As you can see from the customer reviews bouncing between loving and hating this movie, it is not for everyone.
The first time I saw this movie in the theater I was unable to move when it was over. I was utterly stunned. I can count on one hand the times this has happened to me over a lifetime of movie viewing.
Tom Cruise plays David Aames, a rich young man who has inherited a publishing empire from his late father. Cameron Diaz is the girlfriend he really doesn't care about, and Jason Lee plays his best (and perhaps only) friend. Aames is utterly disconnected from his own life, and seems to care little about anything. One night his friend (Lee) brings an intriguing dancer (Penelope Cruz) to his birthday party. Cruise takes up with Cruz, but then experiences a waking nightmare that destroys his life. I can't reveal more of the plot without giving it away, and I suggest you NOT read any more reviews of this film and just see it--otherwise you'll deprive yourself of one incredible movie ride.
This movie is visually spectacular. There are scenes that set off the dive klaxon deep within my brain but I couldn't figure out why until much later in the film when the plot is revealed. What is this film? Science fiction? Yes, but... A psychological thriller? Yes, but... A love story? Yes, ultimately.
It's better not to categorize Vanilla Sky, and just enjoy (or not enjoy) it. I think this movie either works on you, or it doesn't. And this is probably the most polarizing movie I have ever seen. You'll either love it or hate it.
Jason Lee and Cameron Diaz give the performances of their careers. I would have said the same of Cruise, but then he uncorked Collateral. Kurt Russell has a relatively small part as Cruise's psychologist, but he nails it perfectly.
Vanilla Sky is based on Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar's Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes). I liked Vanilla Sky a lot more than Abre Los Ojos, unlike most American remakes of foreign films, because it contains additional scenes and more spectacular visuals. However, an English-only speaker like me can't really make a fair comparision because there are so many subtitles to watch in Abre Los Ojos it makes it hard to watch the actors. Penelope Cruz plays the same role in both films.
The real value of this film is that it makes you think about what (and more importantly, who) is at the core of your own life, and how will you feel about how you have lived when the clock runs out?
Vanilla Sky is a rare movie--unique in plot, and made with passion and care. I can't guarantee you'll like it, but there is no other movie more worth taking a chance on. Vanilla Sky
hmm...I wonder what makes all these people say that Vanilla Sky was a horrible movie? Perhaps it's the fact that they did not or could not understand the film. I own Vanilla Sky and Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes) and i must say that Vanilla Sky lived up to, and went beyond all expectations. If you've seen Abre, then I would highly recommend seeing Vanilla Sky. The acting in Abre was great, but the cinematography of Vanilla was even better. Intriguing film that will have you scratching your head until the very end. A definite MUST SEE!
This is not coming from a random person without knowledge of the movie industry. I am a huge movie fan. I see nearly 50 movies a year in theaters, most likely more. I own nearly 1000 DVDs. With all of these movies I've seen and own, Vanilla Sky is my favorite. It contains anything any moviegoer would want-suspense, romance, action, comedy, and science fiction. Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz have excellent chemistry. The story rapidly changes from a love story to a science fiction drama. It confuses and entertains the viewer. It make syou think and that is always admirable. Overall, I LOVE IT!
This movie is one of the most brilliant movie's ever made. When I first viewed this movie I was in Gr 11 highschool and going down the wrong path in life. This movie hammered in the moral of the story harder than any story I have ever heard. It colourfully illustrates the fact that people make choices in life that have consequences. In this case, mr cruise gets in the car with cameron's character. This choice caused him great consequences. I really related to this movie and it hit me so hard that I cried myself to sleep that night after watching it. But it was so great, it felt as though I had an epiphony. Cheesy as that may sound, its like a door in my mind had just been blown open and I knew exactly how I wanted to live my life. How I treated people, the choices I would make...it all made sense. And for that, this is my favorite movie of all time. It saved me.
This is a great movie. I don't see how people could not like this movie and all of the questions it leads you to ponder about the nature of reality and life and death and love and treating people with respect instead of this using them for your own ends. And Cameron Crowe brings just enough spaciness to the film to make you feel like the Tom Cruise character and feel like you're lost in his dream life that's slowly starting to turn into a nightmare. It is a great movie that will entertain you and make you think. I've seen this and the original, and as good as the original is I have to say that this is a superior movie as far as my tastes go. The original is more of a thriller in tone despite just about the same plot and dialogue, while Vanilla Sky wants to move beyond the original's stab at philosopy and really make you think about the nature of reality. And to top it off is Crowe's ususal brilliant use of music throughout the film that really helps to nail scenes and give them much more of an impact.
I have watched Vanilla Sky three times now, and every time it has left me powerfully affected. It deals with many topics that interest me, particularly the study of dreams vs. reality, and the nature of relationships, and love. There is much that is very good about it, however it contains one major flaw that prevents it from being truly great. The acting, is overall top notch. Jason Lee turns in yet again another stellar supporting role; he radiates charisma in this performance, and fits the role given perfectly. Cameron Diaz is a fine choice for Julianna, she brings an almost maniacal sense of urgency to her character that was both disturbing and complusively watchable; she simply looks amazing on film. Tom Cruise performs more than adaquetly as well, and perhaps the greatest kudos must be given to Penelope Cruz, who simply lights up the screen here. Her charisma is unmistakable, and she infuses this film with life and vibrancy. This is a film with many powerful images, be it the gorgeous vanilla skies that soar over New York within the dream, or the (SPOILER) unforgettable image of Cruise's David Aames waving farewell to his disfigured reflection in the mirror. It entices in the first viewing, draws you in irresistably, and apon further viewings still moves with great pacing, and many subtle clues and hints can be found that help the viewer understand the nature of David Aame's reality. My only real complaint is that Cameron Crowe for some inexplicable reason (though it certainly must have been because of confused test audiencies, those who this film is not intended for anyway) chose to come out at the end of the film and blatantly reveal all of the films secrets and twists; he talks to the viewer as if we were 5 years old and need him to hold our hand. This film could have been very similar in nature to, and even rivaled Lynch's masterpiece Mulholland Drive had Crowe not chosen to do so, and it is very disappointing that he did in fact choose to do so. But this aside, the film is very compelling and often powerful. I still love the questions it raises concerning love (if his love with Sofia wasnt "real", than does it still have meaning?), and the image of "I will find you in another life, when we are both cats" that so powerfully emphasizes the power that love can have, and the joy and awe surrounding that human emotion. For a similar image look in the closing chapters of the novel The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman. But i digress. This film is solid, even coming from hollywood, and with big name stars attached. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who is willing to be challenged slightly by the film they watch, and those who love to be moved.Highly Recommended - Thriller - Movie - Science Fiction - Penelope Cruz'
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