Traumnovelle

Rhapsody is a quick read and one that creates an aura of delightful anticipation at a rapidly accelerating rate. I found a copy at a local University library-a tiny volume printed in 1927 by Alfred Knopf. I am a diehard Kubrick fan and was thrilled as I turned each page and recognized many scenes seen in the Eyes Wide Shut promo. Leelee Sobrieski's film character in the carnival shop must be the somewhat deranged adolescent kept by the sinister costumer. (This character is never thoroughly explained- indeed this level of teasing ambiguity is what makes Schnitzler's narrative so compelling.) After all the hullabaloo concerning the "supposed" cross-dressing and drug-use in the film, I was pleased to find that Rhapsody is all dark undercurrent and dancing shadows. There are real moments of danger and sexual angst to be sure, but it's so subtle it hurts. The original title Dream Novel is apt- the protagonist's adventures happen within the space of night and the following day. As he journeys through the town in the afternoon glare he begins to doubt that any of the peculiar and frightening things he's been a part of could actually have happened. He strives to understand his relationship to these experiences in a rational way- to no avail. Get the book! It's scintillating and sharp leaving lots to the imagination and plenty of leeway to interpret the characters motives.I know that Kubrick (who talked about creating a Schnitzler-based film as long ago as the 1960's) has done the story justice. I can hardly wait for July 16th!

This novella has a beatiful "light at the end of the tunnel" story to it. With beautiful surreal setting that make a story wonderful, and provides the perfect imagery from Europe during the day. Kubrick picked a great book to paint a picture for. Cruise and Kidman better not screw it up.

Arthur Schnitzler's "Dream Story", is a psychological novel which explores the relation of dreams and fantasies to reality. The principle characters, Fridolin and Albertina, are a happily married couple who confess their sexual might-have -beens to one another. However, whether or not the events are reality or merely dreams is not known. The book puts it this way, "no dream is entirely a dream." This book was optioned by film director Stanley Kubrick, director of "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "A Clockwork Orange", and is being filmed under the title, "Eyes Wide Shut". Kubrick described the book this way, "It explores the sexual ambivalence of a happy marriage and tries to equate the inportance of sexual dreams and might-have-beens with reality."