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Tom Cruise Reflects on “Eyes Wide Shut” and Marriage to Nicole Kidman
Tom Cruise, the celebrated actor, recently offered rare insights into his past, specifically his collaboration with Stanley Kubrick on the 1999 thriller “Eyes Wide Shut,” where he starred alongside his then-wife, Nicole Kidman. This reflection provides a glimpse into their professional and personal relationship during that period. While discussing the film, Cruise touched on his memories of working with Kidman, offering a unique perspective on their time together.
Cruise Reminisces About Working with Kubrick and Kidman
In an interview with Sight and Sound magazine, the 62-year-old actor shared details about his experience filming “Eyes Wide Shut” with Kubrick and alongside Kidman, 57. He described it as “a great experience,” emphasizing his enthusiasm for the project. “I was very excited to do it. I knew Stanley’s movies very well and I was introduced to him through Sydney Pollack,” Cruise stated.
- Cruise recalled receiving a fax from Kubrick, leading to a meeting at the director’s house.
- He mentioned discussing the script extensively, having familiarized himself with Kubrick’s filmography through conversations with Martin Scorsese and Sydney Pollack.
- “When we were doing that, I suggested Nicole play the role [of Alice]. Because obviously she’s a great actress,” Cruise added, highlighting Kidman’s talent.
“Eyes Wide Shut”: A Deep Dive Into the Film
The movie delves into the lives of Dr. Bill Hartford (Cruise) and his wife Alice (Kidman), exploring themes of sexual desire and obsession. After Alice reveals a sexual fantasy, Bill embarks on a perilous journey of his own.
Cruise elaborated on the filming process, noting its extensive nature: “I knew it was going to be a long shoot. He 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…'”
He added “When I go to make a movie, I do a lot of detailed investigation and a lot of time with the people before I commit so that I understand what they need and want and they understand me and how we can work together and really create something very special.”
The Beginning of a Hollywood Romance
Cruise and Kidman’s relationship began in 1990 during the filming of “Days of Thunder.” Prior to Kidman, Cruise was briefly married to Mimi Rogers from 1987 to 1990. He then married Kidman in December 1990.
Marriage and Early Career Together
The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Colorado. Kidman reflected on their early marriage in a 2016 interview with Red magazine, stating, “I was so young when I got married…I look back now and I’m like, ‘What?'”
- They co-starred in “Far and Away” in 1992.
- They adopted their daughter Isabella in 1992.
- In 1995, they welcomed their son Connor, also via adoption.
Navigating Fame and Filmmaking
In a 2020 interview with The New York Times, Kidman commented on working with Cruise on “Eyes Wide Shut,” saying, “We were happily married through that.” She shared anecdotes of their time together, like “We would go go-kart racing after [intense] scenes. We’d rent out a place and go racing at three in the morning.”
The End of an Era
However, nearly two years after the film’s release, the high-profile couple separated. In February 2001, a statement cited the challenges of maintaining a relationship amidst demanding careers.
Cruise later dated Penélope Cruz and married Katie Holmes in 2006, with whom he had a daughter, Suri. They divorced in 2012. Holmes indicated in a 2013 deposition that she sought the split “to protect Suri from Scientology.” Suri, now 19, is reportedly estranged from her father.
Life After Cruise
Today, Cruise is rumored to be dating Ana de Armas, while Kidman was briefly engaged to Lenny Kravitz before marrying Keith Urban in 2006. Kidman and Urban have two daughters, Sunday and Faith.
Kidman attributed the success of her 19-year marriage to Urban to simple things, “We have a double shower. The double-headed shower: key to a successful marriage. Separate commodes and a double-headed shower!”