Why Nicole Kidman’s 26-Year-Old Thriller With Tom Cruise Is Still Her Best Movie

Over four decades, Nicole Kidman, an Australian-American actress who first appeared in 1983, has built an impressive career. Among her many notable roles, there’s a film she made with her former husband, Tom Cruise, that is widely considered her best work. Despite their high-profile divorce, the duo collaborated on one exceptional movie before parting ways.

One could argue that among Nicole Kidman’s impressive acting portfolio, which includes her Oscar-winning role in “The Hours,” as well as Academy Award-nominated performances in films like “Moulin Rouge!,” “Rabbit Hole,” “Lion,” and “Being the Ricardos,” her most notable movie was directed by one of cinema’s most esteemed auteurs. Showcasing unwavering courage and versatility in tackling complex roles, even at over 25 years into her career, this film by Stanley Kubrick has continued to hold its ground and gain more acclaim as the years pass by.

Why Eyes Wide Shut Is Still Nicole Kidman’s Best Movie

Stanley Kubrick’s final film was also his highest-grossing release

Eyes Wide Shut

In summary, this movie was Stanley Kubrick’s last production as he passed away from a heart attack six days following the submission of the final version to Warner Bros. As an adult-themed mystery with an erotic twist, it provides a chilling peek into a clandestine society where members wear masks and participate in elaborate sexual rituals throughout the night. The film stars Tom Cruise as Dr. Bill Harford and Nicole Kidman as his wife Alice. Eyes Wide Shut delves deeply into themes of sex, matrimony, loyalty, and confidence, ultimately causing the couple’s bond to unravel dramatically when Alice confesses her thoughts about infidelity.

In my opinion, while Stanley Kubrick’s final movie, “Eyes Wide Shut,” is frequently hailed as a masterpiece due to Cruise’s intriguing interactions with the clandestine group, I firmly believe that Nicole Kidman’s exceptional portrayal of Alice deserves equal recognition. Her performance was an emotionally raw and introspective depiction of a woman wrestling with desire, providing a deep insight into her character that significantly contributed to the film’s impact.

What made Kidman’s performance truly captivating was likely her real-life connection with Cruise. This authentic relationship may have served as a foundation for portraying the complexities of repression and marital discontent on screen, making her character all the more compelling.

It Might Not Top Eyes Wide Shut, But Nicole Kidman’s Recent Work Is Still Some Of Her Best

Nicole Kidman has continued working with the best directors around

As a devoted admirer, I must acknowledge that Nicole Kidman’s portrayal in “Eyes Wide Shut” undeniably stands as one of her most remarkable acting feats. However, it’s crucial to recognize that she hasn’t rested on her laurels since then. Over the recent years, Kidman has been collaborating with some of the most esteemed directors in the industry. Notably, she’s been part of projects directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Sofia Coppola, Aaron Sorkin, and Robert Eggers. Her performances have consistently pushed boundaries, but her commitment to gender equality in the film industry is equally noteworthy. She has publicly pledged (as reported in Variety) to work with a female director at least every 18 months, demonstrating her dedication to promoting diversity behind the camera.

Nicole Kidman’s latest roles have solidified her place among the top actors of our time, and her performance in “Eyes Wide Shut” was a significant milestone that opened doors to more serious and acclaimed roles. It’s not only on the big screen where Kidman has shone, as her exceptional performances in HBO series such as “Big Little Lies” and “The Undoing” demonstrate her versatility in long-form dramas for television. Her recent role as a powerful CEO entangled in an illicit relationship with a younger man in “Babygirl” is another testament to her fearless acting prowess, proving that this Academy Award-winning actress continues to push boundaries.

Read More

2025-05-02 21:07

Previous post Rosa Salazar Drops Another Major Role After Cut from Captain America 4—Here’s What Happened
Next post MONOPOLY GO! May 2025: List of Events, Tournaments, and Rewards