Eyes Wide Shut (1999): Stanley Kubrick, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and the Illuminati
Written and directed by Stanley Kubrick, Eyes Wide Shut (1999) was loosely based on the 1926 novella Traumnovelle by Arthur Schnitzler. It was Kubrick's final film, as he died six days after showing the final cut to the producers at Warner Brothers. The story follows a rich young doctor in New York City, chagrined after learning of his wife's fantasy of infidelity, as he goes on a downward one-night adventure through the orgy of an unnamed secret society. The Illuminati -esque secret society depicted in the film, with hooded rituals and decadent promiscuity, utilizes venetian masks in it's ceremonies and many possible interpretations of the symbolism can be made… which was surely Kubrick's open intent. Masonic associations are bound to be projected. Tom Cruise is excellent in the lead role. Nicole Kidman is stunningly beautiful and sexy in her part. The supporting cast is great as well, including Sydney Pollack, Marie Richardson, Leelee Sobieski, Alan Cumming and Rade Serbedzija.
