Eyes Wide Shut

An excellent story combined with an equally excellent screenplay. Arthur Schnitzler must have been one of the finer writers of his time and the late Stanley Kubrick immortalizes the latter's genius through his screen adaptation. Although some says the movie version was overrated, I still believe that the production gave justice to what the story wants to tell -- the inner struggle of a husband and wife and their quest to test their fidelity to each other.

A lot of people are complaining that this isn't detailed enough to be a screenplay, etc. In reality, Kubrick's screenplays were practically transcripts with just enough description to get by. He did this purposely. Also, releasing a book with all the pieces of the script ever written would second guess Kubrick. If it wasn't in the movie, he didn't want it to be. He had final cut privledges and could leave in whatever he wanted. Be grateful he let out the screenplay or the novella (since he bought up every copy when he got the film rights in the 60s)

Like everyone else, I imagine I felt driven to acquire and read this book in the name of the forthcoming Stanley Kubrick movie. To hear such a genius refer so highly to a single work instills a deep desire to see for yourself. After finally landing a copy (without tossing too much from the old wallet), I completed the book in a near single sitting. Schnitzler's Rhapsody mesmerizes. He deftly tapped into the hidden desires and uncontrollable urges, thoughts and desires of us all. To want what we do not have; and when (or if) we seek that which is at most times forbidden - we find ourselves in an often worse position - showing us the damaging course our libidos and dark halves will send us upon. I found myself often times reading with a nervous, yet libidinously charged smile - feeling both the exhillaration and the utmost despair and hatred. The story of Fridolin is the experience which we all are capable of. It is indeed Rhapsody. A mere 5 stars is not enough for this tryst.

This is an incredible book. To read the original story, "Traumnovelle," is an enthralling experience. To think that it was written in 1926 adds to its mystique. The screenplay was worth looking at, though at times I felt it was more of a transcription than a screenplay. The narrative follows the final movie cut's directing instructions too closely, though there are some very minor deviations. I'd rather read the original script rather than a shooting script. The short story differs from the movie greatly. It a captivating read, and I can see why Stanley Kubrick spent most of his life wanting to see it on the screen. I think reading the short story gave me an appreciation of what Mr. Kubrick added to it to make it a remarkable film. The structure from the original story is vastly improved in that there is a confrontation of what the main character witnessed. In the short story, it is left up in the air as to the true nature of what he saw, with the strongest suggestion being that it was harmless debauchery of aristocrats. One aspect of the short story that was not explored (and thankfully so) in the movie was the main character's obsessive longings after extremely young women (including the young daughter of the rental costume owner). You'll have to see "American Beauty" for those scenes.

This edition includes the complete screenplay by Kubrick and Fredric Raphael (of "Darling" fame) and the Schnitzler novella "Traumnovelle" that was the movie's basis.Engrossing, titillating and ultimately haunting, it is a book to be savored and treasured for a long time to come. Includes 16 pages of photographs from the film.