Vanilla Sky Reviews

I must admit to being pleasantly surprised by this film. I'm not a fan of any of the three main character actors, and so didn't think I'd enjoy the film, but I'm glad that I was proved wrong. David Aames (Cruise) is a man who you both enjoy and despair of in equal measure. His hedonistic life comes to a crashing halt when a casual fling goes tragically wrong. He is forced to live with the fact that not only did his friend die, but he also has to come to terms with major facial disfigurment, while at the same time trying to hold on to a love he has only just found, and keep his sanity - a battle he looks like losing. Watching his world fall apart around him was mesmerising. Discovering the option he took to survive his situation is the fascinating finale to the film. I won't give it away - I would seriously reccomend this film.

Huh?

Wow, what an odd film. If you are planning on watching this film on the strength of the trailer (as we did) then beware... the trailer is very, VERY misleading.

I can't say that I enjoyed this film but I did watch it all the way to the end... I had to, I wanted to know what was going on.

Odd film. Odd. Odd. Odd.

Watched again and again and again.....

Vanilla Sky is one of those films where the more you watch it the more you get from it. I wasn't gone on it the first time round but after further viewing (and shedding few tears every time) I love it - it is a film with lots of things going on, showing the extent to which a single moment can make a person view their whole world in a different manner but also how easy it is to slip and make mistakes that cost us so much. Look beyond the who the actors are and this is a fantastic film that holds much symbolism and suggestion.

dreams and reality

in the midst of film, one wonders when the dream started and when reality ended but it becomes clearer. when u start thinking it becomes more confusing. the film is dark and interesting and the happenings could be the delusions of a man suffering headinjury. But an alternate explanation is given. Cameron Diaz suits the part perfectly. Penelope cruz is wooden and Tom Cruise is Tom Cruise, he doesnt play the part of an indulging rich brat.

watch it twice or watch it intently even the first time. its worth it.

Vanilla Sky: Open Your Eyes and Watch it Twice

Make sure you watch this film twice, and listen to the directors commentary. There are several interpretations about what has happened in the film and many visual clues that it is easy to miss. Not a film to cheer you up but it will make you think.

I would highly recommend renting the film and might buy a copy.

For people who have phobia of subtitles

This is an exact carbon copy of 'Open Your Eyes' (or 'Abre Los Ojos' to give it's correct Spanish title), except it is set in New York as opposed to Madrid. Otherwise it's exactly the same. If you want to view this film as it should be seen and don't mind subtitles then rent that one. The lovely Penelope gives a better performance in her mother tongue and Eduardo Noriega is better than Cruise.

Great movie!

I think it is one of the best films I have seen so far. Call me odd, call my strange - I don't care. The film is for people who love "being in the film" and who do know more about the power of the subconscious/unconscious. Great actors, great story, great movie!

Superb film.

Usually I hate the whole time shifting, intertwining of real and imaginary storylines, but for once I felt it really worked. The whole Diaz, Cruz, Cruise relationship thing is believable and importantly, very well acted.

Anyway, if you want to see a well made film with a confusing story that becomes clear at the end, watch this!

Interesting and strongly acted

The performance of the principles is excellent - and Cruz is intoxicating as Sofia. An interesting many layered plot that keeps you guessing until the end (no more can be said without spoilers).

Extra features are good and I recommend listening to the commentary. There is also a great photo gallery containing photos from scenes of the film and from production which is worth a look.

Hollywood has done a great job

Cruise is a playboy, a New York rich kid complete with a flat in the Dakota Building. The film revolves around his relationship with his best friend, his lover/sometime girlfriend and a new lady in his life. Matters are complicated by a car accident and, well, other complications.

It keeps you guessing and scratching your head until pretty much the conclusion. It’s also the sort of film you might like to re-watch once you know the ending - Fight Club style.

Really well complimented by its soundtrack, the film is stylish and well executed. It is somewhat let down when you realise it is also a near-frame by frame tribute of Spanish film “Open Your Eyes” also staring Penelope Cruz, in the same role.

However, this is one occasion where Hollywood has done a great job and this is, whilst a little channelling, is a good and well put together film, albeit with a perhaps somewhat dubious ending - though you can always make up your own and listen to Cameron Crowe’s commentary for other suggestions.