It's primarily about how the tradition of marriage fits uncomfortably with the complex passions of human sexuality.

There's also a typical Kubrickian theme of sinister power, with Sydney Pollak's character being part of a twisted elite who indulge their freakish perversions, using intimidation and possibly murder to keep things secret. Cruise's character is middle-upper class and frequently gets out his wallet to gain access on his 'sexual odyssey' - he pays lower class people like the prostitute, the costume store owner, the taxi driver. Sex and money mix in uncomfortable ways, especially involving the store-owner's daughter.

Like all Kubricks it took a while for this to become as well-regarded as it deserves. Definitely one of my favourites.

Good interpretations! The beauty of this movie is that we are all correct. I like other interpretations even better than my own sometimes.

Intense.

NOPE!