In a rare and candid interview, Tom Cruise has opened up about his suggestion to acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick to cast his then-wife, Nicole Kidman, in the 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut. Cruise stated his reasoning was clear: "because obviously she’s a great actress." This acknowledgment of Kidman's impressive talent comes as part of a feature in the May issue of Sight and Sound, a prestigious film magazine published by the British Film Institute (BFI).
On Monday, Tom Cruise will receive the distinguished BFI Fellowship, joining a prestigious list of past honorees that includes legendary filmmakers and actors such as David Lean, Bette Davis, and Martin Scorsese. This honor reflects Cruise's significant contributions to the film industry over his long and illustrious career. Additionally, he will engage in an In Conversation event at the BFI cinema complex located on London’s Southbank, where he will discuss his extensive body of work.
As excitement builds, Cruise is gearing up for the world premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14. This film marks the latest—and potentially final—installment in the iconic Mission: Impossible franchise, which began over three decades ago with Brian De Palma’s original film in 1996.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Cruise shared a memorable moment from 1998 when he watched Nicole Kidman's performance in The Blue Room at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre. He recalled being in complete awe of her acting prowess, emphasizing her extraordinary talent. This admiration for Kidman’s skills is a testament to their deep artistic connection.
In his interview, Cruise elaborated on his collaboration with Stanley Kubrick, describing the experience as exhilarating. He mentioned being well-acquainted with Kubrick's films and how he was introduced to the director through Sydney Pollack. Reflecting on their working relationship, Cruise said, “It was a great experience. I was very excited to do it.” He recounted how he suggested Kidman for the role of Alice, recognizing her incredible talent as a vital asset to the film.
In the wide-ranging interview with Isabel Stevens, Cruise also paid tribute to his late friend and co-star, Val Kilmer, who passed away on April 1. He shared heartfelt memories of their collaboration on the Top Gun films, expressing gratitude for Kilmer's decision to return to the franchise. Cruise recounted the efforts made to convince Kilmer to participate, emphasizing his profound impact on the film despite having limited screen time.
Additionally, Cruise reflected on his experiences acting alongside legendary actors such as Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men. He praised Nicholson's ability to command a scene, noting how great actors make their performances appear effortless. Cruise described the creative synergy he experienced while acting with Nicholson, highlighting the magic that emerges when talented individuals collaborate.
The May issue of Sight and Sound is set to be released next week, offering fans an in-depth look at Tom Cruise's reflections on his career and remarkable experiences with some of cinema's most iconic figures. This announcement not only sheds light on his past but also builds anticipation for his future projects.
