Nicole Kidman reflects on Kirbrick's role in marriage breakup
Nicole Kidman very rarely comments on her marriage with her former husband Tom Cruise. However, the actress was persuaded to share some insights in an interview with the "Los Angeles Times" on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the release of the film "Eyes Wide Shut".
23 July 2024 18:49
"Eyes Wide Shut" by Stanley Kubrick premiered on 16 July 1999. The film was a "posthumous work," appearing in cinemas four months after the renowned director's death. The controversial film amazed viewers and divided critics. According to many, it also accelerated the marriage breakdown between Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
"I think that by acting in this film, Nicole discovered how to free herself. She realised she could be as big a star as Tom if she became just as strong and focused on herself. Initially, Tom wanted a beautiful, brilliant, obedient companion, and Nicole needed a teacher. This relationship worked but only for a while. I believe that the film 'Eyes Wide Shut' was a process that led their marriage to its end because the characters they played were too close to reality," claimed David Thomson, the author of Nicole Kidman's biography.
In her latest interview with the "Los Angeles Times," the actress seems to confirm the biographer's words. Kidman was asked if she believed Kubrick "exploited" her marriage to Cruise to develop the relationship between their characters. "He talked to us a lot, mostly not about our roles. He asked many questions. He wanted to get to know us better. The filming lasted for two years, during which we spent most of the time in a trailer, even though we lived 10 minutes from the set" – said Kidman.
"He observed us more than we realised at the time. I remember him saying: ‘Triangles are difficult. When you live in a triangle, you have to tread carefully. Living in a triangle is not just a relationship between people; passion, work, and career are also involved." – the actress recalled.
"My professional life was going great, but I had problems in my personal life. That's just what happens, right? I remember being completely overwhelmed and shaken. I realised that I had to close that chapter of my life" – Nicole Kidman concluded. The actress, originally from Australia, divorced Tom Cruise in 2001. A year later, she won an Oscar for her role in the film "The Hours".
