Nicole Kidman reveals contract clause for explicit scenes in Eyes Wide Shut

Nicole Kidman once starred in an erotic thriller, Eyes Wide Shut, alongside her then-husband Tom Cruise, where she included a unique clause in her contract for her nude scenes.

The film, now available on Netflix, had a notoriously long and unconventional production. Kidman and Cruise signed open-ended contracts, agreeing to work until the movie was completed.

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The production set a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous film shoot, lasting over 15 months. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, known for his perfectionism, the extended filming even influenced the couple’s children, who developed British accents due to the movie being shot in the UK.

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Kidman’s contract stipulated she would review all nude scenes before their inclusion in the film. Reflecting on this, she told New York Magazine, “When I went to work with Stanley Kubrick, he said, ‘I’m going to want full-frontal nudity,’ and I was hesitant.”

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She continued, “So we agreed on a contract where I could review the scenes with nudity beforehand. It gave me a sense of safety. I didn’t say no to anything, but I wanted to ensure I wouldn’t feel exposed or humiliated.”

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She further emphasized the importance of boundaries, saying, “I’m happy to explore sexuality in a film, but there needs to be trust and assurance that I won’t be exploited. When that trust exists, the collaboration between director and actor can be extraordinary.”

Despite its mixed reception upon release in 1999, Eyes Wide Shut has since achieved cult status. Critics at the time were divided, particularly on Cruise’s performance, and the film marked a departure from his streak of box office hits.