Film Eyes Wide Shut Better
Eyes Wide Shut was rejected because it refused to be what it advertised. But today, in an age of curated Instagram marriages and hollow luxury, Kubrick’s final film feels less like a relic and more like a prophecy. It’s not about sex. It’s about the masks we all wear—and the terrifying freedom of taking them off.
So watch it again. Not for the scandal. For the dream. Preferably at midnight, during the holidays, with the one person whose fantasies you’re afraid to hear.
You’ll never look at a costume party the same way again.
Unraveling the Enigma of Stanley Kubrick's Masterpiece: Why "Eyes Wide Shut" is a Film that Gets Better with Time
Stanley Kubrick's posthumous release, "Eyes Wide Shut," was met with a mixture of confusion and criticism upon its debut in 1999. The film, based on Arthur Schnitzler's novella "Traumnovelle," was perceived by many as a perplexing and overly indulgent exploration of the human psyche. However, as the years have passed, "Eyes Wide Shut" has undergone a significant reevaluation, emerging as a masterpiece that not only withstands the test of time but actually improves with each successive viewing.
A Complex Web of Human Emotions
At its core, "Eyes Wide Shut" is a film about the intricacies of human relationships, the performance of identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The story follows Dr. Bill Harford (Tom Cruise), a successful New York City doctor, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), confesses to having a fleeting attraction to another man. This seemingly innocuous admission sets off a chain reaction of events that propels Bill into a surreal world of masquerade balls, orgies, and clandestine encounters.
One of the primary reasons "Eyes Wide Shut" gets better with time is its nuanced portrayal of human emotions. Kubrick's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to elicit performances from his actors that are at once subtle and profound, create a rich tapestry of emotional depth. As we watch Bill navigate the complexities of his own desires, we are forced to confront the ways in which we present ourselves to the world, and the masks we wear to conceal our true selves. film eyes wide shut better
The Performance of Identity
The theme of performance is a crucial aspect of "Eyes Wide Shut." Kubrick cleverly uses the device of the masquerade ball to illustrate the ways in which we perform identity, hiding behind masks to conceal our true desires and intentions. This is particularly evident in the character of Bill, who finds himself drawn into a world of secrecy and deception, where nothing is as it seems.
As Bill becomes increasingly embroiled in this world, he begins to question his own identity and sense of self. His encounters with various women, including the enigmatic and seductive Marion (Sydney Pollack), serve as a catalyst for his growing awareness of the performative nature of human relationships. Through Bill's journey, Kubrick poses profound questions about the nature of identity, and the ways in which we present ourselves to the world.
The Female Gaze: A Reexamination of Female Agency
One of the most striking aspects of "Eyes Wide Shut" is its portrayal of female agency. The film's female characters, particularly Alice and Marion, are complex and multifaceted, defying traditional notions of female passivity. These women are not simply objects of desire; they are active participants in the narrative, driving the plot forward with their own desires and motivations.
Kubrick's depiction of female agency is a significant aspect of the film's growing appreciation. As our understanding of feminist theory and the importance of female representation in media has evolved, "Eyes Wide Shut" has emerged as a pioneering work in its portrayal of women's experiences. The film's exploration of female desire, in particular, is a fascinating study of the ways in which women navigate the complexities of their own desires, often in secret.
Cinematography and Visual Storytelling
The cinematography in "Eyes Wide Shut" is breathtaking, with Kubrick's use of long takes, deliberate pacing, and deliberate camera movements creating a sense of immersion and unease. The film's visuals are stunning, with a muted color palette and meticulous production design that transport the viewer to a world of opulence and decadence.
Kubrick's visual storytelling is, as ever, masterful. He uses images to convey complex emotions and ideas, often in ways that are both subtle and powerful. The film's use of symbolism, particularly the recurring motif of eyes and masks, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, inviting the viewer to interpret and reflect on the themes and ideas presented.
Legacy and Reappraisal
In the years since its release, "Eyes Wide Shut" has undergone a significant reappraisal. The film has been recognized as a landmark work of cinematic art, with many critics and scholars reevaluating its themes, motifs, and technical achievements. The film's exploration of human relationships, identity, and female agency has been recognized as groundbreaking, influencing a new generation of filmmakers and artists.
The film's legacy extends beyond its technical achievements, however. "Eyes Wide Shut" has become a cultural touchstone, with its themes and ideas resonating with audiences in ways that continue to surprise and intrigue. The film's use of psychological insights, coupled with its exploration of the human condition, has made it a favorite among scholars and cinephiles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Eyes Wide Shut" is a film that gets better with time. Its complex exploration of human emotions, performance of identity, and female agency make it a rich and rewarding viewing experience. Kubrick's mastery of visual storytelling, coupled with the film's stunning cinematography and production design, create a world that is both immersive and thought-provoking. Eyes Wide Shut was rejected because it refused
As we continue to grapple with the complexities of human relationships, identity, and female agency, "Eyes Wide Shut" remains a timely and relevant work of cinematic art. Its reappraisal over the years is a testament to Kubrick's genius, and the film's enduring influence on the world of cinema. If you haven't seen "Eyes Wide Shut" in a while, it's time to revisit this masterpiece and experience its complexity and beauty anew.
The last image of Eyes Wide Shut is not a mask, a corpse, or a mansion. It’s Cruise and Kidman walking through a toy store with their daughter, as the camera pulls back. “What should we do?” asks Bill. Alice smiles. “Wake up.”
For years, critics called this ending trite—a Hollywood cop-out after two and a half hours of anxiety. But read it correctly. Kubrick, the great pessimist, the man who showed us the cold indifference of space and the brutality of war, ended his final film not with a bang, but with a quiet, defiant act of grace. Wake up—to the fact that the world is terrifying, that your partner has secret longings, that power is a masked dance you’ll never join, and that none of it matters as much as the decision to keep going.
Eyes Wide Shut is better than you remember because it refuses to be a genre film. It is not a thriller, a drama, or an erotic picture. It is a tone poem about the gap between who we pretend to be and who we actually are. And in that gap, Kubrick found not cynicism, but something rarer: forgiveness.
Final Verdict: Watch it again. Alone. At night. And this time, don’t look at the masks. Look at the eyes. They’ve been wide open all along.
So, why does Eyes Wide Shut land better today than in 1999?
The Anticipation: Marketed as a steamy adult drama, the public focused on the real-life marriage of its leads and the "shocking" sexual content. The Reality: The film is not about sex in the physical sense, but rather the fantasy of sex. It is a tense, sometimes terrifying exploration of the male ego. The "better" aspect of the film lies in its refusal to titillate. The famous orgy sequence is clinical and ritualistic, designed to invoke dread rather than arousal. By subverting expectations, Kubrick created a film that challenges the viewer to look past the surface—much like the protagonist, Dr. Bill Harford, is forced to look past the veneer of his perfect life. The Anticipation: Marketed as a steamy adult drama,