Tom Cruise details his unique experience filming Stanley Kubrick’s final film «Eyes Wide Shut,» almost 26 years after its premiere. The famous director of «2001: A Space Odyssey,» «A Clockwork Orange,» and «The Shining,» among other films, passed away in 1999 but continues to be celebrated for his lasting impact on Hollywood. The psychological drama «Eyes Wide Shut» follows William Harford (Cruise), a doctor from New York City who discovers that his wife (Nicole Kidman) has thoughts of infidelity, leading him on a strange, sexual, and nocturnal journey.
During an interview for the British Film Institute magazine, Sight and Sound, Cruise described «Eyes Wide Shut.» He mentioned that it was a great experience and recalled how he got involved in the project through co-star Sydney Pollack. Cruise also discussed his collaboration with Kubrick and how he recommended Kidman for the role of his character’s wife. Cruise’s comments are as follows:
«It was a great experience. I was very excited to do it. I met Stanley’s movies very well and was introduced to him through Sydney Pollack. Then Stanley called Sydney because he wanted him to make a movie. He sent me a fax.»
«I flew home and met with him in his backyard. I had read the script the day before, and we spent the day discussing it. He knew all of his films. I had talked to Scorsese and Sydney Pollack about him, so I knew what he did and how he worked. So it was basically a meeting of minds between him and me. And during that time, I suggested that Nicole play the role of Alice, because she is obviously a great actress.»
Cruise also mentioned that he was prepared for a lengthy production when working on «Eyes Wide Shut» and emphasized the importance of detailed research and collaboration on set. He described the experience as unique and highlighted how the script was more of a starting point, with scenes evolving as filming progressed. Cruise’s additional comments are as follows:
«I knew it was going to be a long shoot. He [Kubrick] was like, ‘No, no, no. We’ll be done in three or four months.’ And I said, ‘Stanley, I’m here for you. Whatever you need, let’s do this.’ I found the film very intriguing and wanted to have that experience. When I make a movie, I do a lot of detailed research and spend time with people to understand their needs and desires, and for them to understand me, so we can work together to create something truly special.»
«It was a unique experience, with a great crew. We started shooting in the summer, and essentially, we were experimenting… the script was just a starting point. We were constantly reworking and reshooting scenes to find the right tone for the film.»
What this means for «Eyes Wide Shut»
Kubrick’s last movie was a memorable experience
«Eyes Wide Shut» could be seen as a departure for Cruise, who was known for his roles in dramatic and action films such as Top Gun, Days of Thunder, and Mission: Impossible. The film also marked the third collaboration between real-life spouses Cruise and Kidman, whose eventual divorce made headlines in 2001.
