Eyes Wide Shut

Eyes Wide Shut

Year: 1999

Runtime: 159 min

Language: English

Director: Stanley Kubrick

DramaMysteryThrillerRomance

Following a disturbing encounter, a psychiatrist and his wife begin to question their marriage and explore the hidden secrets and desires within their sophisticated social circle. Their individual pursuits lead them down a dangerous path, exposing a clandestine world of masked orgy and psychological manipulation. The experience forces them to confront unsettling truths about themselves and the fragility of their relationship.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Christmas Season

Set during the Christmas season, the movie captures a festive yet eerie atmosphere as the celebratory events juxtapose the increasingly dark narrative. This period, often associated with joy and family, stands in stark contrast to the protagonists' internal conflicts and the lurking threats that emerge from beneath the surface. The Christmas backdrop emphasizes themes of intimacy and the human desire for connection, all while exploring darker societal truths.

Location

New York City

New York City serves as the urban backdrop for 'Eyes Wide Shut,' where the chaotic and vibrant life of the city contrasts with the dark undercurrents of human desire. Known for its cultural melting pot and bustling atmosphere, the city encapsulates the festive spirit of Christmas parties amidst a deeper exploration of secrecy and morality. The film also leads to a remote mansion, representing a divergence from urban life into a realm of shadowy rituals.

🏙️ City 🎄 Christmas 🏰 Mansion

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

Main Characters – Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Meet the key characters of Eyes Wide Shut (1999), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Bill Harford

Bill is a complex character grappling with issues of fidelity, desire, and jealousy. Portrayed as a successful doctor, he finds his seemingly perfect life unraveling as he explores the darker sides of intimacy and secrecy. His journey leads him through temptation and conflict, ultimately culminating in a confrontation with his own fears.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 💔 Infidelity 🌌 Exploration

Alice Harford

Alice embodies emotional depth and complexity, revealing her own desires and fantasies that challenge her relationship with Bill. Her candid discussion about her dream triggers Bill's insecurities, showcasing her role in the story as a catalyst for exploring intimacy and vulnerability. Alice's character highlights the yearning for connection amidst the chaos.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife 🌟 Intimacy 😕 Vulnerability

Victor Ziegler

Victor Ziegler is a wealthy and enigmatic figure who serves as a pivotal character in Bill's journey into the shadowy underbelly of desire and secrecy. His interactions with Bill reveal the dangerous consequences of curiosity and temptation, marking him as a symbol of societal corruption and power. Ziegler's dual nature as both host and puppet master creates a tension that drives the plot.

🏢 Wealth 🎩 Mystery 👀 Power

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

Major Themes – Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Explore the central themes of Eyes Wide Shut (1999), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔒 Secrecy

The theme of secrecy pervades the narrative, underscoring the hidden lives and desires of the characters. Bill's journey into a world of clandestine gatherings reveals the perilous nature of secrets that can shatter relationships. This theme raises questions about fidelity, trust, and the various masks individuals wear in society.

❤️ Desire

Desire manifests in multiple forms throughout the film, from Bill's conflicted feelings over Alice's fantasy to his encounters with various women that force him to confront his own yearnings. The exploration of desire serves as a catalyst for Bill's journey into emotional turmoil and self-discovery, revealing the darker aspects of longing and human connection.

🌪️ Jealousy

Jealousy acts as a significant driving force in the plot, particularly through Bill's reaction to Alice's fantasies. This emotion not only propels his actions but also exposes the vulnerabilities and insecurities within their relationship. As Bill navigates his feelings of jealousy, it becomes evident that this theme impacts their love and trust profoundly.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

Unlock the Full Story of Eyes Wide Shut

Don't stop at just watching — explore Eyes Wide Shut in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Eyes Wide Shut is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Eyes Wide Shut Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Eyes Wide Shut, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Eyes Wide Shut Summary

Eyes Wide Shut Timeline

Track the full timeline of Eyes Wide Shut with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Eyes Wide Shut Timeline

More About Eyes Wide Shut

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Eyes Wide Shut: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Eyes Wide Shut

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