Scarlett Johansson is known for being outspoken, often disregarding public opinion in favour of her own truth. Whether it’s wearing outfits designed by Harvey Weinstein’s ex-wife or defending Woody Allen amid serious allegations, she isn’t afraid to go against the grain. But did you know she once had strong feelings about a film starring the iconic duo Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise? It turns out Johansson initially hated the movie “Eyes Wide Shut.” Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were one of Hollywood’s most famous couples, both on and off-screen. They fell in love while filming “Days Of Thunder” in 1990, quickly becoming a beloved pair in the industry. They starred together in several successful films, including “Far And Away” and the controversial “Eyes Wide Shut.”
Despite their eventual divorce in 2001, the couple remains an iconic on-screen duo. In a 2014 interview with The Guardian, Scarlett Johansson revealed her surprising reaction to “Eyes Wide Shut.” She said, “I remember going to see ‘Eyes Wide Shut,’ and I saw it like three times in the theatre. The first time I saw it, I hated it. I had a visceral reaction to it—I hated it so much. And then I was like, I have to see that movie again, I hated it so much. And then I loved it.” Johansson explained that her intense dislike stemmed from the emotional experience the film provoked, which eventually turned into admiration. “There’s passion behind it. I can’t ever totally fault a film that I absolutely hate,” she added.
“Eyes Wide Shut,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, is an erotic psychological drama based on the 1926 novel “Dream Story.” The film follows a physician, played by Tom Cruise, who discovers his wife, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, has contemplated an affair. This revelation sends him on a disturbing night-long journey, culminating in his infiltration of a masked orgy held by a secret society. Despite mixed reviews from critics, “Eyes Wide Shut” was a box office success, grossing $162 million worldwide on a $65 million budget. Scarlett Johansson’s initial aversion to the film was not unique, as it sparked strong reactions from many viewers. On the professional front, Johansson will soon voice Elita in the animated sci-fi action drama “Transformers One” and has an upcoming role in the next instalment of the Jurassic film series.
