20 Sep 2013
Inspired by Arthur Schnitzler's 1926 novella Traumnovelle, Stanley Kubrick's daring last film is many things: a compelling psychosexual journey, a haunting dreamscape, a milestone in the careers of stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman and 'a worthy final chapter to a great director's career' (Roger Ebert).
Cruise plays Dr William Hartford, who plunges into an erotic foray that threatens his marriage - and may even ensnare him in a lurid murder mystery - after his wife's admission of sexual longings. As the story sweeps from doubt and fear to self-discovery and reconciliation, Kubrick orchestrates it with masterful flourishes. Graceful tracking shots, controlled pacing, rich colours, startling images: bravura traits that make Kubrick a filmmaker for the ages are here to keep everyone's eyes wide open.