Interview: Talking About the Legacy of ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and Stanley Kubrick with Cinematographer Larry Smith

There are few films that have generated the type of conversation and debate that Eyes Wide Shut has. During production, up to release, and even to this day, Stanley Kubrick‘s final feature is a project that everyone likes to talk about. Lucky for me, my most recent discussion about the flick was with its cinematographer Larry Smith. With the film coming to Criterion 4K this week, I was able to spend some time with him last week talking about the ins and outs of the movie. Today, that chat comes your way.

Eyes Wide Shut is a movie that I find endlessly fascinating and watchable. Kubrick working with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman was always going to be a big deal, though the rumors about its graphic content set expectations in a whole other direction. For me, the comedy and weirdness of it, as well as the sense of menace, is what works so well. It’s up there with anything Kubrick put out, and as a final project, it’s fitting that an air of mystery remains about it.

Below, you can see my conversation with Smith. For about twenty minutes or so, we talk about the legacy of Eyes Wide Shut, as well as elements of the shoot itself. Smith is a lovely man and eager to talk about all angles of the film, up to and including Kubrick, who he got to have a unique inside into. The Criterion Collection tomorrow is gaining and impeccable new 4K, one that I just revisited and can very much vouch for. It looks great, though obviously the flick is hypnotic for many reasons, not just Smith’s terrific cinematography. Simply put, it’s a modern classic.

Here now is my interview with Eyes Wide Shut cinematographer Larry Smith. Enjoy:

Eyes Wide Shut is available on Criterion 4K starting tomorrow!