Vanilla Sky Movie Review 2001

Director Crowe goes existential in this puzzling, surreal thriller, a remake of Alejandro Amenabar's 1997 Spanish film, "Abre los Ojos." Cruise plays David Aames, a publishing magnate and playboy who's got it all except for real love. Just when he thinks he's found it in the form of aspiring dancer Sofia (Cruz, reprising her role from the original), a bitter ex-lover (Diaz) changes the game by inadvertently changing David's pretty face. Fairly straightforward allegory becomes science fiction, where David (and the audience) can't tell dream from reality. Thought-provoking, even deliberately confusing plot may frustrate some. But for those who like to sink their brains into a film, it'll will be rewarding, whether you like the explain-it-all ending or not. Decent acting, dreamy cinematography, and an engaging soundtrack will provide entertainment at the very least.

Distribution

Paramount Home Video, 5555 Melrose Ave., 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038, Phone: (323)956-5000, URL: http://www.paramount.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 135 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Stolen from Europe, New York, New York, Sex & Sexuality

Screenplay

Cameron Crowe

Cast

Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Jason Lee, Kurt Russell, Noah Taylor, Timothy Spall, Tilda Swinton, Alicia Witt, Johnny Galecki, Michael Shannon

Cinematography

John Toll

Director

Cameron Crowe

Music

Nancy Wilson

Other

Jeff Wexler, Danny Bramson, Joe Hutshing, Mark Livolsi, Beat Frutiger, Betsy Heimann, Catherine Hardwicke

Producer

Tom Cruise, Paula Wagner, Cameron Crowe, Cruise-Wagner Productions, Vinyl Films, Paramount Pictures