When was eyes wide shut made

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Eyes Wide Shut was released on July 16, 1999, after principal photography began in November 1996 and wrapped in June 1997, with over a year spent in post-production.

Key Facts

Principal photography started in November 1996 and ended in June 1997
The film was released on July 16, 1999, in the United States
Stanley Kubrick directed the film, his final work before his death
It starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as the lead actors
The production had one of the longest shooting schedules for a major studio film, lasting 460 days

Overview

Eyes Wide Shut, directed by Stanley Kubrick, stands as one of the most enigmatic and discussed films of the late 20th century. Released nearly two years after Kubrick’s death, it marked the legendary filmmaker’s final project, capping a career defined by meticulous craftsmanship and psychological depth.

The film, based on Arthur Schnitzler’s 1926 novella Triumph of the Will, explores themes of marriage, jealousy, and sexual desire through the journey of a New York doctor. Its production timeline and secrecy became nearly as famous as the film itself.

Principal photography began in November 1996, with filming locations primarily in London, despite the story being set in New York City.
Shooting lasted 460 days, making it one of the longest principal photography periods in Hollywood history for a single narrative film.
Stanley Kubrick died on March 7, 1999, just days after completing final edits, never seeing the film’s public release.
The film premiered in North America on July 16, 1999, distributed by Warner Bros., over two years after filming ended.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were married during filming, adding real-life tension to their on-screen portrayal of a strained marriage.

How It Works

The production and release of Eyes Wide Shut involved a complex interplay of artistic control, studio pressure, and posthumous legacy. Kubrick maintained near-total creative authority, which shaped both the film’s content and its timeline.

Principal Photography: Filming began in November 1996 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England. Kubrick recreated New York City interiors with painstaking detail, using elaborate sets and controlled lighting.
Shooting Duration: The 460-day shoot included extensive retakes and improvisational adjustments. Kubrick was known for demanding dozens of takes, contributing to the lengthy schedule.
Post-Production: Editing and digital effects, including the controversial digital alteration of nude scenes for international releases, took over a year to complete.
Studio Involvement: Warner Bros. granted Kubrick final cut privilege, allowing him to delay release until his vision was fully realized, despite mounting anticipation.
Marketing Secrecy: The studio enforced extreme confidentiality; cast and crew signed strict non-disclosure agreements, and script pages were distributed daily to prevent leaks.
Final Cut: Kubrick completed editing just six days before his death, leaving no room for studio interference or alternate versions.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of Eyes Wide Shut with other major late-1990s studio releases highlights its unique production model and reception.

Film	Release Year	Production Time	Director	Box Office (Worldwide)
Eyes Wide Shut	1999	460 days shooting, 3 years total	Stanley Kubrick	$162 million
The Matrix	1999	118 days shooting	Lana and Lilly Wachowski	$467 million
Star Wars: Episode I	1999	72 days principal photography	George Lucas	$1.027 billion
Being John Malkovich	1999	35 days shooting	Spike Jonze	$23 million
The Blair Witch Project	1999	8 days shooting	Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez	$248 million

Compared to its contemporaries, Eyes Wide Shut had an unusually long production cycle and modest box office return, yet its cultural influence has grown significantly over time. Its deliberate pacing and symbolic imagery contrast sharply with the era’s trend toward fast-paced, effects-driven cinema.

Why It Matters

Eyes Wide Shut remains a landmark in cinematic history due to its director’s legacy, thematic complexity, and production lore. It exemplifies Kubrick’s uncompromising vision and continues to inspire analysis and debate.

Final film of Stanley Kubrick, cementing his reputation for perfectionism and psychological storytelling.
Influenced later films exploring marital tension and hidden societies, such as Black Swan and The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
Box office grossed $162 million worldwide against a $65 million budget, making it a moderate financial success.
Used digital censorship techniques to obscure nudity for international ratings, a pioneering use of post-production editing for content control.
Received polarized critical reception upon release but has gained cult status and academic interest over time.
Highlighted the power of directorial control in an era of increasing studio oversight, setting a benchmark for auteur filmmaking.

Today, Eyes Wide Shut is studied not only for its narrative and symbolism but also as a case study in film production, artistic autonomy, and posthumous legacy in the entertainment industry.