EWS is a film that is heavily controversial, as most of Mr. Kubrick's work. Not only is it frustratingly alienating, but it's heavy with some relatively graphic nudity and sexual content. However, the film's theme being sexuality as a prominent aspect of humanity, this content was in no way uneccesary.
In fact, one might argue that this is Mr. Kubrick's most hopeful film. It's the only film I've seen by Kubrick that affirms a possibility of redemption for humanity. This is strange for Stan, as all of his other films seem to have given up on our species.
This film in no way portrays sexuality as a careless thing, with no consequences. It is this that keeps this film from being dubbed as "pornography" or "dangerous".
Lets face it people, sexuality is a prominent part of being human. It is an important and defining part of our humanity. However, it is dangerous, and not something to be taken lightly.
Aside from the themes and content, it is typical Kubrick brilliance. Having re watched most of Kubrick's films over the past few days, I've noticed that the man is actually quite a brilliant writer, and EWS is no exception.
Kubrick's photographer's eye shines as usual, as does his brilliant sense how music should be used in film. That's one thing I really love about Kubrick, his ability to take two art forms which are too often separated and to mesh them together perfectly.
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise (who is a great actor, no getting around it) have amazing chemistry and both do stellar jobs. Everything about this film is undeniably good.
However, this film is not for the immature. I wouldn't recommend seeing this unless you are able to maturely handle large amounts of nudity. If one is able to approach this with an objective eye, paying attention to the brilliance of the themes, it's quite a rewarding experience. And one with a relatively Christian message. However, despite your beliefs or viewpoints on subjects it's definitely one of Kubrick's most human films, and one of my favorites by this excellent director.
