![]() ![]() Eventually, much of the events of the film are revealed to have been the result of a sleep-induced alternate reality by the mysterious company “Life Extension” - at least ostensibly. One fateful night, however, he meets Sofia Serrano (Penelope Cruz), with whom he falls in love - before he’s involved in a horrific car crash, after which his face is disfigured and he gradually loses his grip on reality. He treats others without regard or consideration, whether they be lovers like Julie Gianni (Cameron Diaz) or friends like Brian Shelby (Jason Lee). On its surface, Vanilla Sky is the story of David Aames (Tom Cruise), a magazine mogul and executive maneuvering for control of his company from a hostile board of directors. Equal parts beguiling and prescient, the film at once critiqued its time, ushered in the twenty-first century, and speaks still to the anxieties of the present age. Yet two decades onward, it is Vanilla Sky that holds up as both the most challenging and rewarding of Crowe’s major movies. The director’s cultural cachet - not to mention critical acclaim - never quite recovered from this perceived misstep. ![]() But Vanilla Sky, released in December of 2001, seemed to break this pattern, befuddling viewers and criticized by reviewers as a vehicle for star Tom Cruise which failed to connect on the emotional level of Crowe’s previous hits. He was supposed to make crowd-pleasing favorites like Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous, films with an earnest emotional core that were easy to love, and which won the favor of critics and audiences alike. “Looking back all I did was look away / Next time is the best we all know / But if there is no next time where to go?” - “Re-Make/Re-Model,” Roxy MusicĬritics thought Crowe had lost his touch. when I waked, I cried to dream again.” - The Tempest, William Shakespeare “Be not afeard the isle is full of noises, sounds and sweet airs. ![]()
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