Nicole Kidman, the acclaimed Australian actress, has recently made a rare comment about her ex-husband, Tom Cruise. Kidman, 57, and Cruise, 62, were married for 11 years and share two children. Although she usually avoids discussing her former spouse, she made an exception while talking about the 1999 film “Eyes Wide Shut,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, in which both she and Cruise starred.

As the film approaches its 25th anniversary, Kidman opened up about whether Kubrick drew inspiration from her relationship with Cruise for the movie’s intense and intimate scenes.

Reflecting on the early days of working with Kubrick, Kidman recalled that their collaboration began at the director’s home rather than at the Pinewood Studios sets. “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,” she shared. This unconventional approach saw them spending an extended period together before actual filming commenced.

“Six, eight weeks passed, and we’re wondering, ‘Are we ever going to start?’ And we just wouldn’t start. We were getting comfortable with each other, comfortable enough to throw out ideas,” Kidman told the Los Angeles Times.

The production of “Eyes Wide Shut” is renowned for its lengthy filming process, which spanned nearly two years. During this time, Kidman and Cruise were deeply immersed in their roles, both on and off the set. Kidman revealed that they shared a trailer throughout the production. “We had a home 10 minutes away, but we lived in that trailer,” she explained.

“Tom and I shared it because Stanley would say, ‘You’re not each getting a trailer. We can’t afford it.’” This close living arrangement fostered a unique environment where they could fully embody their characters and collaborate intensely with Kubrick.

The film’s narrative explores complex themes of marriage, fidelity, and desire, with Kidman and Cruise portraying a married couple who engage in provocative conversations and actions surrounding these topics.

In one scene, the characters are seen flirting and discussing infidelity, while in another, it is implied that they have acted on their desires. The film’s raw and authentic portrayal of marital dynamics led many to speculate whether Kubrick drew from Kidman and Cruise’s real-life relationship.

When asked if Kubrick used their marriage as a source of inspiration, Kidman responded thoughtfully. “I suppose he was mining it. There were ideas he was interested in. He’d ask a lot of questions,” she admitted. This revelation sheds light on the collaborative and exploratory nature of their work with Kubrick, who was known for his meticulous and immersive filmmaking style.

Kidman and Cruise’s marriage was one of Hollywood’s most high-profile unions during the 1990s. However, their relationship eventually ended in divorce in 2001. Despite their separation, Kidman rarely speaks about Cruise in public, making her recent comments particularly noteworthy.

After their divorce, Cruise went on to marry actress Katie Holmes in 2006, a union that was highly publicized, including his infamous declaration of love on Oprah Winfrey’s show. However, Cruise and Holmes divorced in 2012, sharing a daughter, Suri, who is now 18 years old.

Suri has reportedly distanced herself from her father, allegedly due to his ties with Scientology. In June, she graduated from high school and opted to use the name Suri Noelle, incorporating her mother Katie Holmes’ middle name, instead of her birth name Suri Cruise.

As Kidman reflects on her past, her insights into the making of “Eyes Wide Shut” provide a rare glimpse into her personal and professional life during her marriage to Cruise. The film remains a significant piece of cinema, not only for its daring content but also for the behind-the-scenes stories that continue to intrigue fans and film enthusiasts alike.

The enduring legacy of “Eyes Wide Shut,” coupled with Kidman’s candid recollections, highlights the intricate interplay between life and art. It serves as a testament to the powerful impact that personal experiences can have on creative endeavors, shaping performances and narratives in profound ways.