Is Eyes Wide Shut a Christmas Movie? And Why Do We Keep Asking This Every December?

Is Eyes Wide Shut a Christmas Movie? And Why Do We Keep Asking This Every December?

The question of whether Eyes Wide Shut is a Christmas movie has become a perennial debate, much like the annual arguments over whether Die Hard qualifies as one. Stanley Kubrick’s final film, released in 1999, is a psychological thriller wrapped in layers of mystery, eroticism, and existential dread. Yet, its setting during the holiday season has led many to wonder if it deserves a spot on the Christmas movie list. Let’s dive into this peculiar discussion, exploring various perspectives and uncovering why this film continues to spark such fascination during the festive season.

The Christmas Setting: More Than Just a Backdrop

One of the most compelling arguments for Eyes Wide Shut being a Christmas movie is its unmistakable holiday setting. The film is drenched in Christmas imagery—twinkling lights, decorated trees, and festive parties. These elements are not merely decorative; they serve as a stark contrast to the dark, unsettling themes of the story. The juxtaposition of holiday cheer with the film’s exploration of secrecy, infidelity, and moral decay creates a unique tension that feels oddly appropriate for the season. After all, what is Christmas if not a time of contradictions—joy and melancholy, generosity and greed, family unity and personal isolation?

The Role of Ritual and Tradition

Christmas is a time steeped in rituals and traditions, and Eyes Wide Shut is deeply concerned with rituals of its own. The infamous masked orgy scene, for instance, can be seen as a perverse inversion of traditional holiday gatherings. Instead of celebrating love and togetherness, the participants engage in a ritual of anonymity and detachment. This subversion of holiday norms raises questions about the nature of human connection and the masks we wear in our daily lives—themes that resonate with the introspective spirit of the season.

A Story of Redemption (or Lack Thereof)

Many classic Christmas movies, from It’s a Wonderful Life to A Christmas Carol, revolve around themes of redemption and self-discovery. Eyes Wide Shut follows a similar narrative arc, with Tom Cruise’s character, Dr. Bill Harford, embarking on a journey that forces him to confront his own desires, insecurities, and moral failings. However, unlike traditional Christmas tales, Harford’s journey does not culminate in a neat resolution or a heartwarming epiphany. Instead, the film ends on an ambiguous note, leaving viewers to ponder whether true redemption is even possible. This darker take on the holiday narrative challenges the conventional notion of what a Christmas movie should be, making Eyes Wide Shut a provocative addition to the genre.

The Soundtrack: A Holiday Ambiance

Music plays a crucial role in establishing the holiday atmosphere in Eyes Wide Shut. The film’s score, composed by Jocelyn Pook, features haunting renditions of traditional Christmas carols, such as “Carol of the Bells.” These familiar tunes, twisted into eerie and unsettling arrangements, contribute to the film’s dreamlike quality and reinforce its connection to the holiday season. The soundtrack serves as a constant reminder that, beneath the surface of festive cheer, there lies a world of mystery and danger.

The Cultural Phenomenon: Why We Keep Asking

The debate over whether Eyes Wide Shut is a Christmas movie has taken on a life of its own, becoming a cultural phenomenon that resurfaces every December. Part of the appeal lies in the film’s enigmatic nature—it defies easy categorization, much like the holiday season itself. Christmas is a time of contradictions, and Eyes Wide Shut embodies that complexity. By engaging in this debate, viewers are not just discussing a film; they are grappling with the deeper meanings of the holiday and the human condition.

A Counterpoint: Is It Really a Christmas Movie?

Of course, not everyone agrees that Eyes Wide Shut belongs in the Christmas movie canon. Critics argue that the film’s dark and disturbing themes are at odds with the uplifting spirit of the season. While the holiday setting is undeniable, it serves more as a backdrop than a central element of the story. For these viewers, Eyes Wide Shut is better understood as a psychological thriller that happens to take place during Christmas, rather than a film that engages with the holiday in a meaningful way.

Conclusion: A Holiday Enigma

In the end, whether Eyes Wide Shut is a Christmas movie depends on how one defines the genre. If a Christmas movie is simply a film set during the holiday season, then Eyes Wide Shut undoubtedly qualifies. But if the genre requires a more explicit engagement with the themes and spirit of Christmas, the answer becomes less clear. What is certain is that the film’s enduring fascination lies in its ability to provoke thought and spark debate—qualities that make it a fitting subject for holiday conversation.


Q&A:

Q: Why do people associate Eyes Wide Shut with Christmas?
A: The film is set during the holiday season, featuring prominent Christmas decorations, parties, and music. This festive backdrop contrasts sharply with the film’s dark themes, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere.

Q: Is Eyes Wide Shut appropriate for a family Christmas movie night?
A: Absolutely not. The film contains explicit content and mature themes that are unsuitable for children or casual holiday viewing. It’s best reserved for more serious, adult discussions.

Q: How does Eyes Wide Shut compare to other controversial Christmas movies like Die Hard?
A: Both films challenge traditional notions of what a Christmas movie should be, but Eyes Wide Shut delves into much darker and more psychological territory. While Die Hard is an action-packed thriller with a festive setting, Eyes Wide Shut is a deeply introspective and unsettling exploration of human nature.

Q: Does Stanley Kubrick’s use of Christmas imagery have a deeper meaning?
A: Many critics believe so. The holiday setting serves as a metaphor for the tension between surface appearances and hidden truths, a central theme of the film. The contrast between festive cheer and underlying darkness underscores the film’s exploration of secrecy and desire.

Q: Will the debate over Eyes Wide Shut as a Christmas movie ever be resolved?
A: Unlikely. The film’s ambiguity and complexity ensure that it will continue to spark discussion and debate, making it a perennial topic of interest during the holiday season.