Tom Cruise’s First Comment On Nicole Kidman Since Their Split

Tom Cruise rarely shares details about his personal life, especially his past relationships. However, in a recent interview, he briefly broke that habit while discussing one of the most talked-about films of his career, Eyes Wide Shut.

The movie, directed by the late Stanley Kubrick, was the final project Cruise worked on with his then-wife, Nicole Kidman. More than 20 years after their split, he offered a few words about working with her and why he believed she was the perfect fit for the role.

Cruise and Kidman were married in 1990. At the time, he was 28, and she was 23. Over the course of their 11-year marriage, they adopted two children and collaborated on three films together: Days of Thunder (1990), Far and Away (1992), and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). That last film would be their most intense collaboration, both in terms of the material and the time it demanded.

Looking back, Cruise shared how the whole process began. Speaking to Sight and Sound, he recounted flying out to Kubrick’s house, landing a helicopter in the director’s backyard after reading the script. “We spent the whole day talking about it,” he said. “I knew all of his films.”

Kubrick, known for classics like The Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey, passed away suddenly from a heart attack in 1999, just months before Eyes Wide Shut was released. However, Cruise remembers that early meeting with him clearly, including the moment he suggested Kidman for the role of Alice Harford.

Renowned screenwriter Stanley Kubrick, photographed in 1971.

“Then it was basically he and I getting to know each other,” Cruise recalled. “And while we were doing that, I suggested Nicole play the role. Because, obviously, she’s a great actress.”

That kind of direct praise from Cruise about his ex-wife isn’t common. He's famously private and rarely comments on his relationships, even when they’re central to the work he’s discussing.

But in this case, he didn’t hold back. He even told Kubrick, “Whatever it’s going to take [to make the movie], we’re going to do this.”

Getty Images

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, in 1999, promoted Eyes Wide Shut.

The film follows Bill and Alice Harford, a married couple, as their relationship unravels after Alice makes a late-night confession. What follows is a surreal journey through secrecy, desire, and trust. It was provocative then and remains a talking point today, not least because of the real-life couple playing the leads.

Cruise said he was drawn to the story and the chance to work with Kubrick, but he approached the project with deep preparation, as he does with every movie.

“When I go to make a movie, I do a lot of detailed investigation and spend a lot of time with the people before I commit,” he said. “So that I understand what they need and want, and they understand me and how we can work together to really create something very special.”Pexels

Kidman has also spoken about the experience over the years. In a 25th anniversary interview with the Los Angeles Times, she described the start of production as unusually slow.

“When Tom and I first started with Stanley, it was at his home, and we didn’t even go over to the sets at Pinewood [Studios],” she said. “Six, eight weeks passed, and we’re wondering, ‘Are we ever going to start?’”

That uncertainty turned into a marathon. What was meant to be a six-month shoot dragged on, keeping both actors tied to the project for nearly two years. According to Kidman, they even lived on set at one point.

“We had a home 10 minutes away, but we lived in that trailer,” she said. “Tom and I shared it because Stanley would say, ‘You’re not each getting a trailer. We can’t afford it.’”

Expert Insights on Celebrity Relationships

Celebrity relationships often serve as mirrors reflecting societal values and personal struggles. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes that public scrutiny can amplify the pressures couples face.

In her work, she highlights the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and privacy, suggesting that celebrities should consider regular therapy as a proactive measure. This can help them navigate the complexities of relationships under the spotlight, allowing for more authentic connections.

Engaging with mental health professionals can provide tools for managing stress and communication, which are crucial for sustaining long-term relationships.

"Eyes Wide Shut (1999) Official Trailer - Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman Movie HD "

Despite the long hours, constant delays, and emotionally demanding material, both actors have consistently stated that the experience was worth it. While divisive when it was released, the film has gained more appreciation over time, and so has the story behind it.

Now, decades later, Cruise’s brief but thoughtful words about his ex-wife show that, at least professionally, he still respects what they built together. The marriage may not have lasted, but the work left a mark.

Communication is a cornerstone in any relationship, and it becomes even more crucial in the public eye. Relationship experts suggest that couples, especially those in the spotlight, should prioritize open dialogue about their feelings and experiences.

Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis advocates for structured communication approaches, such as the 'Gottman Method,' which emphasizes emotional attunement and conflict resolution strategies. These techniques can help partners express their needs clearly, fostering a healthier dynamic.

Furthermore, couples should create private spaces for honest discussions, away from the prying eyes of the media, to ensure they feel safe sharing their thoughts.

Psychological Framework & Solutions

In examining Tom Cruise's comments about Nicole Kidman, it's clear that the complexities of celebrity relationships warrant deeper understanding. Experts like Dr. Ramani Durvasula argue that public figures experience unique challenges that can strain their connections, often leading to misunderstandings.

By prioritizing mental health and effective communication, celebrities can better navigate their relationships, ensuring they remain resilient amidst public scrutiny. The insights from relationship experts highlight the power of proactive strategies in fostering strong, supportive partnerships, regardless of external pressures.