Vanilla Sky (2001)

Hollywood remakes of European films have a poor reputation and many reviewers of Cameron Crowe’s Vanilla Sky have commented unfavourably when comparing this with its source film, “Open Your Eyes” by Spanish director Alejandro Amenabar. While it is arguable whether the remake or the original are better, judged on its own merits Vanilla Sky is a very good film.

The story centres on Tom Cruise’s character David Aames, a shallow but well-liked inheritor of his father’s publishing company. He seems to have the perfect life, especially when he meets the girl of his dreams, Sofia (played by Penelope Cruz) but after a car crash caused by his jealous ex-girlfriend he finds his life falling apart. From the beginning sequence, in which Cruise runs around an inexplicably deserted Times Square, it is obvious this is not a straightforward story. As the film progresses the distinction between fantasy and reality becomes increasingly blurred as Cruise starts to have delusions and then finds himself imprisoned for a horrific crime he can’t remember. Eventually it all comes to a surprisingly science-fiction oriented conclusion which neatly ties up all the loose ends. There are a couple of good scenes in the original film that are omitted here, but largely it sticks to the same plot. Arguably the New York setting and David Aames' character are more effective than their equivalents in the Spanish film.

The story might not be as complex as it could be, the exposition near the end removes a lot of the mystery and the film is rarely particularly subtle, but it’s still a lot more intelligent than the average Hollywood film. Cruise and Cruz are perfectly suited for their roles and Cameron Diaz gives a good (and unusual for her) performance as Cruise’s deranged ex-lover. The supporting actors give good performances as well, especially Kurt Russel, who gives an excellent performance as Cruise’s psychiatrist who is a world away from Russel’s normal action roles. Timothy Spall and Jason Lee play Cruise’s friends well, although Lee’s character could easily be mistaken from any of his previous roles in Kevin Smith’s movies. On the acting front the American cast is generally better than their counterparts in “Open Your Eyes”, with the possible exception of the main role, Noriega is a better actor than Cruise, although Cruise probably doesn't have too act too hard to play a wealthy and privileged role.

The direction is competent, if rarely spectacular outside of the opening Times Square sequence. The soundtrack provides a good selection of excellent songs which complement the movie well, the use of contemporary music as opposed to a traditional movie score is an unusual decision but it is effective.

Overall, this is a good, intelligent movie, even if it is falls just short of greatness. Hollywood could do with a lot more films like this.

Rating : 8 / 10

DVD Review (Region 1)

The DVD is disappointingly short on extras. The best feature is the commentary from director Cameron Crowe which points out many things of interest, but other than that there's only a couple of average featurettes and a trailer.

DVD Rating : 6 / 10

Click here to buy the DVD at Amazon.co.uk

Click here to buy the DVD of Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes)

All content ©2003 William Marnoch.

Comments? Agree/Disagree with the Reviews? Suggestions? Random Ramblings? Whatever you might want to say, feel free to e-mail me at william@wmarnoch.freeserve.co.uk .