The release of a pristine 4K restoration of Eyes Wide Shut has unlocked a treasure trove of memories from the set of the 1999 erotic thriller. Actor and director Todd Field recently broke his silence to share a raw, profanity laced interaction with the legendary Stanley Kubrick that changed his life forever.
Field played the character Nick Nightingale in the film. He recently spoke about his experiences during a new interview surrounding the Criterion Collection release. His stories offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a cinema giant just before his untimely death.
The unforgettable introduction at Luton Hoo
Todd Field was a fresh graduate from the American Film Institute when he landed the role of Nick Nightingale. He was eager to meet the director who had defined modern cinema. The meeting took place at Luton Hoo. This is a massive estate in Bedfordshire that doubled for the interiors of the film.
Field arrived with his trusty Leica camera in hand. He spent hours wandering the halls of the estate while Kubrick conducted lighting tests in a ballroom. The young actor was too nervous to enter the room and simply stood by the door.
He watched the master at work from a distance. Kubrick eventually sensed a presence and turned his gaze toward the doorway. The interaction that followed was both terrifying and hilarious.
Todd Field Stanley Kubrick Eyes Wide Shut filming set
“You’re here. Come inside and see what we’re doing,” Kubrick said. Field stumbled forward and introduced himself. Kubrick laughed and replied, “I know who the f*** you are, I hired you. Can I see that?”
The director immediately pointed to the camera Field was holding. This broke the ice instantly. The two men did not talk about the script or the complex themes of the movie right away. They bonded over technical details like film stock and lenses. This moment marked the beginning of a profound relationship that went far beyond actor and director.
A mentorship beyond acting
The relationship between the two filmmakers quickly evolved into a mentorship. Kubrick saw a spark in Field that went beyond his performance as the piano player who leads Tom Cruise into a dark underworld. The legendary director became an open book.
He invited Field to watch dailies with him. This was a rare privilege on a Kubrick set. He shared detailed explanations of how he achieved specific lighting effects and camera movements. Kubrick was certain that Field would become a successful director.
Field was preparing to make his own feature film titled In the Bedroom. He received invaluable advice during the long breaks in filming. Kubrick sat him down and asked probing questions about his plans for the movie.
Key Lessons Field Learned From Kubrick:
- Technical Mastery: Understanding the tools of the trade is as important as working with actors.
- Absolute Certainty: You must believe in your vision even when others doubt it.
- Generosity: Great directors share their knowledge with the next generation.
Kubrick even asked Field to send him the second draft of the In the Bedroom script. Field agreed to do so. However, he never got the chance to send it. The tragic news of Kubrick’s death arrived before he could fulfill that promise.
Debunking the final cut myths
Eyes Wide Shut is famous for the conspiracy theories surrounding its release. Stanley Kubrick died just six days after screening the film for the studio and the stars. This timeline has led to decades of speculation.
Many fans believe the studio altered the film after his death. Some theories suggest scenes were removed or the narrative was softened. Field addressed these rumors directly in his recent comments. He wanted to set the record straight regarding what audiences saw in 1999 and what is on the new 4K disc.
He confirmed that the released version was indeed Stanley Kubrick’s first cut.
This is a significant distinction in the film world. A first cut is not always a locked picture. Field admitted that if Kubrick had lived, the film likely would have changed. The director was notorious for tinkering with his movies until the very last second.
Status of the Film Versions:
| Version | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Theatrical Cut | Released | Based on the screening 6 days before death. |
| Director’s Final Cut | Non-Existent | Kubrick died before the final polish. |
| Studio Interference | Debunked | Warner Bros. honored the screened version. |
Field stated it would be foolish to guess what changes Kubrick might have made. The version we have is the closest thing to his final vision. It stands as a frozen moment in time that reflects his instincts at that specific stage of post production.
Looking back at the mixed legacy
It is hard to imagine now, but Eyes Wide Shut was not immediately embraced as a masterpiece. The critics in 1999 were harsh. Audiences were confused by the dreamlike pacing and the lack of a traditional thriller resolution.
Field noted that the cast and crew actually expected a negative reaction. He pointed out that almost every Kubrick film since 2001: A Space Odyssey faced initial backlash. It often took years or even decades for the public to catch up to the director’s vision.
The film was also overshadowed by the real life marriage of its stars.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were the biggest power couple in Hollywood at the time. The marketing focused heavily on their relationship and the sexual content of the movie. This created expectations that the film had no intention of meeting. The grueling shoot lasted a record breaking 400 days. This only added to the media frenzy.
Today the film is viewed very differently. It is seen as a complex study of jealousy and class. The new Criterion release cements its status as a classic. Field believes the reassessment was inevitable. The art has finally outlived the gossip.
The legacy of that production lives on in the work of Todd Field. His films like Tár and Little Children show the same attention to detail that Kubrick championed. The 4K release allows a new generation to see the work that sparked their friendship. It serves as a final testament to a master who knew exactly who he hired.
The story of Eyes Wide Shut is more than just a movie production. It is a lesson in patience and artistic integrity. Stanley Kubrick left the world with a riddle that we are still solving twenty five years later. His interaction with Todd Field proves that beneath the intimidating genius was a man who loved the craft of filmmaking above all else.
How do you rank Eyes Wide Shut among Stanley Kubrick’s filmography? Is it his misunderstood masterpiece or do you prefer his earlier work? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s discuss this cinema classic.
