![]() The ways that his narratives unfold subvert cinematic storytelling conventions, with bold, grandiose strokes that are sometimes so extreme as to leave audiences perplexed or infuriated. ![]() ![]() The stories, however, are often controversial, with polarized reactions. One thing is certain: Kubrick films always look and sound amazing. His technical innovation in the world of cinema is unparalleled, as each of his works has an aural and visual sharpness, an exacting use of camerawork, framing, lighting, positioning, special effects, music, and so on. Many of his movies have a cold, clinical quality and seem, at least on the surface, to espouse a thoroughly pessimistic view of humanity. Indeed, his films generally aren't for those who seek light entertainment or lack a cerebral temperament. Kubrick was often accused of favouring technical precision and lofty intellectualism to the detriment of emotional impact. Numerous details in Eyes Wide Shut connect-in some surprising and strange ways-to things in the real world, in curious coincidences that can only be explained as examples of how far Kubrick's vision reached, whether conscious or subconscious on his part. Things in our peripheral vision are in fact-as I'll show in this essay-incredibly relevant to the themes presented in the forefront functioning as meta-commentary on the film itself. We're looking at the foreground, but there's lots on the outskirts that we don't know we're seeing because we don't understand it, unless we have tangential knowledge. A perfectionist and workaholic, he commanded total control of his movies down to the selection of books on shelves appearing onscreen in the background. Reputably obsessive and meticulous, he oversaw-with painstaking attention to detail- every aspect of his films. Many regard Kubrick as the greatest filmmaker of all time. Countless details initially pass unnoticed, only for deeper contemplation to unveil profoundly resonant interconnectedness. There's a very odd quality of transtextuality to this film wherein close examination of any aspect results in a rabbit hole maze of cryptic symbolism, bizarre linkages, and cross-references to other elements within the film, other works of art, and real life. And not always as immediately apparent are seemingly endless allusions that extend across the fields of literature, music, opera, ballet, mythology, religion, politics, history, etymology, cinema, and even Kubrick's own personal life. ![]() Sex is indeed a focus of the film, but just as significant are the subjects of class, capitalism, the world's ruling elite, and powerful secret societies. Just a few days after completing the final cut, Kubrick died of a heart attack at age seventy at his home near London, England.Įarly reviews described Eyes Wide Shut as an "erotic thriller" and "sexual odyssey", using words like "Freudian", "dreams", "fantasy", and "guilt". Released in 1999 to mixed responses, Eyes Wide Shut has since garnered considerable interest and has come to be regarded as one of Kubrick's finest works. INTRODUCTION: A MISUNDERSTOOD MASTERPIECEĮyes Wide Shut is the last work of famed movie director Stanley Kubrick, and like many of his films it contains layers of meaning not easily deciphered or understood on first viewing. Watching Eyes Wide Shut has opened my mind and eyes, but writing about it has opened them even more. It's been an education working on this essay, because as you'll see, the movie's reach goes far and wide. This analysis is for people who like to think deeply about works of art-movies, music, literature-and draw comparisons to our own real world so that we may evolve to navigate through it with greater wisdom and understanding. I'm continuing to add links and citations, but I wanted to put out what I have-which is still quite thorough-in time for Eyes Wide Shut's 20-year anniversary. To avoid rehashing what's already been extensively discussed by others, I've focused primarily on my own observations and interpretations-although much research was required to understand the film's many facets. While written purely from my own interest and not for profit, I've excluded many ideas with the intention of expanding it all into a book-which would be for sale-so, stay tuned. So, this article is my contribution to the ongoing Stanley Kubrick film analyses swirling around out there. ![]() I've been haunted by the film since I first saw it upon its release in 1999, and have studied it in an attempt to understand it. Eyes Wide Shut, more than any other movie, gave rise to my interest in cinema as a compelling storytelling medium. ![]()
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