Scarlett Johansson's Evolving Perspective on Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut

Scarlett Johansson's outlook on cinema has transformed over the years, shaped by her diverse roles in serious dramas, superhero films, and romantic comedies. This variety of experiences led her to value intense responses from audiences over neutral feedback, particularly regarding how her films are received.

One notable instance of this was her impression of a famous film starring Tom Cruise. Despite her strong dislike for it, Johansson found herself watching the movie three times at the cinema.

Regarding her feelings toward Tom Cruise’s 1999 film, Johansson candidly discussed her experience with the movie Eyes Wide Shut. During an interview with The Guardian, she recounted with surprise how much she was put off by it initially.

She noted that after her first viewing, she had a deep-seated aversion to the film, prompting her to see it again out of curiosity. Eventually, after viewing it a third time, her perspective shifted dramatically, leading her to appreciate the film's nuances. It’s not unusual for people to have a different reaction after multiple viewings, especially when a film’s depth requires time to uncover.

Johansson pondered the reasons behind her initial dislike, describing “in some ways, I loathed the emotional experience, it’s a visceral reaction.” Despite not enjoying it at first, she recognized the passion that went into the film, making it hard for her to dismiss it outright.

The release of Eyes Wide Shut followed closely following the demise of director Stanley Kubrick, which contributed to Johansson's motivation to see it back then. It took her some time to acknowledge that mixed reviews and strong emotional reactions often indicate a film of high quality and substance.

In her chat with the publication, she expressed a preference for avoiding lukewarm reactions from audiences, stating that she would rather be viewed negatively than provoke bland responses, which she considers far worse than indifference.

Tom Cruise also discussed Stanley Kubrick’s vision for Eyes Wide Shut during a CNN interview in 1999, elaborating on how the director crafted a film that invites viewers to engage deeply with its themes. The movie stirred controversy, yet it remained a labor of love for Kubrick, filled with deeper meanings that extend beyond its surface.

This film is indeed thought-provoking, with its polarizing reactions, including Johansson's, underscoring that it benefits from multiple viewings for full comprehension. Currently, Eyes Wide Shut can be streamed on Prime Video.