Nicole Kidman Reflects on 25 Years of 'Eyes Wide Shut': A Journey with Cruise and Kubrick

Nicole Kidman commemorates 25 years since 'Eyes Wide Shut,' recalling her time working with Tom Cruise and director Stanley Kubrick. She reflects on the extensive rehearsal process and the personal elements Kubrick incorporated. Kidman cherishes the lifelong influence of the experience on her career and life.

Nicole Kidman is marking a significant milestone as 'Eyes Wide Shut' celebrates its 25th anniversary. The actress has taken a reflective look at her experience making the film with then-husband Tom Cruise, under the direction of the meticulous Stanley Kubrick. Speaking to Deadline, Kidman recalled the unique and thorough process of working with Kubrick, highlighting the extensive rehearsal periods that were a hallmark of the production.

Kidman shared that she and Cruise spent six to eight weeks rehearsing at Kubrick's home, far from the sets at Pinewood Studios. 'We were getting comfortable with each other,' Kidman recounted. 'We improvised the beginning of scenes through rehearsals, which helped us delve deeply into our roles.' Kubrick's method involved drawing inspiration from Kidman and Cruise's real-life relationship, seamlessly blending reality with fiction.

The actress noted Kubrick's awareness and management skills in directing scenes that involved complex interpersonal dynamics. 'Triangles are hard,' Kubrick would say, emphasizing the need for cautious handling of such scenes to avoid one person feeling isolated. Despite the intimate scenes, Kidman assured she never felt sidelined, highlighting her unique experience as a woman in the process. She praised Kubrick's relationship with Cruise and his nuanced approach to directing.

Reflecting on her experience, Kidman expressed gratitude for the calm and focused environment created during the lengthy filming of 'Eyes Wide Shut.' The stable atmosphere allowed her to fully engage with her role without external pressures. 'I was there, with Stanley, and I didn't care about anything else,' she said in a previous interview with Deadline.

Stanley Kubrick, renowned for his meticulous filmmaking style, passed away at 70 shortly after completing the film. As Kidman looks back, she cherishes the profound professional and personal influence that working with Kubrick and Cruise on 'Eyes Wide Shut' has had on her life.