“Eyes Wide Shut,” Stanley Kubrick’s final film, holds a unique place in cinematic history, not just for its thematic exploration of marriage and infidelity, but also for its notoriously protracted production. The film’s principal photography spanned an astonishing 400 days, a duration unprecedented for a non-animated film, primarily due to Kubrick’s meticulous perfectionism, his commitment to total control over every aspect of production, and the deliberate creation of an atmosphere of controlled paranoia amongst the cast and crew.
Kubrick’s Obsessive Perfectionism: The Driving Force
The most significant factor contributing to “Eyes Wide Shut’s” extended filming schedule was undoubtedly Stanley Kubrick’s legendary perfectionism. He was known for his relentless pursuit of the ideal, often demanding numerous takes of even seemingly simple scenes. This wasn’t simply about getting the dialogue right; it was about capturing the precise emotional nuance, the perfect visual composition, and the overall atmosphere he envisioned.
The Cost of Perfection: Takes and Retakes
Kubrick’s pursuit of perfection manifested in countless retakes. Stories abound of scenes being shot dozens, even hundreds, of times. While the exact numbers are often debated, the sheer volume of takes created significant delays. A simple walk across a street, a brief conversation, or even a fleeting facial expression could be repeated endlessly until it met his exacting standards. This level of control demanded immense patience and dedication from the cast and crew, inevitably stretching the production timeline.
Total Control and Micro-Management
Kubrick demanded absolute control over every aspect of the filmmaking process, from script development and casting to set design, cinematography, and editing. This micro-management, while ensuring his vision was fully realized, also contributed to the prolonged schedule. He often redesigned sets and props multiple times, changed his mind about shooting locations at the last minute, and meticulously controlled every detail of the actors’ performances. This level of control, while artistic, consumed vast amounts of time and resources.
Method Acting and the Creation of Unease
Another significant factor was Kubrick’s desire to elicit authentic performances from his actors, particularly Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married at the time. He reportedly encouraged a sense of unease and emotional vulnerability between them, reflecting the marital tensions explored in the film.
Psychological Impact on the Cast
Kubrick’s methods had a profound psychological impact on Cruise and Kidman. The lengthy shoot, combined with the emotionally challenging subject matter and Kubrick’s insistence on exploring their real-life relationship dynamics, created a stressful and demanding environment. This deliberate creation of unease, while perhaps contributing to the film’s authenticity, added to the overall production time.
The Masked Ball Sequence: A Case Study
The film’s centerpiece, the masked ball sequence, is a prime example of the lengths to which Kubrick went to achieve his artistic vision. The sequence, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, required meticulous planning and execution. The elaborate costumes, the complex choreography, and the sheer number of extras involved contributed to the extended filming time. Kubrick reportedly spent weeks perfecting the lighting and camera angles to create the desired atmosphere of surreal dread.
Technical Challenges and Post-Production
Beyond Kubrick’s directorial style and the psychological impact on the cast, technical challenges also played a role in the film’s extended production schedule.
Post-Production: A Final Layer of Perfection
Even after principal photography wrapped, Kubrick remained heavily involved in the post-production process. He meticulously oversaw the editing, sound design, and visual effects, ensuring that every element of the film aligned with his vision. This obsessive attention to detail extended the post-production period, delaying the film’s eventual release.
Technological Limitations
Although “Eyes Wide Shut” was made in the late 1990s, some of the technical challenges stemmed from the available technology at the time. Certain special effects and visual manipulations required more time and effort than they would today. This added another layer to the complexity and duration of the production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the production of “Eyes Wide Shut,” shedding further light on the reasons behind its extended filming schedule:
FAQ 1: How long was the actual filming schedule of “Eyes Wide Shut”?
The principal photography lasted approximately 400 days, making it one of the longest continuous film shoots in history.
FAQ 2: Did Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman know how long the filming would take?
While they were aware that Kubrick was a meticulous director, the actual length of the shoot likely exceeded their initial expectations. The unpredictability of Kubrick’s process meant that the filming schedule remained fluid and subject to change.
FAQ 3: What was the budget of “Eyes Wide Shut”?
The film’s budget was estimated to be around $65 million, a considerable sum at the time, but perhaps not extravagant considering the length of the production.
FAQ 4: How many takes did Kubrick typically do for a scene?
It varied greatly, but accounts suggest that some scenes were shot dozens, even hundreds, of times. The number of takes depended on Kubrick’s level of satisfaction and his ability to capture the precise nuance he sought.
FAQ 5: Did the long shoot affect Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s marriage?
While the film’s subject matter and the demanding production environment undoubtedly placed a strain on their relationship, it’s impossible to say definitively whether it directly contributed to their eventual divorce. However, it is widely speculated that the experience played a role.
FAQ 6: Was Stanley Kubrick difficult to work with?
Kubrick was known for being a demanding and exacting director, but also a visionary. While some found his methods challenging, others appreciated his commitment to excellence. He inspired a level of dedication and loyalty in many of his collaborators.
FAQ 7: Did Kubrick use any new or experimental filmmaking techniques in “Eyes Wide Shut”?
While not revolutionary in terms of technology, Kubrick’s innovative approach to creating atmosphere and eliciting authentic performances can be considered experimental.
FAQ 8: Were there any major script changes during the filming process?
Kubrick was known to be flexible and open to making changes to the script during filming. This improvisational approach, while contributing to the film’s artistic merit, also added to the production time.
FAQ 9: How involved was Arthur Schnitzler’s novella “Dream Story” in the film’s script?
While the film is based on “Dream Story,” Kubrick took significant liberties with the source material. The novella served as a starting point, but Kubrick’s vision ultimately shaped the film’s narrative and themes.
FAQ 10: What were the biggest challenges in post-production?
The editing process was particularly challenging, as Kubrick meticulously crafted the film’s pacing and rhythm. The sound design also required significant attention to detail.
FAQ 11: Why was the film censored in some countries?
The film’s explicit sexual content led to censorship in some markets. Warner Bros. digitally altered certain scenes to comply with local regulations.
FAQ 12: What is the legacy of “Eyes Wide Shut”?
“Eyes Wide Shut” remains a controversial and enigmatic film, celebrated for its atmospheric visuals, psychological depth, and provocative exploration of marriage and sexuality. It stands as a testament to Kubrick’s artistic vision and his unwavering commitment to cinematic excellence, a legacy earned through a production process as complex and fascinating as the film itself.