Stanley Kubrick’s filmography is renowned for its audacious creativity. The secrets behind the making of Eyes Wide Shut, featuring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, have captivated audiences for over a decade.
In the backdrop of the late 90s, amid a slew of groundbreaking films, Eyes Wide Shut stood out with its provocative narrative. Premiering in 1999, it was a daring exploration of cinema.
Yet, it’s the stories from behind the lens that remain the most talked about, especially considering the stringent guidelines set for Kidman and Cruise, who were wedded at the time.
Kubrick’s insistence on “six days’ worth of se*x scenes” was especially challenging. Kidman was directed to enact intimate sequences with the actor portraying her on-screen fantasy. This explicit task encompassed 50 varied se*xual poses throughout the shoot. Remarkably, Kidman was instructed not to discuss any facet of these scenes with Cruise, whether on set or elsewhere.
Kubrick’s unorthodox direction didn’t stop there. To encapsulate a sense of estrangement, he directed the couple to stay apart unless filming and fed them separate directives, barring any mutual discussions. This, combined with an arduous 46-week shoot, reportedly took a toll on Cruise, as MovieWeb detailed.
Eyes Wide Shut’s intense filming regimen is emblematic of the unparalleled commitment Kubrick exacted from his cast.
While this might seem extreme, it’s in line with Kubrick’s reputation. He was known for meticulous oversight in iconic movies like A Clockwork Orange and The Shining. While some criticized his relentless quest for perfection, many believed it was pivotal to his genius.
Today, Eyes Wide Shut is remembered not just for its storyline but for the indelible mark it left on the careers of its lead actors. The movie epitomizes the fusion of fervor, debate, and unorthodox cinema, its impact echoing through the years.
Reflecting on this cinematic voyage, one appreciates the extremes artists undertake to realize a dream. In the realm of Eyes Wide Shut, that dream was as multifaceted and captivating as its creators.