Director Cameron Crowe (JERRY MAGUIRE, ALMOST FAMOUS) teams up with Tom Cruise once again in an adaptation of Alejandro Amenabar's 1997 Spanish film OPEN YOUR EYES. Cruise plays David Aames, a playboy publisher leading a seemingly charmed life. His most recent playmate is his "friend" Julie Gianni (Cameron Diaz), who cares for David more than he realizes. When David meets the fetching Sofia Serrano (Penélope Cruz) at his birthday party, he awakens to the possibility of what true love can feel like, leaving Julie distraught. However, after an accident that changes David's life, he is forced to rethink his choices. This psychological thriller becomes roller coaster ride of flashbacks as David tries to make sense of all that has happened, relaying some surreal experiences to a psychiatrist (Kurt Russell) after being charged with murder. The film's message may differ for each viewer, but it does make one bold point: every action has consequences.
Crowe gets exceptional performances from Cruise, Cruz, and Diaz and the alluring pop soundtrack features songs from REM, Radiohead, Bob Dylan, and Peter Gabriel. Amazingly, the scene of Cruise running through a completely empty Times Square was shot on location, a major feat in and of itself.
Theatrical Release: DECEMBER 14, 2001
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 1.78
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - 1. Cameron Crowe - Director, Tom Cruise - Star, Nancy Wilson - Composer
Trailer - 1. Theatrical
2. Never-Before-Seen Teaser
Featurette - 1. PRELUDE TO A DREAM (6 mins.)
2. HITTING IT HARD (10 mins.)
Music Video - 1. Leftfield/Afrika Bambaataa - "Africa Shox"
Interview With Paul McCartney (Title Song Composer)
Gag Reel
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Selection
Text/Photo Galleries:
Photo Gallery with Audio Introduction by Photographer Neal Preston
Stars
Tom Cruise: American Actor, RISKY BUSINESS, EYES WIDE SHUT
Penélope Cruz: Spanish actress, VOLVER
Cameron Diaz: American Actress/THE MASK
Jason Lee: American actor, MALLRATS/My Name is Earl
Kurt Russell: American Actor, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (1981)
Tilda Swinton: Oscar winning British actress, MICHAEL CLAYTON
Noah Taylor: Australian Actor/"Flirting"
Alicia Witt: Actress/"Fun"
Johnny Galecki: American Actor, formerly on "Roseanne"
Timothy Spall: British Actor, TOPSY-TURVY (1999)
Director
Cameron Crowe: Screenwriter, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982)
Producer
Tom Cruise: American Actor, RISKY BUSINESS, EYES WIDE SHUT
Paula Wagner: Producer
Screenwriter
Cameron Crowe: Screenwriter, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982)
Alejandro Amenábar: Spanish director
Mateo Gil: Screenwriter, VANILLA SKY (2001)
Cameo
Steven Spielberg: Director/Producer/Screenwriter
Director of Photography
John Toll:
Review 1:
"...Mr. Cruise so dominates the film with his taut, intensely focused drive that VANILLA SKY takes on an autobiographical resonance..."
Source: New York Times
p.E28 12/14/2001
Review 2:
"...Strikingly well-made....The picture has vitality, a fine cast and excellent craft..."
Source: Variety
p.32 12/10/2001
Review 3:
"...Every bet as strange and creepily effective as the original..."
Source: Box Office
p.60 02/01/2002
Review 4:
"...Crowe's version is lustrously well textured, impeccably produced....Engrossing..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.63-4 02/01/2002
Review 5:
"...[Featuring] strong performances....[An] effective drama..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.6 01/27/2002