[.ca] Vanilla Sky (Widescreen)

Look Closer:
A lot of folks didn't get this movie, or at least could not relate to it. But it's not all too difficult a thing to understand. This movie is a great mind-trip, entertaining at that. It is acted well, it is shot well, it has a great blend of real-time action and surrealism and a phenomenal soundtrack. But it all really is quite powerful if you get through its surface. It challenges you to ask yourself what reality is, what happiness is, what the difference between meaning and superficiality is and how your mind truly does control the universe around you. Well I saw all that in it anyhow. And yes, one more time, the soundtrack is phenomenal. I do believe this is one of Cruise's best films. He took the sane-guy gone mad role a little too seriously in life, but here it shines along with a stellar supporting role from Jason Lee. Check it out.

An amazing film that could have been stellar:
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

IF YOU LIKE PLOT TWISTS YOU WILL LIKE THIS MOVIE.:
"Vanilla Sky" is a remake of the Spanish film "Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes)", and if you have seen the original film, you know that "Vanilla Sky" was made almost in the same way, but there a few key differences. The camera angles, the plot and most of scenes are almost the same in both movies, but "Vanilla Sky" uses a different music, this movie has a rock-oriented music score. Also, the character played by Cameron Diaz is an improvement over the original character, because Cameron adds more depth with her performance. Of course, since "Vanilla Sky" is a Hollywood movie, the visual effects and the budget are bigger this time. "Vanilla Sky" offers a lot of plot twists, so the first screening might be mind-blowing to some viewers, if you like simple plots perhaps "Vanilla Sky" is not your movie. But if you like to be tricked with the characters and the plot, this film is for you. "Vanilla Sky" plays with the time, the movie goes back and forth between past and present, and sometimes you don't know if some events really happened or if the main character is just having a nightmare. The cast in "Vanilla Sky" is very interesting: Tom Cruise is David, the main character, and Cruise gave one of his most inspired performances in recent years. Cameron Diaz is outstanding as Julie, she improved the character from "Open Your Eyes". Penelope Cruz plays exactly the same role, yes, the same role in both movies, one might think that she would improve her performance this time, but nop, she reprises her role step by step. Jason Lee plays Brian, the best friend of David, and he does a good job here, he adds sympathy and charm to his character. Kurt Russell plays McCabe, the psychiatrist that tries to solve the puzzle. "Vanilla Sky" is an effective thriller, packed with plot twists and good music, if you like this movie, I strongly recommend you to see the original film "Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes)", you might find that both films share similarities, but they are different movie experiences.

Don't Rent this movie:
This movie is a horrible movie. It makes no sense. just when you think you are getting it, it all of the sudden takes a twist in a whole new direction. Horrible movie.

Another Cruise Catastrophe:
This film stars Tom Cruise. Sadly, that statement condemns the watcher to over two hours of flat characterisation, empty purpose and hollow feelings. Tom Cruise plays himself admirably. He dare attempt no other role. The casting deprives a powerful story of its fundamental strength. The perceptive viewer will quickly realise that this plot is rich with promise, a covenant emptied of its worth by the inadequacy of its lead actor. The story, opening with the hackneyed depiction of sex, money and power, soon enters a new realm of fantasy. The issue of "what is real?", reduced to a trance state from overuse, is here granted a fine resurrection. The surprise is its mechanism. The story of a "poor little rich kid" seems, initially, too weary to endure again. Inheriting a publishing house, a New York apartment and a resentment toward his departed father, David Ames has no aims. His sole relationship with the company is an ongoing battle with the Board of Directors for control. The control isn't rooted in how the business is run - it seems to run itself. It's a personality clash - with seven people collectively having less personality than Cruise. How is that possible? David has a stable of ready women, as any rich pretty boy should. Notable among them is Julie - Cameron Diaz, whose sensuality is somehow actually enhanced in this film. How is that possible? David has another stable - his friends. This one contains but one resident - a stereotype struggling writer doing a fictional autobiography. Which is possible to the point of saturation. This scenario promises the ennui of a George Sanders film until David encounters Sofia. Played by Penelope Cruz, Sofia vacillates between repelling David's advances and enticing him on. The first encounter lasts the entire night. David emerges from Sofia's apartment to be confronted by Julie. The result of this encounter initiates the film's departure from stereotype. Julie, challenging David's flighty notions of committment, leads them to an act of mutual destruction. Or does it? Something goes awry and David is being interviewed by a psychiatrist. This interaction becomes the basis of the story as David struggles to detail the events of his life leading to horrible disfigurement, emotional conflicts over his women, his friend and his inheritance. David may have murdered somebody, but the victim isn't identified and the circumstances defy definition. The resolution shows why this film could have been a masterpiece. Crowe's struggles to retain the power of the original story are Herculean, but simply undercut by Cruise's insistence on playing the lead. I would have preferred George Sanders. There is evidence of Crowe's abilities in the other roles. Cameron Diaz brings a fresh intensity to her depiction of the rejected suitor. She's not just a gold-seeker - David is a real person to her \oobviously surpassing our perception\c. Penelope Cruz possesses all the grace and dignity you would expect of a ballerina. She handles every scene with finesse. The real standout here is Kurt Russell as the psychologist. In their exchanges, Russell is drawn in by both David's personality and the bizarre condition he suffers - the wearing of a latex face mask to conceal his scars. It's tempting to say Cruise is at his best behind a mask, but we'll forebear. \ostephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada\c