Nicole Kidman’s willingness to extend filming for 5 years while working with Stanley Kubrick, put Tom Cruise’s dedication to shame.

We all know Tom Cruise as the action hero who is willing to push his limits for his roles. But even he was humbled by his ex-wife Nicole Kidman when the duo (still married) appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut. While Cruise has long been hailed as the ultimate workhorse, Kidman put the actor to shame with her dedication and ethics in the 1999 movie.

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut | image: Warner Bros.

Although it was speculated that Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise were driven towards their divorce after working in Eyes Wide Shut, the actress not only debunked the rumor but also revealed how she was willing to work with Stanley Kubrick for as long as he needed. Willing to extend her work on the project for 5 years, Kidman outshined Cruise in the dedication department.

Nicole Kidman Put Tom Cruise to Shame with Her Unmatched Dedication

Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 movie Eyes Wide Shut, which was released posthumously, was a project that encapsulated a lifetime’s worth of work for the acclaimed director. Further, given the film’s ambitious scope and Kubrick’s perfectionist tendencies, it was no surprise that the film took an extended period to be made. This led fans to speculate that the film as well as Kubrick’s demanding nature contributed to the eventual dissolution of the lead actors, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s marriage.

However, during an interview with BBC, Kidman begged to differ. The actress revealed that she was more than willing to extend the filming of Eyes Wide Shut for a staggering five years if needed. Well, while Tom Cruise has achieved a reputation for his relentless drive and grueling work schedule, it turned out to be Nicole Kidman—during the production of the 1999 movie—who showed utmost dedication, putting her then-husband’s meticulous approach to shame.

A still from Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut | image: Warner Bros

I would have shot that thing for five years, I didn’t care. I’m with the greatest filmmaker. I’m with my husband. I’ve got my kids there. 

Further, debunking speculation about how the film was responsible for their divorce, Nicole Kidman admitted that she was more than happy to work with Stanley Kubrick, the legendary filmmaker. So, while Tom Cruise was probably counting down the days, his then-wife was ready to dig in for the long haul. Imagine the look on Cruise’s face when he realized that while he was ready to move on, Kidman was perfectly content to keep the cameras rolling.

Recalling Her Experience from Eyes Wide Shut, Nicole Kidman Hailed Stanley Kubrick

After Nicole Kidman gladly put Tom Cruise’s commitment to shame, the actress went on to speak fondly of her experience working on Eyes Wide Shut, praising Stanley Kubrick‘s genius and the film’s impact on her career. Reflecting on her time working on the film, Kidman spoke glowingly about the acclaimed filmmaker, calling the experience not just rewarding but downright gratifying.

Despite the film’s thorny subject matter and grueling production, Nicole Kidman claimed to have fond memories associated with the project. Considering that Eyes Wide Shut is one of the finest films of the last three decades, Kidman recalled to the LA Times that it was indeed a daunting task to film the masterpiece—but was also an immensely rewarding experience.

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 Eyes Wide Shut | image: Warner Bros.

Further, speaking highly of Stanley Kubrick, Nicole Kidman shattered many of the speculations surrounding the filmmaker as a public figure. The actress noted that Kubrick was not the cold and uptight person incapable of human connections like he has been painted by the media. Instead, recalling the s*xually explicit moments in the movie, Kidman told the New York Times how Kubrick worked closely with her to ensure that she was protected and put her at ease with her body.

Eyes Wide Shut is currently available to watch on Apple TV+.