Tom Cruise has collaborated with some of the most renowned film directors in history, but his partnership with Stanley Kubrick stands out as particularly significant. This collaboration took place during the making of Kubrick’s final film, Eyes Wide Shut, released in 1999, which also starred Cruise’s then-wife, Nicole Kidman. Despite their tumultuous divorce, Cruise continues to express admiration for Kidman and praises the remarkable talents of other notable figures in Hollywood.
In a recent interview with Sight and Sound (as reported by Deadline) for the May issue, Cruise shared memories of meeting Kubrick and his determination to ensure that Kidman was cast in the role of his wife in Eyes Wide Shut. Kubrick had initially considered another famous Hollywood couple, Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. Cruise recounted, “I flew out to his house and I landed in his backyard. I read the script the day before and we spent the day talking about it. I knew all of his films. I spoke to [The Color of Money director Martin Scorsese] about him and [The Firm director and Eyes Wide Shut co-star Sydney Pollack]. I was well aware of his cinematic style and how he worked. During our meeting, I suggested that Nicole should take on the role. After all, she is an exceptional actress.”
The filming of Eyes Wide Shut was undoubtedly a distinctive experience for both Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, particularly when compared to their previous collaborations in films like Days of Thunder and Far and Away. “We arrived in the summer and immediately began testing… The script was more of a concept than a finished product. We were constantly rewriting and filming scenes, then reshooting them to truly capture the film’s tone and essence.” For those curious, Cruise confirmed that he successfully completed the film before Kubrick’s passing.
Another cinematic icon who had the opportunity to work with Stanley Kubrick is Jack Nicholson. After collaborating with Nicholson on A Few Good Men, Cruise gained insight into the Oscar-winning actor’s creative process. Reflecting on Nicholson’s performance, Cruise stated, “He was in the process of discovering his character. You could see him slowing down his movements, becoming increasingly centered as we progressed. His demeanor and posture communicated his focus. He was holding his hat tightly, channeling energy. Nicholson is a master of words, much like a crooner who skillfully navigates a monologue or scene. His ability to phrase lines is exceptionally unique, and it’s not accidental. He possesses a profound understanding of his body and voice, and he knows precisely how to engage with the camera.” Cruise also remarked that Marlon Brando, a close friend of Nicholson, employed similar techniques, explaining why they lived so close to one another!
Whether he is clinging to airplanes in the Mission: Impossible series or exploring complex themes of sexuality alongside Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise consistently approaches his craft with a unique perspective. He elaborated on his acting philosophy, stating, “When I’m acting, that’s my sanctuary. Every moment is fresh; each take presents a new opportunity. Even with extensive notes and objectives to meet certain beats, each moment exists in a new time frame, and you must allow it to unfold organically…”
