A Missed Opportunity
John Turturro, a renowned actor, has expressed his regret over not being able to work with the legendary director Stanley Kubrick. In a recent interview on Josh Horowitz’s podcast, Turturro revealed that Kubrick had written a role for him in his twisted erotic thriller "Eyes Wide Shut," which was released posthumously in 1999.
The Initial Contact
Turturro recalled that Kubrick had personally called him to discuss the project, praising his acting skills and expressing his desire to work with him. Kubrick had said, "I think you’re a great actor," to which Turturro responded with gratitude. The director then offered to send him a script, saying, "You’ll like it."
A Project That Never Came to Be
During their phone call, Kubrick asked about Turturro’s availability for the project, as he had heard that the actor wanted to direct a film the following year. However, Turturro explained that he didn’t have the financial means to bring the picture to life. He didn’t tell Kubrick that he would do whatever it took to be a part of the project, and instead, spoke to him as a normal person.
A Lost Collaboration
Turturro believes that the collaboration didn’t happen because he didn’t express his excitement and commitment to the project strongly enough. He alluded to the fact that Kubrick may not have felt that he was enthusiastic about the role. The next day, Turturro heard that he was no longer available for the project, which he attributes to his failure to convey his interest.
What Could Have Been
Turturro has expressed his admiration for Kubrick and his desire to have worked with him. He noted that the role of Nick Nightingale, the pianist, was ultimately played by Todd Field, who delivered a critical performance in the film. The movie, which starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, followed a couple’s journey into a hidden world of sex and secrecy.
The Legacy of "Eyes Wide Shut"
The film had a notoriously long production period, spanning 400 days, due to Kubrick’s meticulous perfectionism. The director passed away less than a week after showing Warner Bros. his final cut, and the studio later made changes to achieve a planned R-rating release. Despite the challenges, the film has become a classic, and Turturro’s missed opportunity to work with Kubrick remains a fascinating footnote in the history of cinema.
