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Vanilla Sky

I first saw the original Spanish movie, "Abre Los Ojos," a few years ago and I just thought, "WOW!" Of course, it's a foreign film and there really aren't any known stars from this movie except for Penelope Cruz. She was just starting out in the USA back then.

So when Vanilla Sky came out, I was hesitant about seeing it in the theaters because I liked "Abre Los Ojos" so much. I finally gave up and saw it and I was quite amazed, but still remain faithful to the original.

Tom Cruise actually gives a much better performance than the Spanish version's role of David. David Aames is a very narcissistic rich playboy who doesn't care who he hurts. He goes after what he wants and leaves those falling for him trailing behind. Cameron Diaz plays the friend with benefits, Juliana, but, to David, she's just a sex toy.

On the day of his birthday, he throws himself a party in his posh New York flat. The dull party filled with begrudged coworkers only gets lively when he meets his best friend's date, Sofia (Penelope Cruz), whom he can't take his eyes off. When Juliana shows up -- uninvited -- and plays the role of the jealous girlfriend, David decides to flee the uncomfortable situation with Sofia. They hang out for the night and find they were truly meant for each other. The next morning, Juliana defies that fate by taking David on a ride, crashing the car and leaving herself dead and him permanently disfigured.

Now, think of the old tale of "Beauty and the Beast." David tries to rekindle what he and Sofia had started. His life improves, but then we begin to question, "Did any of this really happen?" You be the judge on this romantic psychological thriller, but you'll see the story's bitter twist spiked with a questionable reality.

It's an excellent story. It's almost like looking at it through the eyes of a painter -- How does one actually "see" reality? Look for a great scene tying the movie together when David and Sofia critique the Monet painting, which gives the title of the movie, "Vanilla Sky." The reason why I still prefer "Abre Los Ojos" is the surprising storyline without Hollywood written all over it. Even though they are very much the same, truly good films don't need all the Hollywood glamour. Of course, each version has particularly intense scenes that make the movie. Nevertheless, see them both because the two are very good, but don't succumb to Hollywood's glamour in the process.

Written by: Caroline Clarke

Reviewers Rating: 7.5
Reader's Rating: 6.40
Reader's Votes: 34

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