New York physician residing in a lavish Central Park West apartment. His patients are the city’s upper class, and he is married (though not contentedly) to Alice (Nicole Kidman), a former art gallery director who now enjoys being a homemaker because her husband’s income far exceeds their requirements.
Tensions arise for the couple when they attend Victor Ziegler’s opulent Christmas gathering, one of Bill’s wealthy but dubious patients. At the event, several individuals attempt to charm them, and upon returning home, Alice, who had previously appeared as the epitome of elegance and morality, confesses about a naval officer she encountered during her vacation. This revelation leaves Bill disheartened. As he steps outside, an unusual chain of incidents occurs, guiding him towards a clandestine society that conducts sexual escapades. Remarkably, Ziegler is among the prominent figures in this secret group.
What can a successful family man do when his wife seems disinterested in him? The narrative explores their journey through difficult times and their eventual restoration of balance, which is the core of the story.
Kubrick’s Perfectionism Resulted in a Record-Breaking Lengthy Shoot
The movie “Eyes Wide Shut” first hit the screens in the summer of 1999, however, as per Vanity Fair, the main filming started back in November 1996. Due to Stanley Kubrick’s meticulous nature, several parts of the script were revised right on set. Moreover, he pushed his talented cast to their limits, intentionally reshooting numerous scenes multiple times to provoke the actors and bring out their pent-up emotions in front of the camera. Reportedly, a particular scene featuring Tom Cruise walking through a door was filmed an astounding 95 times. Actress Vinessa Shaw, initially contracted for just one scene, ended up staying on set for two months due to repeated takes.
As a result, the filming extended beyond schedule, leaving the team feeling dejected. The New York Times disclosed that Cruise suffered an ulcer during this period, but didn’t inform Kubrick about it. Eventually, shooting wrapped up in June 1998, after a total of fifteen months. This record-breaking duration earned Eyes Wide Shut a spot in the Guinness World Records as the longest single movie shoot ever. Notably, it was also acknowledged that the film had an uninterrupted shoot lasting 46 weeks.
Due to Stanley Kubrick’s aversion to flying, the entire film was shot in England. He reportedly dispatched workers to Manhattan to gauge street lengths and mark iconic landmarks, aiming to portray everything as authentically as possible from real life. The result was a movie that deserves recognition as one of the top Christmas films of the ’90s, but has unfortunately slipped into obscurity over the years.
‘Eyes Wide Shut’ Covers Christmas in an Unorthodox Way
In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece Eyes Wide Shut is not just a triumph of cinema, but a thought-provoking blend of intellectual romance and intricate puzzle that challenges us to discern the truth behind the scenes. The film doesn’t offer a definitive conclusion; instead, it invites an endless exploration, a journey that holds more significance than the destination itself.
Initially, the tale in the original work takes place during Mardi Gras, however Kubrick opted for a Christmas backdrop instead. Notably, there are vibrant Christmas decorations nearly everywhere you look. The mansion party hosted by the secret society at Somerton is the sole location in the film that doesn’t feature a Christmas tree.
In essence, the movie focuses on the blend of happiness and routine that defines humans during the holiday season. It subtly points out how excessive revelry and materialism can overshadow the genuine spirit of Christmas. Instead of emphasizing the spiritual aspects of Christmas (strong family ties and camaraderie), the characters prioritize their physical needs, sometimes at the expense of their loved ones. Interestingly, even though every scene features a Christmas tree, there is no Christmas music or scene that captures the festive spirit of the season.
Eyes Wide Shut” is a film that becomes more enjoyable upon multiple viewings, yet skipping it would deprive you of a unique, philosophical dramatic journey filled with unparalleled insights. While Stanley Kubrick might have created another masterpiece considering his past work, “Eyes Wide Shut” still stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking an atypical Christmas movie experience, blending the familiar with the unusual.
The story ends with Alice and Bill chasing their daughter through a big toy store, pointing out the presents she wants from Santa. Despite several disagreements that could have broken many other relationships, Alice and Bill’s love persists, and their family remains solid. There’s no Christmas better than that.
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2024-11-28 04:32