Tom Cruise on Filming Stanley Kubrick's 'Eyes Wide Shut'
Tom Cruise offers insights into his unique experience filming Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick's final cinematic masterpiece, nearly three decades after its release, detailing the long and involved production process.
The celebrated director, known for iconic films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining, left a lasting impact on Hollywood. Eyes Wide Shut, a psychological drama, delves into the journey of Dr. William Harford (Cruise) after discovering his wife's (Nicole Kidman) thoughts of infidelity.
In a recent interview, Cruise shared his memories of working on Eyes Wide Shut. He described it as "a great experience," revealing that he initially connected with Kubrick through Sydney Pollack. He also mentioned suggesting Kidman for the role of Alice, his character's wife.
Cruise recalls his initial enthusiasm: "It was a great experience. I was very excited to do it. I knew Stanley's movies very well and I was introduced to him through Sydney Pollack." He also mentioned speaking with Martin Scorsese and Sydney Pollack about Kubrick's working methods, showing his dedication to understanding the director's vision.
He further elaborated on his preparation for the film, stating, "I knew it was going to be a long shoot," highlighting his commitment to Kubrick's process. He added that he conducts a "detailed investigation" before committing to a film, ensuring harmonious collaboration with the team.
The Unique Filming Experience of Eyes Wide Shut
Cruise described the filming of Eyes Wide Shut as a "very unique experience," noting that "the script was just an idea." Scenes were frequently adjusted and reshot to capture the desired tone, reflecting Kubrick's meticulous approach.
He recounted a conversation with Kubrick about the shooting schedule: "He [Kubrick] was like, 'No, no, no. We'll finish in three or four months.' And I said, 'Stanley, look, I'm here for you. Whatever it's going to take we're going to do this…'" This illustrates Cruise's dedication and willingness to commit to Kubrick's vision, regardless of the time involved.
The set of Eyes Wide Shut was intimate, fostering a close-knit atmosphere. Cruise emphasized that they "arrived in the summer and basically we just started testing… the script was just an idea. We [were] constantly rewriting the scenes and shooting the scenes and then reshooting the scenes to really find the tone of the film."
The Lasting Impact of Eyes Wide Shut
Eyes Wide Shut marked a departure for Cruise, venturing into psychological surrealism. It was also the third collaboration between Cruise and Kidman, adding another layer to the film's mystique.
Cruise's reflections highlight his positive experience working with Kubrick. The film is also known for its exceptionally long 400-day shoot, a Guinness World Record, further solidifying its unique place in Hollywood history.
Released in July 1999, Eyes Wide Shut premiered shortly before Kubrick's passing, making it a poignant final statement from the director. The film is based on an Arthur Schnitzler novella, blending psychological drama with sensuality.
Like many of Kubrick's films, Eyes Wide Shut has maintained its relevance and continues to be discussed and analyzed. It has grossed over $162 million worldwide and holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 76%, demonstrating its lasting appeal and critical acclaim.
The film's enduring popularity, coupled with Cruise's positive memories, makes Kubrick's last movie even more significant. The film is referenced in popular culture and continues to maintain longevity since being released.
In conclusion, Tom Cruise's reflections provide valuable insights into the making of Eyes Wide Shut, highlighting the unique collaboration between actor and director and the film's enduring legacy.