Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Eyes Wide Shut

• My mind is buzzing right now. For me, this is a film where you see it once, you both understand it yet don’t understand it, and immediately look forward to rewatching it. I feel like there’s so much I missed, even though I comprehended most of it. When I watch it again at some point in the future, I just know there’s gonna be so many details that I’ll notice more. The second you finish this, you just want to see it again. At least for me. It’s a gorgeous screenplay by Kubrick, who is one of the greatest directors to ever live. I only love him more each time I see one of his pieces of work. The story is so immersive and feels like a fever dream. I love how the genre is a mystery/thriller, yet at times, it feels romantic, and even horror-y. The scene where Bill first walks in on the group legitimately terrified me. It’s been a very long time since I’ve watched a scene that unnerved me like that. The acting, not just in that scene, but in the whole film, was phenomenal, with stunning performances from Cruise and Kidman. It’s a power duo for the ages. The visuals are fantastic. The lights, the setting, everything in the background is colorful and important. Something about a thriller with Christmas lights everywhere just works. Lastly, the score was incredible, and adds an amazingly disturbing sound to the film. There’s such a great collection of instrumental love songs, along with the very chilling piano. Overall, this film is masterfully made, and one of Kubrick’s best. I very much look forward to rewatching and finding everything I missed. I’d recommend it to all mystery/thriller fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!