“Eyes Wide Shut” is an adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s 1926 novella of the same title. The film featured a then-married couple, which further increased interest in the project. The film tells the story of a doctor who sets off on a surreal night journey, participating in a mysterious sexual ritual in an isolated mansion. The film’s plot is as interesting as what happened around it. To this day, many theories have been created about him, and it all started with the director’s death.
Kubrick’s death, which occurred 6 days after the screening of the Warner Bros. film, quickly became fodder for conspiracy theories. The director, who was 70, died of a heart attack, but many suggested it was his death could have been the result of poisoning – a way that was related to the theme of the film. The fact that Kubrick died exactly 666 days before 2001 also adds to the concern – that is, the date of the action in his legendary production “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
Theories about the film
One of the most disturbing theories suggests that Kubrick was murdered by the secret organizations he allegedly exposed in the film. These organizations, supposedly wielding enormous financial power and influence, they may have wanted to silence the director.
Additionally, there is a myth that a 400-minute version of the film was to be shown only to Kubrick’s closest collaborators. Although this is probably just a legend, it fuels curiosity and controversy, suggesting that the director could have hidden even more scandalous content.
Other conspiracy theories point to the possibility that the film was altered after Kubrick’s death to hide some of the more controversial scenes or threads that might point too directly to real people or organizations. Although Kubrick’s close associates deny that any significant changes took place, some critics and fans still speculate about which may have been removed from the final version of the film.
In the context of revealed sex scandals among the elite, such as the scandals of , these theories gain strength. Comparisons between the fictional orgies in the film and real events that took place among the high social class lead to the conclusion that Kubrick may have actually had knowledge of the dark side of the eliteswhich could have been a motive to silence him.
Abigail Good and Tom Cruise in ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ dir. Stanley Kubrick, prod. Warner Bros.
Film legacy
The film is filled with symbolism and hidden meanings that are still the subject of analysis and discussion today. Scenes showing masks and sexual orgies can be interpreted as a metaphor for falsehood and concealment of true intentions by high society people.
Today, Eyes Wide Shut is considered one of Kubrick’s most controversial and fascinating works. The film gained importance especially after sexual scandals in high society were revealedwhich makes his message seem more relevant than ever.
Source: Gazeta

Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.