Eyes Wide Shut Parents Guide: What You Need To Know Before Letting Your Kids Watch
Eyes Wide Shut is a 1999 erotic psychological drama film directed, produced and co-written by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the sexually charged adventures of Dr. Bill Harford, played by Tom Cruise, who becomes obsessed with having an extramarital affair after his wife, Alice, played by Nicole Kidman, admits she once contemplated an affair.
The film contains strong sexual content and nudity throughout.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Eyes Wide Shut contains extended scenes of strong sexual content and nudity and is not appropriate for children. The film has an R rating in the U.S. and 18 rating in the U.K.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide an overview of the film’s plot and dive deeper into the specific instances of sex, nudity, and other mature content found in Eyes Wide Shut. We’ll also offer guidance on what age the film may be appropriate for based on content ratings and expert opinions.
Brief Plot Summary
Eyes Wide Shut is a psychological drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It tells the story of Dr. Bill Harford, played by Tom Cruise, a successful New York City doctor who becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious and sexually charged encounters after his wife, Alice, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, confesses to having sexual fantasies.
The film takes viewers on a journey through the dark underbelly of New York City’s elite society, as Dr. Harford delves deeper into a secret society that indulges in orgies and secret rituals. As he unravels the truth, he finds himself in dangerous and unsettling situations that challenge his perception of reality and his own desires.
Main Characters
- Dr. Bill Harford (Tom Cruise): The protagonist and a successful doctor who becomes obsessed with exploring his own sexual desires.
- Alice Harford (Nicole Kidman): Dr. Harford’s wife, who reveals her own sexual fantasies, sparking a series of events.
- Ziegler (Sydney Pollack): A wealthy and influential friend of Dr. Harford who is involved in the secret society.
Themes and Messages
Eyes Wide Shut explores themes of sexual desire, jealousy, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. It delves into the darker side of human nature and the lengths people will go to fulfill their deepest desires.
The film raises questions about the nature of monogamy, marriage, and the societal pressures that can lead individuals to seek fulfillment outside of their relationships. It also examines the power dynamics at play in sexual relationships and the allure of forbidden desires.
Parental Guidance
Eyes Wide Shut is rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, and language. The film contains explicit sexual scenes and discussions, as well as themes that may be disturbing for younger viewers.
Parents should exercise caution when deciding whether or not to allow their children to watch this film. It is recommended for mature audiences who can handle the explicit content and themes presented.
For more information on the film’s content, parents can visit the IMDb Parental Guide for Eyes Wide Shut.
Sex and Nudity
When it comes to the movie “Eyes Wide Shut,” there are several scenes that contain sexual content and nudity. It is important for parents to be aware of these scenes before deciding whether or not to let their kids watch the film.
Nude models
One scene in the movie involves nude models posing for an artist. While this scene is not overly explicit, it does show full frontal nudity. Parents should consider whether or not they are comfortable with their children being exposed to this type of content.
Sexual dancing
There are also scenes in “Eyes Wide Shut” that feature sexual dancing. These scenes can be provocative and suggestive, showing characters engaging in erotic movements. Parents may want to evaluate whether or not they feel these scenes are appropriate for their children to see.
Orgy scene
Perhaps the most explicit scene in the movie is the infamous orgy scene. This scene contains graphic sexual content and nudity, including depictions of group sex. Parents should be aware that this scene may be too explicit for young viewers and should use their discretion when deciding whether or not to allow their children to watch the film.
It’s always a good idea for parents to research a movie’s content before letting their kids watch it. Websites like Common Sense Media provide detailed reviews and parent guides that can help parents make informed decisions about what is suitable for their children.
Violence and Gore
One important aspect to consider before allowing your children to watch a movie is the level of violence and gore depicted. This can greatly impact their emotional well-being and overall perception of the world.
It is crucial for parents to be aware of the content they are exposing their children to, ensuring it is age-appropriate and aligns with their values and beliefs.
Types of Violence
In movies, violence can take many forms, ranging from mild to extreme. It is important to understand the different types of violence that may be present in a film:
- Physical violence: This includes scenes of fighting, punching, kicking, or any form of physical harm inflicted upon a character.
- Psychological violence: This involves mental or emotional manipulation, bullying, or any form of psychological harm inflicted upon a character.
- Sexual violence: This includes scenes depicting sexual assault, rape, or any form of non-consensual sexual activity.
- Violent imagery: This involves graphic depictions of blood, wounds, or any form of explicit visual content that may be disturbing to some viewers.
Parents should consider their child’s sensitivity to these different types of violence and make an informed decision about what is appropriate for them to watch.
Gore and Special Effects
Another aspect to be mindful of is the level of gore and special effects in a movie. Some films may have realistic and graphic depictions of injuries, blood, or disturbing imagery. This can be particularly unsettling for younger viewers or those who are more sensitive to such content.
It is worth noting that the level of violence and gore in movies can vary greatly depending on the genre or rating. Horror movies, for example, tend to have more intense and graphic scenes compared to family-oriented films.
Therefore, it is important to consider the movie’s rating and read reviews or parental guides to get a better understanding of the content before allowing your child to watch.
For more information on movie ratings and content guidelines, you can visit the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) website.
Remember, as a parent, you have the final say in what your child watches. It is important to be proactive in monitoring and guiding their media consumption to ensure a safe and positive viewing experience.
Profanity
When it comes to deciding whether or not to let your kids watch a movie, one important factor to consider is the level of profanity used. Profanity can have a significant impact on a child’s language development and behavior, so it’s important to be aware of what they might be exposed to.
In the case of the movie “Eyes Wide Shut,” it’s worth noting that there is a considerable amount of profanity used throughout the film.
The use of profanity in “Eyes Wide Shut” is not only frequent but also explicit. The characters often use strong language, including swear words and derogatory terms. This can be jarring for younger viewers who may not be accustomed to such language.
It’s important to consider whether your child is mature enough to handle this level of profanity and understand that it’s not appropriate for everyday conversation.
It’s worth mentioning that the use of profanity in movies can vary greatly depending on the rating. “Eyes Wide Shut” is rated R, which means that it is intended for adult audiences. The movie’s content is not suitable for children and includes explicit scenes and themes.
As a parent, it’s crucial to be aware of the rating and content of a film before allowing your child to watch it.
While some parents may choose to restrict their child’s exposure to profanity altogether, others may use it as an opportunity for discussion and education. If you do decide to let your child watch a movie with profanity, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation about the language used and its implications.
This can help your child develop a better understanding of appropriate language and the importance of using respectful words.
Parental Guidance Tip:
If you’re unsure about the level of profanity in a movie, there are several resources available online that provide detailed information about the content of films. Websites like Common Sense Media offer comprehensive reviews and ratings specifically designed to help parents make informed decisions about what their children watch.
Taking advantage of these resources can ensure that you have all the necessary information to make the best choice for your child.
Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking
When it comes to the movie “Eyes Wide Shut,” it’s important to be aware of the presence of alcohol, drugs, and smoking. While these elements may be integral to the storyline, it’s crucial to consider their potential impact on younger viewers.
Alcohol:
Throughout the film, there are several scenes that depict characters consuming alcohol. It’s important to note that excessive drinking is shown, and there are instances where characters become intoxicated.
This can serve as an opportunity for parents to have conversations with their children about the responsible consumption of alcohol and the potential consequences of excessive drinking.
Drugs:
In “Eyes Wide Shut,” there are references to drug use, particularly in the context of parties and social gatherings. However, the film does not glamorize or promote drug use. It instead presents a realistic depiction of the lifestyle and choices made by certain characters.
Parents should use this as an opportunity to discuss the dangers and consequences of drug use with their children.
Smoking:
In some scenes, characters are shown smoking cigarettes. While smoking is not directly encouraged or endorsed in the film, it’s important for parents to address the harmful effects of smoking with their children.
This can serve as a chance to educate them about the risks associated with tobacco use and the importance of making healthy choices.
It’s worth noting that the portrayal of alcohol, drugs, and smoking in “Eyes Wide Shut” is a reflection of the characters’ lifestyles and the story being told. However, it is essential for parents to be aware of these elements and to use them as opportunities for meaningful discussions about responsible behavior and the potential consequences of engaging in harmful habits.
For more information on the effects of alcohol, drugs, and smoking, you can visit CDC or National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Frightening/Intense Scenes
When it comes to allowing children to watch movies, one of the concerns of parents is the presence of frightening or intense scenes. In the case of the movie “Eyes Wide Shut,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, there are several scenes that fall under this category.
It is important for parents to be aware of these scenes and consider their child’s sensitivity and maturity level before deciding whether or not to let them watch the movie.
One of the most intense scenes in “Eyes Wide Shut” involves a masked orgy. This scene is explicit and may be disturbing for some viewers, especially younger audiences. It is important to note that the movie is rated R for a reason, indicating that it is not suitable for viewers under the age of 17 without parental guidance.
Parents should consider the explicit nature of this scene and the potential impact it may have on their child before allowing them to watch the movie.
Another intense scene in the movie involves a confrontation between the main character and a mysterious group of individuals. This scene is filled with suspense and tension, which may be overwhelming for younger viewers.
It is important for parents to assess their child’s ability to handle intense situations before exposing them to such scenes.
It is recommended that parents watch the movie themselves before deciding whether or not it is appropriate for their child. By doing so, they can gauge the intensity of the scenes and make an informed decision based on their child’s individual needs and sensitivities.
Parents can also refer to trusted movie review websites, such as Common Sense Media, which provide detailed information about the content of movies, including any potentially frightening or intense scenes.
These websites can be a valuable resource for parents looking to make informed decisions about the suitability of a movie for their child.
MPAA Rating and Age Recommendation
When it comes to deciding whether a movie is appropriate for your children, one of the first things to consider is the MPAA rating. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) assigns ratings to movies based on their content, helping parents make informed decisions about what their kids should watch.
Understanding MPAA Ratings
The MPAA has five different ratings for movies: G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17. Each rating indicates the appropriate age group for which the movie is suitable. Here’s a breakdown of what each rating means:
- G: General Audiences – All ages are admitted. There is no content that would offend parents when watching with their children.
- PG: Parental Guidance Suggested – Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents are urged to provide “parental guidance” to their kids.
- PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious and decide if the content is suitable for their kids.
- R: Restricted – Restricted to viewers over the age of 17. Parents are strongly urged to learn more about the movie’s content before allowing their children to watch it.
- NC-17: No One 17 and Under Admitted – This rating indicates that the movie is strictly for adults and not suitable for anyone under 17.
Consider the Age Recommendation
In addition to the MPAA rating, movies often come with age recommendations. These recommendations are helpful guidelines provided by the filmmakers and distributors to give parents a better understanding of the movie’s content and whether it is suitable for their children.
It’s important to note that while MPAA ratings provide a general guideline, every child is different, and what may be appropriate for one child may not be for another. As a parent, you know your child best and should take into account their individual maturity level and sensitivities when deciding what movies they can watch.
For more detailed information about a movie’s content, there are several trusted websites that provide comprehensive reviews and breakdowns of movies. Websites like Common Sense Media and IMDb offer parents valuable insights into a movie’s themes, language, violence, and overall appropriateness for children.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting your child’s innocence and ensuring they have a positive viewing experience. By considering both the MPAA rating and age recommendations, you can make an informed decision about what movies are suitable for your children.
Conclusion
In summary, Eyes Wide Shut contains pervasive strong sexual content and nudity throughout its 159-minute runtime. The orgy scene and sexual dancing are especially graphic. There are also some intense scenes that deal with mature themes.
Based on its R rating and expert opinions, the film is most appropriate for older teenagers and adults.
We hope this detailed parents guide gives you the information needed to determine if Eyes Wide Shut is suitable viewing for your family. Always preview films first before permitting children to watch.
