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Stanley Kubrick‘s alluring and mysterious “Eyes Wide Shut” plays out as a psychosexual dreamscape through New York City. In the elusive drama, the audiences find Doctor William Harford (Tom Cruise) “dream walking” his way to an unknown destination. All the while, we are faced with characters constantly moving, from one room to another, one point of the frame to the next, seemingly roving around restlessly. Characters are found retracing their own movements, mimicking one another, and wandering about the diegetic space Kubrick has so meticulously thought out.

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In a video compilation by Fabian Broeker, these images are captured in their synchronized movement and unsettling tone. Set to Schubert’s Symphony no. 8, cinematographer Larry Smith takes us willingly or not through the nightmare odyssey that is Kubrick’s creation. The camera’s own pacing and movements capturing the timed-out actions of characters exploring the depth of their spaces. Often times we find ourselves positioned following Dr. Harford from behind. When later we see him performing the same action we have seen time and again. It is steady and unwavering. Occasionally encroached in warm colors of the holidays, later in the neon and darkness of winter in New York City.

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Relishing in desire and the preconceived notions of passion, “Eyes Wide Shut” follows suit to Kubrick’s obsession with what we can and cannot control; an order to life when chaos reigns. In the night sequences of Dr. Harford aimlessly (or drawn to something?) walking around, we play the observer. Always at a distance, we as the audience follow and dream walk with Cruise through this feverish city-scape. Only when Nicole Kidman utters the line “The important thing is, we’re awake now,” do we too awaken from what we have borne witness to.