It’s been over two decades since Nicole Kidman starred alongside her then-husband Tom Cruise in the iconic film Eyes Wide Shut. Recently, Nicole, now 57, took a trip down memory lane and reflected on what it was like to work with Tom during that time. The two were married from 1990 to 2001, and their collaboration with legendary director Stanley Kubrick remains a defining moment in both of their careers.
In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times, Nicole shared that one particular scene in the psychological drama took an unexpectedly long time to film. This wasn’t just any scene—it was the pivotal moment where her character smokes a spliff in bed and delivers a lengthy monologue. Let’s dive deeper into her recollections and what it was like working with Kubrick.
Recreating the Iconic Scene: A Process of Patience and Precision
“It was the scene with Tom and me where I start by smoking the spliff in bed and where I laugh and deliver the long monologue,” Nicole explained. She went on to describe how this scene required weeks of preparation. “That took many weeks. A lot of that was rehearsing in the bedroom and then Tom not liking what we’d done. So we ended up reworking it, constructing it as we went along. There was no need to rush. Stanley would never go over budget. What he bought was time.”
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Kubrick's methodical approach allowed Nicole and Tom to explore their characters deeply, ensuring that every nuance was captured perfectly. The director’s focus on perfection meant that the actors had the luxury of time to experiment and refine their performances.
Evolution Under Kubrick’s Guidance
The Big Little Lies star elaborated on how the scene evolved under Kubrick’s direction. “Just a lot of talking. When Tom and I first started with Stanley, it was at his home, and we didn’t even go over to the sets at Pinewood [Studios]. Six, eight weeks passed, and we’re wondering, ‘Are we ever going to start?’ And we just wouldn’t start,” Nicole recalled. “We were getting comfortable with each other, comfortable enough to throw out ideas. For that scene, we improvised the beginning of it through the rehearsals.”
Kubrick's unconventional methods encouraged Nicole and Tom to build a strong rapport, which translated into the chemistry seen on screen. This process wasn’t just about acting—it was about trust and understanding, elements crucial to bringing the characters to life.
Marriage as Inspiration: Was Kubrick Mining Their Real-Life Story?
When asked if Kubrick was drawing inspiration from her marriage to Tom, Nicole admitted, “I suppose he was mining it. There were ideas he was interested in. He’d ask a lot of questions. But he had a strong sense of the story he was telling.” She went on to explain how Kubrick handled the complex dynamics of the characters’ relationship. “I do remember him saying, ‘Triangles are hard. You have to tread carefully when it’s a triangle.’ Because one person could feel ganged up on. But he was aware of that and knew how to manage us.”
Kubrick’s sensitivity to interpersonal relationships ensured that the film explored themes of trust, betrayal, and intimacy with nuance and depth. Nicole’s insights into the director’s process reveal just how meticulous he was in crafting the narrative.
Life After Hollywood Fame: Nicole’s Journey Post-Split
In January, Nicole opened up about the challenges she faced following her high-profile split from Tom Cruise. “I was struggling with things in my personal life, yet my professional life was going so well,” she admitted in the book 50 Oscar Nights: Iconic Stars & Filmmakers on Their Career-Defining Wins. “That’s what happens, right?”
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Her career continued to soar, and in 2003, Nicole took home her first Oscar for her role as Virginia Woolf in The Hours. Despite the accolades, she found herself emotionally unfulfilled. During her acceptance speech, Nicole began crying and was ultimately played off by music before she could finish. “I went home and ended up ordering takeout and eating it on the floor of the Beverly Hills Hotel,” she recalled. “I sat on the floor of the hotel eating French fries and a burger with my family and went to bed. That’s when it hit me. I went, I need to find my love; I need a love in my life. Because this is supposed to be when you go, ‘This is ours.’”
“I went to bed alone; I was in bed before midnight. If I ever won again, I’m telling you, I’d be out for 24 hours,” she added, emphasizing the importance of finding balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
Love and Family: Nicole’s Life Today
Nicole found love again in 2006 when she married musician Keith Urban. Together, they welcomed daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.
