Three Eyes Wide Shut (2001) User Reviews

Not for all Kubrick fans

[e-ticket · 9/10 · 14 December 2020]

Like most of us here, I found this hidden gem while looking for material related to Kubrick's finals opus, the sexual psycho-drama Eyes Wide Shut. Imagine my excitement when I discovered what I assumed was a sequel! I quickly became apprehensive, however, upon learning the cast was made up entirely of minors. I needn't have worried, as the film is both absolutely stunning and (thankfully) chaste.

It can best be described as a tribute to the Kubrick oeuvre. The alien character is a clear homage to 2001, while the cowboy harkens back to the character of Cowboy from Full Metal Jacket, though with a more youthful flair (perhaps a commentary on what one loses in war?). I won't spoil anything here, but trust me when I say this film is a thrill-a-minute rollercoaster that leaves one feeling as if your very soul has been hugged by Allah.

I docked it one star because the director (who has a Hitchcockian cameo) unfortunately looks shockingly like notorious woman-beater Shia Labeouf. It's not his fault, but Lewis Stevens may want get cosmetic surgery or something, because I doubt anyone will be able to look at him without thinking of domestic violence.

Watch it more than once

[goolizap · 10/10 · 13 February 2018]

I actually watched this film when it debuted at the Sacramento Young People's Film Festival back in 2001. It was a sight to see to say the least. The whole audience was confused about why the same person was playing both roles. Nonetheless, they still loved it. It had them in tears laughing.

Watching it some 15+ years later, I can still laugh, but now also see the vision that Stevens had. The narrative may sag at times and the script is a little porous, but what makes a film truly good is its closeness to the filmmaker's vision. The true message of this movie is being an outsider, yet wanting desperately to be accepted by your peers. I don't know many films that can make us laugh and still give us such a deep message portrayed in such an earnest way. Almost as though the filmmaker was going through the same things as the characters in the movie.

Three Eyes Wide Shut is exactly what Stevens intended to make. He went through some rough patches, but what came out was a perfect masterpiece AND a beautiful mess all at the same time.

Timeless

[sswenton · 10/10 · 31 January 2021]

Completely changed how I watched films. Inspiring and compelling.

A Film that Transcends Time

[aprilcoxguitar · 10/10 · 9 May 2021]

A tale of love, loss and alienation. Made on a small budget of $10 (source needed), up-and-coming director Louis Stevens shot this on a modest video8 camcorder belonging to his father, but don't let that dissuade you from watching! You'll laugh, cry, and ponder your way through this allegorical story. A must watch!

Genius!

[dino-43055 · 10/10 · 28 February 2020]

Two and a half minutes that changed my life. I'll never date a woman again with less than three eyes!

So Moving

[cardiolob · 10/10 · 13 July 2020]

The set design, the effects, the SIDEBURNS! It all was visually stunning and an original take on a "forbidden love story" plot. Tears were had!

It's pretty bad.

[DigitalBritt · 4/10 · 3 February 2018]

I give the kid credit for attempting to make a movie with a message (feeling like an outsider) but everything gets a little lost in translation. From the cheap sets to the clunky dialogue and the fact that the cast reportedly quit towards the end of production and Louis (the writer/director) was left to play all the parts himself. You can clearly tell that it's the same person playing two roles. It probably deserves 1 star but I'm feeling generous today.

Three Thumbs Wide Down

[PhilG92 · 1/10 · 7 March 2020]

"Recorded with a frame rate of 30-gaffs-per-second, rookie director Louis Stevens churns out an insultingly clunky movie that would send an entire caravan of three-eyed aliens to the exits."

--- Artie Ryan, Interim Entertainment Beat, Wombat Report

FULL REVIEW:

When Ren Stevens asked me to write movie reviews in Ruby Mandel's stead, I was admittedly excited! Having torn my rotator cuff in last year's Shot Put finals, I needed something to fill the Wexler-sized hole in my heart (and schedule). So, with an open mind, two eyes, and a big bucket of popcorn, I dove in head first with the re-release of Louis Stevens' romantic comedy, "Three Eyes Wide Shut."

"Eyes Wide" has a couple things going for it. One, it is the film debut of Tawny Dean ("A Long Wait for Freedom") and Alan Twitty ("Sacramento Girl"). Perhaps more noteworthy, though, is that world-renowned rockumentary filmmaker Thomas Gribalski served as Louis Stevens' production assistant! Unfortunately, not even he could save this sinking spaceship.

The first thing you notice is the budget. Recorded on a JC Penny camcorder with a frame rate of 30-gaffs-per-second, the film's rookie director Louis Stevens churns out an insultingly clunky movie that would send an entire caravan of three-eyed aliens to the exits. Look, it's understandable that a teenager would not have the resources to record on, say, 35 mm film. However, it's not as easy to forgive the sound of lawn-mowers in the background. There are several continuity errors, most noticeably the absence of the film's stars towards the end of the picture. Stevens himself is clearly playing both roles during the climax. Does he take the audience for fools? Maybe these gaffs are an effort to distract us from the fact that this radio-active piece of space garbage is only 45 seconds long. But I digress.

Louis has a bright future. This is a young man who rigged a stuffed squirrel to fly for crying out loud! It would behoove Louis to gravitate towards areas he can thrive and leave directing to the big dogs.

Three Thumbs Wide Down. Save your money.

By the Way, when Ruby returns I will be writing my own column; Artie Ryan and My Funky Takes. Promotional material is available on my website, if you want some.

VIVID Emotions Portrayed with cardboard cutouts

[popculturegeists · 3/10 · 27 February 2020]

I kind of agree with Tawny, the movie made me feel emotions for Louis and his need for constant acceptance of others. You can see this portrayed on the screen through the "amazing" visual effects and honest performance from Louis Stevens. I'm sensing some, Charlie Chaplin vibes from this kid! I hope he keeps making movies!