The ending of Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut sees Dr. Bill Harford (Tom Cruise) confessing his fantasies and near-infidelity to his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), who reciprocates with her own unsettling admission. Ultimately, they decide to prioritize their marriage and family, but the film concludes with a lingering sense of uncertainty and the ambiguous command, “We have to fuck.”
The Final Scene: Reconciliation or a Precarious Truce?
The final scene of Eyes Wide Shut takes place in a toy store, filled with the innocent joy of Christmas. Bill and Alice are shopping for their daughter, Helena. This setting ironically juxtaposes the film’s dark, sexually charged undercurrents. Bill recounts the harrowing events of the previous nights: his infiltration of the secret society’s masked orgy, his narrow escape from potential danger, and the mysterious death of Amanda Curran, the woman who seemingly sacrificed herself to protect him.
Alice, in turn, reveals a significant dream she had the previous year, about having an affair with a naval officer. This revelation mirrors Bill’s own emotional turmoil and demonstrates the potential for infidelity within their seemingly stable marriage.
The conversation culminates in a discussion about the fragility of marriage and the importance of forgiveness. Bill expresses his commitment to rebuilding their relationship, emphasizing the need to appreciate the present moment. Alice, however, delivers the film’s chilling final line: “We have to fuck.” This seemingly simple statement is loaded with ambiguity. Does it signify a genuine desire to reconnect intimately and reaffirm their commitment? Or does it represent a forced attempt to paper over the deep-seated issues that have been exposed, a desperate attempt to maintain the facade of a happy marriage? The film offers no definitive answer, leaving the audience to contemplate the unsettling truth that even the most committed relationships can be built on a foundation of secrets, desires, and repressed anxieties.
Unpacking the Meaning: Themes of Trust, Fear, and Sexual Obsession
The ending of Eyes Wide Shut is not a neat resolution but rather a deliberate provocation. Kubrick masterfully uses ambiguity to explore complex themes of trust, fear, and sexual obsession. The film suggests that even in seemingly idyllic relationships, there exists a hidden world of fantasies, desires, and potential betrayals.
The Power of Illusion
The film consistently challenges the audience’s perception of reality. Bill’s journey into the secret society is a descent into a world of masks, rituals, and concealed identities. This experience forces him to confront the illusion of control he thought he had over his life and his marriage. The ending reinforces this theme, suggesting that the image of a happy family is just another mask, concealing the underlying complexities and vulnerabilities.
The Fragility of Marriage
Eyes Wide Shut is a powerful exploration of the fragility of marriage. The film demonstrates how easily trust can be eroded by jealousy, suspicion, and unfulfilled desires. Bill and Alice’s experiences force them to confront the uncomfortable truths about their relationship and the potential for infidelity that exists within themselves. The ending offers no easy answers, suggesting that rebuilding trust requires constant effort and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities.
The Shadow Side of Desire
The film delves into the darker aspects of human desire, exploring the allure of forbidden pleasures and the consequences of indulging in one’s fantasies. Bill’s journey into the secret society exposes him to a world of unchecked sexual indulgence, forcing him to confront his own repressed desires. The ending suggests that these desires, even when suppressed, can have a profound impact on relationships and individual well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of the toy store setting in the final scene?
The toy store provides a stark contrast to the adult themes of the film. The innocence of childhood is juxtaposed with the mature and often dark subject matter, highlighting the loss of innocence and the complexities of adult relationships. It also reminds the audience of the Harfords’ daughter, Helena, and their responsibility to protect her from the unsettling realities they have been grappling with.
Why does Alice say, “We have to fuck”?
This line is deliberately ambiguous. It could represent a genuine desire to reconnect sexually and reaffirm their commitment, but it could also be a forced attempt to paper over the cracks in their relationship. The lack of a clear answer forces the audience to confront the uncertainties and complexities of marriage. It suggests that even after all that has transpired, the road to genuine reconciliation is long and uncertain.
What happened to Amanda Curran?
Amanda Curran, the prostitute who seemingly sacrificed herself to protect Bill, is found dead. The film implies that she was murdered by members of the secret society to silence her and prevent Bill from revealing their secrets. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of delving into the unknown.
Did Bill actually have sex with anyone during his night of wandering?
The film never explicitly confirms whether Bill had sex with anyone. He comes close on several occasions, particularly with Domino, the prostitute, but is ultimately interrupted each time. This ambiguity reinforces the film’s theme of near-infidelity and the power of fantasy.
What is the significance of the masks worn at the orgy?
The masks symbolize anonymity and the shedding of societal inhibitions. They allow the participants to engage in sexual acts without fear of judgment or consequence. They also represent the hidden identities and secrets that exist within society.
What is the role of the secret society in the film?
The secret society represents the hidden power structures and decadent practices of the wealthy elite. It serves as a symbol of the dark underbelly of society, where morality is often sacrificed for pleasure and control. It also demonstrates the dangers of power and the potential for corruption.
Is Eyes Wide Shut a Christmas movie?
While the film is set during Christmas time, it is not a traditional Christmas movie. The festive setting serves as a backdrop to the film’s dark and unsettling themes, creating a sense of ironic contrast. The juxtaposition of holiday cheer and marital discord enhances the film’s overall impact.
What is the meaning of the film’s title?
The title Eyes Wide Shut refers to the characters’ willful blindness to the truths about themselves and their relationship. They choose to ignore the underlying tensions and repressed desires that threaten to unravel their marriage.
How does Eyes Wide Shut relate to Arthur Schnitzler’s Dream Story?
Eyes Wide Shut is loosely based on Arthur Schnitzler’s novella Dream Story. The film adapts the novella’s central plot, exploring themes of marital infidelity, sexual fantasies, and the blurring of reality and dreams. However, Kubrick made significant changes to the story, adding elements of conspiracy and exploring the darker aspects of American society.
What is Kubrick trying to say about marriage and relationships?
Kubrick is suggesting that marriage is a complex and fragile institution built on a foundation of trust, compromise, and communication. He is highlighting the potential for infidelity and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths in order to maintain a healthy relationship. He challenges the idealized image of marriage often portrayed in popular culture, presenting a more realistic and nuanced perspective.
What makes Eyes Wide Shut such a controversial film?
The film’s explicit sexual content, its exploration of taboo subjects, and its ambiguous ending have all contributed to its controversial reputation. Some critics have praised the film for its unflinching portrayal of human desire and its exploration of complex themes, while others have criticized it for its cold and detached style.
What is the lasting impact of Eyes Wide Shut?
Eyes Wide Shut continues to be a subject of discussion and debate among film critics and audiences alike. Its exploration of complex themes, its ambiguous ending, and its unique visual style have cemented its place as a landmark film in cinematic history. It continues to provoke thought and discussion about the nature of marriage, desire, and the hidden realities of modern society. Its influence can be seen in countless films that followed, exploring similar themes of marital discord and sexual exploration.