Stanley Kubrick: Ranking His Films From Worst To Best

Eyes Wide Shut was Kubrick's final film. He died six days after showing the final cut to Warner Bros. The plot follows Dr William Hartford (Tom Cruise) infiltrating a masqueraded orgy after after he discovered his wife (Nicole Kidman) contemplated an affair a year prior.

The film won the Guinness World Record for longest production, an incredible 400 days. The director’s famous clinical approach to filmmaking only lengthened production and put a massive strain on the real-life relationship of Kidman and Cruise as the two were directed separately and were banned from discussing notes.

However, this movie is a disappointing way out for Kubrick, especially after looking at the considerable achievements of the director’s career during the 1970s and 1980s. At the time of release, it was met with mainly positive reviews from the critics, with over 50 listing it amongst the best of 1999. However, complaints were paved on the movie for its length. It was considered far too long and way too slow, making it seem laboured in both its pacing and line delivery.

Controversy marred the film on its release as it brought a debate over full-frontal nudity in the popular media, and as a result, was censored by the industry. However, the film is a swansong for the director’s defined visual flair and framing, but ultimately falls short of the mark.