Cameron Diaz Bags Praise From Director Cameron Crowe For Her 'Kinetic Energy' In 'Vanilla Sky'

Cameron Diaz left the acting scene in 2014. Despite her long hiatus, she has remained in the memory of a famous industry personality.

20 years after the release of the thriller movie "Vanilla Sky," director Cameron Bruce Crowe, had nothing but praise for Diaz's energy on the movie.

Crowe looked back at his time with Diaz on the set of the movie and the famous car crash scene.

While marking the 20th anniversary of the release of "Vanilla Sky," Crowe told PEOPLE that he was lucky to collaborate with Diaz on the movie.

The actress came on the production after leaving Italy on a break from the shooting of "Gangs of New York" in 2002.

Crow said he remembers Diaz's electric blue eyes that matched her car and "the kinetic energy that she brought from Italy." The screenwriter then noted: 

"You couldn't take your eyes off her. It was the soul of the movie in ways I didn't realize."

"Vanilla Sky" was led by Tom Cruise, who played David Ames, a narcissistic publishing magnate whose life changes following a car accident with estranged lover Julie [played by Diaz].

Julie had caught Ames with Sofia [Penélope Cruz] and confronted him about it during the car ride. Julie crashed the car, killing herself and completely disfiguring Ames' face.

Crowe said they lacked enough time to shoot the famous scene, and Diaz was worn out after landing from Italy.

The Director said the actress applied the skill of her craft and her exhaustion to create something "riveting."

In 2014, Diaz left the acting scene saying she was tired of traveling for filming. She later detailed her decision to leave Hollywood, despite missing the spotlight.

The Blast reported that while on Kevin Hart's "Hart To Heart" show, the mother-of-one explained that she left to manage her life better. Diaz noted:

"For my personal, spiritual self, I was realising that one part of me that functioned at a high level wasn’t enough."

The "Bad Teacher" actress said she looked around and noticed areas in her life she was not touching or could not properly manage because of her celebrity status.

Diaz said her acting career was supported by family and friends but took a toll on them. By walking away, she prioritized her family and also cut off unbeneficial friends.

Now, the 49-year-old manages herself, adding, "My routine in a day is literally what I can manage to do by myself. It's the best feeling. I feel whole."

Diaz's last movie was 2014's remake of "Annie." Now she focuses on being a wife to Benji Madden and their daughter Raddix born in January 2020.

Fans have been waiting for a comeback from the mother-of-one, but The Blast shared that she has other priorities.

Diaz said waking up extra early to care for their family and pets while researching how to be a good parent takes up her time.

The proud mother called Raddix a force of nature that she is grateful for. She also founded an organic wine brand, Avaline, with Katherine Powerin in 2020.

Diaz said she is not looking to do another movie, explaining that she would not be the mother she is if she chose to become one later in life.