Rating: 
Summary: Wow!
Review: If ever a movie was put forth that concentrates on the extreme sense of loss and loneliness that a person can experience in life, it is the latest film by Stephan Elliot. "Eye of the Beholder" is a vibrant package of gorgeous thrills that are as stunning as the lead actors' preformances as well as the splendid cinematography. While the movie may be confusing to some, and previews will surely mislead those in the mood for action sequences, those of you in the market for suspense that keeps mounting amidst an alluring backdrop shall be enthralled. Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, The Pillow Book) stars as The Eye, an undercover agent assigned to investigate the blackmail of a government official's son. Upon tracking the suspect, he soon dicsovers that the blackmailer, a sexy yet sinister woman, is really a serial killer with deep emotional instability. As his surveillance continues, he begins to develop feelings for her, and his connection with her costs him his loyalty to his work as he works to keep her safe from the hands of the law. The pace builds with intensity as he gets closer to her, but to reveal himself would mean losing her forever. The film, based upon the 1980 novel by Marc Behm, while slandered by the highest of critics, is, in my opinion, a stunning visual and emotional achievement that sweeps its audience into an involving and tragic story of obsession, loss and loneliness. Says director Stephan Elliott: "I saw it as a story of two lost souls... that is what The Eye and Joanna Eris share- a deep sense of loss." Those feelings of loss are beautifully acted by Judd and McGregor, who play their parts with a unique brand of mystery and intensity. As The Eye, McGregor's moods change as swiftly as his location, shifting from stern and involved-with-work to emotionally imbalanced as he thinks of his losses and the woman he cannot hope to gain. Judd's Eris moves with catlike precision throughout the film, gliding through the streets with just the right degree of wariness and suspicion. It is evident from her portrayal that Judd is an actress worthy of playing a woman constantly on the run. Certain filmmaking effects help to contribute to the intensity of certain moments in the film. The scene on the street in New York City, in which Eris steps out of her apartment and is told by her landlord that a strange man has "been following her around all week," is moved at a suspenseful pace by close-ups of Eris, now required to keep her guard up, an ear-pounding techno score by Marius de Vries, and close-ups of pedestrians from her point-of-view. Another example of sound effects adding to the quickening suspense is the scene on the sidewalk of Chicago, where Joanna outsmarts The Eye and begins following him. The sound of this sequence is devoid of all else except for the footsteps of these two characters, creating a void in which they alone reside. One reason for the film's negative criticism was its ad campaigning. Theatrical trailers and television commercials promoted the film to be a fast-paced action piece, when in truth, it is a slow-building story with an very involving plot that takes its time to unfold and reveal. Those looking for a movie that gives its answers in the first fifteen minutes will be surely disappointed, but those who look for involvement and creativity will be pleased with this film, which is a wonderful achievement.
Rating: 
Summary: Only because I like Ashley Judd...
Review: I like all kinds of movies, and especially the ones that make you think after they're over. All through this movie, I kept trying to 'get it,' and then when it was almost over, I thought to myself, "When it's over, I'll get it."HA! The only reason I gave this 1 star is because it has Ashley Judd in it. And giving her the 'star' for this film is stretching it a bit. UGH.
Rating: 
Summary: not for everyone
Review: I bought the video used along with a few others. when I got back to the house i checked on amazon to see what the reviews were. They were terrible. one person said "the first half hour is good, the rest is awful", so i thought i would watch it for a half hour and at least get something for my money.
At the end of the movie I just sat there as the credits rolled off, which I couldn't even read, but I couldn't move either.
This hapened the next night as well.
I went back to amazon to read the reviews and kept looking until I found one that was positive. the opening of the review went like this, "this movie is about loss".
This person was right, if you have had unbearable loss in your life, you will relate to this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting film on several levels
Review: If you're a surface kind of person, don't watch this movie or you might be bored. But if you like intricate, artsy, semi-futuristic movies, give it a try. There's no question that all the plot elements are not fully explained, and for this I intend to read the book by Mark Behm. Very often, it's difficult to translate a book into a movie. The cinematography is wonderful and I'm not a fan of either starring actor, but they both did a great job. kd lang I could do without, however. The other great thing about this movie is the soundtrack, and the lovely version of the song "I Wish You Love" performed by Chrissie Hynde. It's a classic jazz song performed by a hip rock artist, and you'd never believe it! If you enjoyed this movie, you might also try Red Rock West, one of Nick Cage's best works! It also has a great soundtrack. The movie reminded me somewhat of another favourite, "Blade Runner", which is also based on a book. Both "Eye" and "Blade" share similar tempos and storylines, futuristic settings, cinematography, etc. "Blade" is better, though. "Eye" will be one of the first moview I get on DVD, that is for sure.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: Don't waste your time in buying, not what I expected... If you must rent instead of buying..
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: If ever a movie was put forth that concentrates on the extreme sense of loss and loneliness that a person can experience in life, it is the latest film by Stephan Elliot. "Eye of the Beholder" is a vibrant package of gorgeous thrills that are as stunning as the lead actors' preformances as well as the splendid cinematography. While the movie may be confusing to some, and previews will surely mislead those in the mood for action sequences, those of you in the market for suspense that keeps mounting amidst an alluring backdrop shall be enthralled. Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, The Pillow Book) stars as The Eye, an undercover agent assigned to investigate the blackmail of a government official's son. Upon tracking the suspect, he soon dicsovers that the blackmailer, a sexy yet sinister woman, is really a serial killer with deep emotional instability. As his surveillance continues, he begins to develop feelings for her, and his connection with her costs him his loyalty to his work as he works to keep her safe from the hands of the law. The pace builds with intensity as he gets closer to her, but to reveal himself would mean losing her forever. The film, based upon the 1980 novel by Marc Behm, while slandered by the highest of critics, is, in my opinion, a stunning visual and emotional achievement that sweeps its audience into an involving and tragic story of obsession, loss and loneliness. Says director Stephan Elliott: "I saw it as a story of two lost souls... that is what The Eye and Joanna Eris share- a deep sense of loss." Those feelings of loss are beautifully acted by Judd and McGregor, who play their parts with a unique brand of mystery and intensity. As The Eye, McGregor's moods change as swiftly as his location, shifting from stern and involved-with-work to emotionally imbalanced as he thinks of his losses and the woman he cannot hope to gain. Judd's Eris moves with catlike precision throughout the film, gliding through the streets with just the right degree of wariness and suspicion. It is evident from her portrayal that Judd is an actress worthy of playing a woman constantly on the run. Certain filmmaking effects help to contribute to the intensity of certain moments in the film. The scene on the street in New York City, in which Eris steps out of her apartment and is told by her landlord that a strange man has "been following her around all week," is moved at a suspenseful pace by close-ups of Eris, now required to keep her guard up, an ear-pounding techno score by Marius de Vries, and close-ups of pedestrians from her point-of-view. Another example of sound effects adding to the quickening suspense is the scene on the sidewalk of Chicago, where Joanna outsmarts The Eye and begins following him. The sound of this sequence is devoid of all else except for the footsteps of these two characters, creating a void in which they alone reside. One reason for the film's negative criticism was its ad campaigning. Theatrical trailers and television commercials promoted the film to be a fast-paced action piece, when in truth, it is a slow-building story with an very involving plot that takes its time to unfold and reveal. Those looking for a movie that gives its answers in the first fifteen minutes will be surely disappointed, but those who look for involvement and creativity will be pleased with this film, which is a wonderful achievement.
Rating: 
Summary: WHEREIN LIES THE BEAUTY?
Review: EYE OF THE BEHOLDER is one of those films that revels in its artistic vacuum. Sure, director Stephan Elliott gives us some moody visuals, appealing camera angles and two performances by Ashley Judd and k.d. lang that far outclass the movie. Ewan McGregor's loneliness is so telegraphed and forced he becomes a mere tool in the film. And ultimately in spite of its artistic merits, where does it end? Why would anyone fall in love with a serial killer; his wife and daughter left him--so what, life goes on. His obsession with her, in my opinion, does not justify wanting to "save" her. She's coldblooded, heartless and intrinsically selfish. Lonely--it's her choice, just as it is his. The ending...why in the world is Judd so upset that McGregor knows what she's done?
Ashley has gone on to make better movies; she's a very good actress. Too bad the script didn't use her better.
Rating:
Summary: Only because I like Ashley Judd...
Review: I like all kinds of movies, and especially the ones that make you think after they're over. All through this movie, I kept trying to 'get it,' and then when it was almost over, I thought to myself, "When it's over, I'll get it." HA! The only reason I gave this 1 star is because it has Ashley Judd in it. And giving her the 'star' for this film is stretching it a bit. UGH.
Rating:
Summary: not for everyone
Review: I bought the video used along with a few others. when I got back to the house i checked on amazon to see what the reviews were. They were terrible. one person said "the first half hour is good, the rest is awful", so i thought i would watch it for a half hour and at least get something for my money.
At the end of the movie I just sat there as the credits rolled off, which I couldn't even read, but I couldn't move either.
This hapened the next night as well.
I went back to amazon to read the reviews and kept looking until I found one that was positive. the opening of the review went like this, "this movie is about loss".
This person was right, if you have had unbearable loss in your life, you will relate to this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: So much promise....
Review: ..and such a disappointing ending.
Reviewer: aralissia (above) from North Norway, pretty much said what I wanted to say. I was really intrigued from the start... the dark mood, the moody scenes, the scenic travels around the country... depicted by the little snow globes. The discussions with the not present daughter didn't really bother me much...it all looked like it would end in an enormously tragic climax. Then .... nothing. How DID IT end? Did they sit there, and froze to death and then sunk into the river, lake, sea, when the ice melted? Did anyone read the book? Is that how it ended? OK, I will order it.... But this could have been a great movie.... lots of originality, until... Oh well, no need to repeat myself.
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