Tom Cruise Recounts Recommending Nicole Kidman for Eyes Wide Shut Role

Tom Cruise played a pivotal role in casting Nicole Kidman as Alice in Stanley Kubrick's 1999 film "Eyes Wide Shut," leveraging his influence to convince the famously selective director. Cruise recounted flying to Kubrick's house where they spent a day discussing the script and films, during which he suggested Kidman for the role, praising her acting abilities. Despite the filming extending well beyond the planned schedule due to Kubrick's meticulous nature, Cruise embraced the challenge, emphasizing thorough preparation and collaboration to create something special. Kidman reflected that Kubrick was interested in exploring complex relational dynamics, but she and Cruise's real-life marriage was much happier than their characters' troubled relationship in the film. The movie, known for its deep dive into the secretive and dark aspects of Manhattan's underground, remains unique and continues to be valued by Cruise for the experience and lessons it provided. Both actors have acknowledged the intense nature of the project and the distinct separation between their real lives and the film’s narrative.