Detailed Summary
The Harford’s Perfect Life
Dr. Bill Harford (Tom Cruise) and his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), seem to lead an idyllic life in New York City. Bill is a successful doctor, and Alice, though once an art gallery manager, now focuses on raising their daughter. However, cracks begin to appear in their seemingly perfect marriage.
The Confession
During a night of post-party intimacy, Alice reveals a deeply disturbing confession: she once fantasized about leaving Bill and their daughter for a stranger she saw during a vacation. This revelation shatters Bill’s sense of security, sending him into a spiral of doubt, jealousy, and sexual obsession.
The Journey into New York’s Underworld
After this confession, Bill embarks on a bizarre and surreal journey through New York’s underworld. He encounters prostitutes, strangers, and old acquaintances, which leads him to a secret and dangerous world of masked orgies and illicit activities.
The Secret Society
Bill learns about a secret society through a friend, Nick Nightingale (Todd Field), who plays piano at the group’s gatherings. Intrigued and desperate to break free from his marital woes, Bill sneaks into one of their ceremonies. He witnesses a ritualistic, masked orgy but is soon discovered as an outsider. His life is threatened, and he narrowly escapes.
The Consequences
Bill’s life begins to unravel after the secret society warns him to keep quiet. He becomes paranoid, fearing for his life and those of his loved ones. He discovers that the prostitute who saved him during the ceremony is dead, possibly due to her involvement in the group.
The Final Confrontation
In the end, Bill confesses everything to Alice. The couple confront their fears, secrets, and the reality of their relationship, leading to an ambiguous resolution. The film ends with a somber yet hopeful tone as they consider how to rebuild their trust and marriage.
Movie Ending
The movie ends with Bill and Alice reflecting on their relationship’s fragility. After Bill confesses his nightmarish adventure, Alice offers him a realistic but unsettling solution: they need to be grateful they survived this ordeal and try to move on. In the final moments, Alice suggests they do one thing immediately: “F***,” implying that sexual intimacy may be the first step toward reconciliation.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Eyes Wide Shut” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a psychological drama and erotic thriller with elements of mystery. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, it explores themes of sexual obsession, fidelity, and the surreal nature of desire.
Cast
- Tom Cruise as Dr. Bill Harford
- Nicole Kidman as Alice Harford
- Sydney Pollack as Victor Ziegler
- Todd Field as Nick Nightingale
- Marie Richardson as Marion Nathanson
- Vinessa Shaw as Domino
- Rade Šerbedžija as Mr. Milich
- Leelee Sobieski as Milich’s Daughter
Film Music and Composer
Jocelyn Pook composed the film’s score, which features haunting and minimalist tracks that heighten the eerie and dreamlike atmosphere. During the ritual scenes, the film plays the most iconic piece, “Musica Ricercata II” by György Ligeti, which adds a chilling layer to the visuals.
Filming Locations
- Pinewood Studios, England: Despite being set in New York City, much of the film was shot on elaborate sets at Pinewood Studios. The recreated streets of New York were meticulously detailed, adding to the film’s surreal feel.
- Mentmore Towers, England: Used as the location for the secret society’s mansion, the grand and imposing architecture amplified the mysterious and unsettling nature of the ritual scenes.
Awards and Nominations
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Director (Stanley Kubrick) and Best Actress (Nicole Kidman).
- Satellite Awards: Nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume Design.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Stanley Kubrick’s Perfectionism: The shoot lasted over 400 days, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous film shoot.
- Kubrick’s Final Film: Kubrick passed away just days after completing the final cut of the film.
- Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s Real Marriage: Their real-life marriage was heavily scrutinized during and after the film’s release due to the intense subject matter and their on-screen chemistry.
Inspirations and References
- Arthur Schnitzler’s “Traumnovelle”: The film is based on this 1926 novella by Austrian author Arthur Schnitzler, which explores similar themes of sexual fantasy, infidelity, and the subconscious.
- Freudian Themes: The film is loaded with references to Freud’s theories of sexual desire, repression, and the power of dreams.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no confirmed alternate endings, but rumors suggest that Kubrick had several ideas for concluding the film, particularly concerning Bill and Alice’s relationship. Nevertheless, Kubrick approved only the theatrical cut before his death.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The novella Traumnovelle (or Dream Story) takes place in early 20th-century Vienna, but Kubrick shifts the setting to contemporary New York in his adaptation. He intensifies the visual style and atmosphere, making the secret society much more unsettling and ritualistic than in the original novella.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Orgy Sequence: The ritualistic orgy scene is the film’s most famous, featuring masked participants in eerie and choreographed sexual acts.
- Alice’s Confession: Alice’s confession about her sexual fantasy is a pivotal moment, destabilizing Bill’s sense of control.
- Final Scene in the Toy Store: Bill and Alice discuss their future in a toy store, filled with symbolic imagery.
Iconic Quotes
- “No dream is ever just a dream.” – Alice Harford
- “If you men only knew.” – Alice Harford
- “The important thing is we’re awake now.” – Alice Harford
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Masks Symbolism: The masks worn at the orgy represent the duality of human nature — hidden desires versus outward appearances.
- The Rainbow: The use of the rainbow (Rainbow Fashions store) is a symbol of illusion, suggesting that reality is never what it seems.
- Repetition of Red and Blue Colors: Kubrick uses red and blue throughout the film to symbolize danger and tranquility, heightening the surreal tension.
Trivia
- Kubrick famously kept the details of the film secret from the public, increasing intrigue and mystery surrounding the project.
- For the U.S. release, the film’s orgy scenes were digitally modified to achieve an R rating, hiding some of the explicit content.
- Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman underwent therapy sessions with Kubrick to better understand their characters’ troubled marriage.
Why Watch?
“Eyes Wide Shut” is a masterful exploration of sexuality, power, and the psychological labyrinth of marriage. Kubrick’s meticulous direction, combined with Cruise and Kidman’s riveting performances, makes this film a fascinating and unsettling experience. It challenges viewers with its dreamlike structure and symbolic storytelling, offering an intense journey into human desire.
Director’s Other Movies
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- A Clockwork Orange (1971)
- The Shining (1980)
- Full Metal Jacket (1987)
- Barry Lyndon (1975)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Black Swan (2010)
- Mulholland Drive (2001)
- The Shining (1980)
- Blue Velvet (1986)
- Don’t Look Now (1973)
