London, England — Tom Cruise recently opened up about his ex-wife, Nicole Kidman, during an interview with the British Film Institute’s Sight and Sound magazine, offering a glimpse into their past both as a couple and collaborators. The actor, known for his role in "Top Gun: Maverick," expressed admiration for Kidman’s talent, reflecting on how he played a significant part in her casting for their joint film, "Eyes Wide Shut."
Cruise, 62, recalled a key moment from 1999 when he visited the iconic filmmaker Stanley Kubrick to discuss the project. During their meeting, Cruise suggested that Kidman be cast as Alice, underlining her exceptional acting skills. "It was really just an opportunity to get to know each other," he explained. The couple, who were married from 1990 to 2001, starred as Dr. William Hartford and his wife, navigating the complexities of infidelity in the psychological drama.
The actor described the filming experience as unique, emphasizing the intimate environment created by a small production crew. "We arrived in the summer and started testing things out," he shared, noting that the script was constantly evolving. "We were rewriting scenes and reshooting to capture the right tone." This collaborative approach contributed to the film’s distinctive atmosphere.
Kidman, now 57, has previously discussed her memories from the filming process. In a 2020 conversation with The New York Times, she recounted how she and Cruise sought to lighten up the generally dark themes of the film. After intense shooting sessions, they would sometimes go go-kart racing in the early hours. "We would rent a place and go racing at 3 in the morning," she said, adding a playful dimension to their work life.
During that time, the couple was raising their two children, Isabella and Connor, often sharing family dinners with Kubrick. Kidman emphasized the familial bond they built working alongside one of cinema’s greats. "We loved working with him," she recalled. "We shot that for two years, living out of a trailer, making spaghetti because Stanley liked to eat with us sometimes."
Despite the seemingly harmonious collaboration, Kidman and Cruise’s marriage ended in 2001. Reflecting years later, Kidman shared her struggles in coping with their separation, describing it as a profound shock. In a 2012 interview, she admitted, “It took me a very long time to heal."
Following their divorce, Cruise remarried Katie Holmes, with whom he has a daughter, Suri, while Kidman found love with country singer Keith Urban in 2006. The couple has two daughters, Sunday and Faith, further enriching their lives post-marriage.
As Cruise reflects on his connection with Kidman, it serves as a reminder of their shared history and the enduring impact of their collaborative work in film, which continues to resonate with audiences today.