Even though it has been over 20 years since Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman parted ways, the actor still holds a deep respect for his ex-wife’s incredible acting talent.
As Cruise, now 62, enjoys some time in London, he is set to receive a distinguished fellowship from the British Film Institute (BFI).
Before heading to the event on Monday, he sat down for an interview with Sight and Sound magazine, where he reflected on his career, including his involvement in the controversial film Eyes Wide Shut.
Cruise’s Reflections on Eyes Wide Shut
Cruise’s role in Eyes Wide Shut, directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, remains a subject of much conversation.
The actor spoke candidly about the film’s development process, revealing that he had suggested Nicole Kidman play his onscreen wife, Alice.
He praised her acting abilities, saying, “Obviously, she’s a great actress.”
Cruise recalled how the film came together with Kubrick’s unique approach: “It was a very unique experience – not a large crew.
“We arrived in the summer and basically we just started testing… the script was just an idea.”
As the film took shape, Cruise and Kubrick worked closely to fine-tune the tone of the film, constantly rewriting scenes, reshooting, and finding their way.
While the film’s controversial themes of sexual exploration may have been shocking to some, Cruise found the process fascinating.
He shared that, in the end, it was a collaboration with the director that shaped the final product.
The Reception and Legacy of Eyes Wide Shut
Although Eyes Wide Shut didn’t receive overwhelming praise from critics or audiences, it earned back more than its $60 million budget.
This included the hefty salaries of Cruise and Kidman—$20 million and $6.5 million, respectively.
However, the film’s legacy has remained part of their careers, with Kidman herself sharing her own experiences of working with Kubrick.
In a 2023 essay for The Hollywood Reporter, she reflected on how the director encouraged her to embrace the film’s sexual content.
Despite initial hesitations, Kidman explained that Kubrick created a safe environment for her to explore the role, with his paternal nature making her feel comfortable throughout the process.
The End of Tom and Nicole’s Marriage
Cruise and Kidman’s marriage, which spanned from 1990 to 2001, ended under difficult circumstances.
In 2001, Cruise filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Rumors swirled about the cause of their split, with some suggesting that Cruise’s deep involvement with the Church of Scientology and Kidman’s refusal to join the church played a significant role.
Mike Rinder, a former member of the Church of Scientology, alleged in his book that the couple’s differing views on Scientology contributed to the dissolution of their relationship.
Cruise’s Personal Life and the Church of Scientology
Over the years, reports have emerged that suggest Cruise may have become estranged from his daughter, Suri, now 19, due to her lack of involvement in Scientology.
It’s been said that members of the church often distance themselves from loved ones who do not share their beliefs.
While Cruise’s relationships have continued to capture public attention, his current girlfriend, Ana de Armas, 37, is reportedly Catholic, much like Kidman.
This raises questions about how their relationship will fare in the long term, given the complexities of Cruise’s religious affiliations.
What’s Next for Tom Cruise?
After receiving his prestigious award from the BFI on Monday, Cruise will jet off to Cannes for the screening of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
The film will be showcased at the prestigious film festival on Wednesday, marking another major milestone in Cruise’s illustrious career.
Despite the ups and downs of his personal life, Cruise’s professional journey continues to thrive as he remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.