Eyes Wide Shut: A Screenplay (Paperback)

~ Stanley Kubrick (Author), Frederic Raphael (Author), Arthur Schnitzler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Dream Story...is a sensual tale that explores the subconscious, forbidden desires of a husband and wife, in both their dreams and fantasies and their increasingly daring sexual adventures. Ahead of its time and marked by the deep influence of the author's contemporary, Sigmund Freud, Schnitzler's novel has become a modernist classic. In this volume the original story's themes of depravity and the elusive ambiguity of dream and reality can be compared to Kubrick's own transforming vision -- in the film that has become the culminating achievement of his career...

Product Details

• Paperback: 281 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books (August 9, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446676322
• ISBN-13: 978-0446676328
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #304,353 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a page turner, November 21, 1999

By	Bull Durham (United States) - See all my reviews

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Soomewhat interesting read for those who liked the movie, January 3, 2002

By	Derek G (Redneck, South Carolina) - See all my reviews

I found it particularly interesting that Kubrick's very adult final movie was based on a short story written back in 1926. Kubrick fans know his movies are full of interesting camera angles and great characters, but underlying all his movies are a combination of temptation and agony. He was a master of titillating the senses and arousing curiousity but not quite giving you what you wanted to see. I was a little surprised, then, when his final movie seemed to leave little to the imagination.

I was surprised by the other reviews on this site that claimed the original story was overly risque. While the story was similar in concept, I found it rather tame compared to the movie. One reviewer said the main character had an infatuation with underage minors. Were we reading the same story here?

I enjoyed the movie but critics complain the movie was too focused on overt sexuality and shock value. Perhaps that's true. It's unlike his previous works which left more to interpretation of the viewer. I do agree that Kubrick attempted to solve the mysteries that were left unanswered in the story. I believe the movie would've received higher acclaim if he remained focused on the tension regarding the affairs of the heart.

One final note, as another reviewer noted, the screenplay differs from the final work. As he/she correctly pointed out, many of Kubrick's works were written "on the fly" as additional ideas and modifications to the original script were incorporated during production.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Rhapsody, December 9, 1999

By	"goodbooksreviewed" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

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.