Cruise. Kidman. Kubrick.|Jul. 16, 1999|United Kingdom | United States|159 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Mystery;Thriller
Description: “Eyes Wide Shut,” released in 1999, is a psychological drama that explores themes of jealousy, temptation, and marital infidelity. The story follows Dr. Bill Harford and his wife, Alice Harford, a couple living in New York City with their young daughter, Helena. Their lives take a dramatic turn during a Christmas party hosted by Victor Ziegler, a wealthy patient of Bill’s.
At the party, Bill reconnects with Nick Nightingale, an old friend who left medical school to pursue a career as a pianist. The evening is filled with unexpected encounters: Alice is flirted with by an older Hungarian guest, while Bill is approached by two models. He is later interrupted by Ziegler, who reveals he had been with a young woman named Mandy, who overdosed on a speedball. Bill helps revive her, and she recovers.
The next night, while discussing their unfulfilled temptations, Alice confesses to Bill that during a vacation in Cape Cod, she had been deeply attracted to a Naval Officer and even contemplated leaving her family. This revelation unsettles Bill, who is later called to the home of a deceased patient. There, the patient’s daughter, Marion, attempts to seduce him, but he refuses.
Later, Bill meets a prostitute named Domino, but their encounter is cut short when Alice calls. Feeling guilty, Bill pays Domino and leaves. He then talks to Nick, who mentions playing at a secretive, masked event with beautiful women. Intrigued, Bill rents a costume and mask from a local shop to attend the event.
Returning home, Bill is consumed by confusion and guilt. He finds Alice laughing in her sleep and wakes her. She tearfully recounts a dream where she was unfaithful with multiple men and laughed at Bill witnessing it. The next morning, Bill visits Nick’s hotel, seeking answers about the mysterious event.
The film delves into the complexities of trust, desire, and the hidden layers of human relationships.
Cast director: Stanley Kubrick
Cast actor: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Sydney Pollack, Madison Eginton, Vinessa Shaw, Rade Šerbedžija, Leelee Sobieski, Todd Field, Sky du Mont, Fay Masterson
Original name: Eyes Wide Shut