Stanley Kubrick’s psychological thriller Eyes Wide Shut is a rather uncanny yet absorbing film that was released back on July 16th, 1999, in the United States. It stars stunning cast members Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as its main protagonists who go through unusual sexual revelations that end up bringing them closer as a couple.
Arthur Schnitzler’s novel, which goes by the name Traumnovelle was an inspiration for this film. However, there are some deviations. For example, the original 1926 novel is set in Vienna instead of being set in 1990s New York.
The plot follows Dr. William’s life after he finds out that his wife came very close to indulging in infidelity in the past. This hurts his belief that women were naturally “faithful.” Soon afterward, William hears about a secret society that’s known to hold sexual cult-like meetings once in a while. He goes on an adventure to this lavish place, only to end up risking both his and Alice’s life.
Asides from Tom Cruise starring in the role of Dr. William Harford and Nicole Kidman as Alice Harford, the cast of Eyes Wide Shut consists of the actors Sydney Pollack as Victor Ziegler, Todd Field in the role of Nick Nightingale, Marie Richardson plays Marion Nathanson, and Gary Goba stars in the role of the Naval officer.
Eyes Wide Shut: Filming Locations
Eyes Wide Shut is the only movie, at present, that had such a long filming period, lasting more than 400 days. Most of the filming for this Stanley Kubrick classic took place in London since Kubrick was known to have had a fear of flying. The cinematographer of Eyes Wide Shut was Larry Smith.
Pinewood Studios:
The Greenwich Village, which we see in Eyes Wide Shut, is just the Pinewood Studios located in Iver Heath, England. This studio, built way back in 1936, boasts a history of hosting hit movies like Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny, A Haunting In Venice, No Time To Die, and other movies from the James Bond franchise.
As Bill leaves his home, he arrives at a New York Jazz Club called “Club Sonata.” This isn’t a real place and was just a temporary build on the Pinewood Set. For the interior parts of the scenes where Bill talks to Nick, a place called Madame JoJo in Soho was used as a set.
Luton Hoo, Luton, Bedfordshire:
The place where Bill and Alice show up for the grand party organized by Victor Ziegler was filmed at the Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf And Spa. This place used to be open to visitors and tourists that wanted to experience the hotel & the history of cinema attached to it.
It now stands as nothing more than an extravagant luxury hotel that’s been the filming spot for movies and TV shows like Enigma (2001), Inspector Morse, and Bleak House.
Mentmore Towers, Mentmore, Buckinghamshire:
The main parts of Eyes Wide Shut revolving around the secret sexual cult-like group were filmed at Mentmore Towers located in Buckinghamshire. Despite the popularity of these towers, they were left unattained for several years until they became a golf club back in 1944.
Over the years, these historically significant towers have provided perfect filming sets for movies like Batman Begins, The Mummy, Johnny English, and Brazil.
Hamley’s Regent Street, London W1:
At the end of the film, we see the city all lit up with Christmas decor, with the Harford couple passing by a Hamley outlet. This store is the infamous West End toy store on Regent Street in London. The regent street shopping district has always been a beautiful place to visit during the holidays since all of the shops and lanes are covered in decorations.
This street now even has its own website where visitors from anywhere can learn about the diverse fashion, dining, and wellness experiences that are offered here. From high-end brands to flagship stores, there’s much to indulge in on this lavish street.
Elveden Hall, Suffolk:
While most of the interior shots of the secret society building were filmed in Buckinghamshire, the exterior of the building was shot at Elveden Hall, an architectural delight that features hints of both English and Indian designs. This certainly added to the mystery and grandeur of this place while William was shown visiting it for the first time.
The building is a private house near Thetford in Suffolk. Elveden Hall was also a filming location for movies like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Stardust.
At present, Eyes Wide Shut is available to watch on Netflix and Prime Video.
Also Read: A Star Is Born 1976 Filming Locations: Where Is The Movie Filmed?
