The Inner Layer

The film can be dissected into three primary layers: the overarching narrative, its visual style, and the symbolic elements. The latter is frequently overlooked, yet it is essential for a full appreciation of the film.

For those willing to engage with its deeper meanings through repeated viewings and supplementary research, Eyes Wide Shut emerges as a strong contender for Kubrick's ultimate masterpiece.

Beyond being visually stunning with a gripping storyline, the film offers a profound exploration of the occult, arguably more than any other film. This article aims to highlight significant aspects of its mystical undertones as a springboard for further investigation.

At its core, the film transcends fantasy; it reflects reality. It draws on direct connections to contemporary culture, reminding us of its thematic essence. The details are too intricate for one to uncover without reliance on cultural knowledge and context.

The narrative engages with societal dynamics, illustrating how various cultural elements intersect. This article is a result of both individual intuition and collective analysis of the film.

The Pentagram

The image above, featuring a pentagram, was omitted from the final cut of the film. Given that Kubrick passed away before completing Eyes Wide Shut, it’s conceivable that this scene could have made it into the release. The inverted pentagram, prominently associated with the occult, is seen in this context.

Historically, this symbol has roots in both paganism and Christianity, and exploring its various associations is a complex journey.

For the purposes of the film, it serves as a universal clue, akin to many other symbols within the narrative (including the visible fertility octagrams at the party), hinting at deeper meanings woven throughout. It signals the audience to delve deeper and make connections.

Kubrick's meticulous use of symbolism persists even in the scenes that were cut. Editing decisions were challenging, as the film's two-and-a-half-hour runtime feels shorter due to its masterful pacing. The film itself acts as an archetypal spell of captivating, sensory enchantment.

The Skull and Bones

In the image, the group that confronts Harford on the street, hurling slurs, is identified as Yale students. This serves as Kubrick's subtle nod to the notorious secret society, Skull and Bones.

What is the significance of this moment? Does it hint at Harford's sexual insecurities? Perhaps. Could it reflect the intolerance towards homosexuality within Cruise's own religion, Scientology? That’s a possibility.

However, the intended meaning appears to be more nuanced and direct. Once the following key information is revealed, the allusion becomes clear. Skull and Bones is infamous for its initiation rituals.

Witnesses have reported that members often haze newcomers with derogatory slurs, akin to those hurled at Bill in the film. Thus, this scene symbolically illustrates the initiation process that the society is known for. Despite the other interpretations, this underlying implication seems highly plausible.

This aligns with the plot, as Bill experiences a form of inadvertent initiation into a secret society. More broadly, occult organizations are notorious for extorting and harassing members or outsiders who threaten to expose their secrets. Kubrick cleverly showcases this modus operandi.

The Church of Scientology

Cruise’s casting in this role was intentional, mirroring his own complex ties to Scientology. Much of the film's narrative can be interpreted as a metaphor for the tensions between Cruise, Kidman, and their faith. This parallel enhances the film's exploration of occult references throughout.

Scientology's lineage can be traced back to figures like Aleister Crowley, a key figure in modern Satanism, who had connections with L. Ron Hubbard. While this has been discussed previously, there are additional dimensions to consider.

Reflecting on the dark movements’ fixation on elite societies—from Himmler's mystical cult to the early Klan's associations with freemasonry—Eyes Wide Shut transforms into a commentary on the destructive impact of dogmatic belief systems intertwined with power dynamics, upheld by unwavering followers.

Though not a practicing Jew, Kubrick recognized how one faith could persecute another and the moral ambiguities of religion. Scientology claims to be inclusive of all beliefs, yet its inner workings unveil a more disturbing reality.

The shop where Harford acquires his costume is called Rainbow Fashions. In Scientology, those fully inducted are said to go "Over the Rainbow." Therefore, Bill's nocturnal dealings at the costume shop reflect Cruise's real-life interactions with the church during that period.

The Mirror

The film's cover prominently features a mirror, which may connect to Kidman’s character, Alice, and Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. However, the mirror also symbolizes broader occult themes.

On one level, it relates to perception—connecting the eye, the oculus, and the occult. On another level, mirrors hold significance in mystical practices, often used for scrying and summoning. Gazing into a dark mirror is believed to invoke spirits and facilitate rebirth.

Beyond exploring perception, the film addresses identity transformations. What we observe in the mirror shifts as our internal beliefs evolve, reflecting how religion can lead to a rebirth in spiritual ecstasy.

The Domino

The sex worker Harford nearly engages with is named Domino. This term also refers to the type of costume worn by party attendees, a hooded cloak with a mask—providing a clear yet subtle reference.

This suggests she may have been at the party, implying a potential spread of HIV within the cult's circle. Furthermore, the name "Domino" is derived from the Latin dominus (lord), imbuing the costume with a sense of authority.

The character also serves as a metaphor for another type of domino—the innocuous game. This notion hints at the domino effect, emphasizing how events and individuals influence each other in unforeseen ways, illustrating that nothing exists in isolation and that society comprises interconnected groups.

The film intricately examines how familiar elements interact with the unknown, an interest shared by Kubrick and the audience. Our perception is selective; some dominoes are visible, while others remain hidden.

Thank you for taking the time to read my analysis. If you enjoyed this piece, consider subscribing or exploring my other articles on *Eyes Wide Shut:*

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