In a recent Todd Field interview, the filmmaker said Kubrick would have altered the movie if he had lived. He called the version we see today “Stanley’s first cut.” He explained that Kubrick died six days after showing that cut to Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Warner Bros. executives. Because Kubrick was known for meticulous Stanley Kubrick editing, the interview suggests the final product may not reflect his ultimate vision. Field warned that any guess about later changes would be pure speculation.
What Is Eyes Wide Shut About?
Eyes Wide Shut follows a doctor played by Tom Cruise. He learns his wife, played by Nicole Kidman, has thoughts of infidelity. The revelation sends him on a surreal night‑long journey. He sneaks into a secret society that hosts a masked orgy. The film now enjoys an Eyes Wide Shut 4K release from the Criterion Collection. The new format has sparked debate among fans and critics.
Todd Field’s Connection to Kubrick
Todd Field acted as Nick Nightingale in Eyes Wide Shut. He sees himself as a Kubrick protégé. Kubrick encouraged Field to make the film In the Bedroom. Field recalled that after they wrapped, Kubrick asked him to drop off dailies at the lab and to send a second draft of his script. Field never sent the draft because he had another shoot. He later learned of Kubrick’s death when Tom Cruise called.
Changes in the Final Theatrical Cut
Eyes Wide Shut hit theaters three months after Kubrick’s death. Most of the work left was sound mixing, dubbing and other final touches that Kubrick had already approved. The biggest alteration came from Warner Bros. The studio added digital figures to the orgy scene to avoid an NC‑17 rating. Critics said the added figures looked awkward. Fortunately, the original unrated version is now easy to find online.
Because the film was released as a Kubrick posthumous film, many wonder if the studio’s changes respect the director’s intent. The answer remains unclear, but the interview with Todd Field gives fans a glimpse of what could have been.
Source: https://www.joblo.com/eyes-wide-shut-todd-field-stanley-kubrick/
