As a seasoned gamer of both the silver screen and the gaming world, I must admit that Babygirl has truly stirred up a storm at the Venice Film Festival. Nichole Kidman‘s performance is as captivating as ever, and the erotic thriller vibe harkening back to the 90s is a nostalgic delight. The collaboration between cast members, particularly the openness shown by Antonio Banderas and Harris Dickinson, is commendable.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Halina Reijn’s sex-positive erotic thriller “Babygirl” with an outstanding performance by Nichole Kidman is shaking things up at the Venice Film Festival! It’s setting a whole new tone, you could say it’s changing the vibe.
The initial screenings of “Babygirl” in Italy were met with thunderous applause early Friday, igniting lively debates among festival attendees about its numerous explicit scenes and subtly conveyed message. Discussions about Nicole Kidman’s performance for awards consideration are now underway, and the box office success of A24, the studio behind the film and releasing it in the U.S. on December 20th, seems unwavering.
In this captivating film titled “Babygirl,” Nicole Kidman portrays a successful CEO who jeopardizes both her career and family by engaging in a passionate relationship with her younger intern, portrayed by Harris Dickinson (known for his roles in “Triangle of Sadness” and “Iron Claw”). The movie, while not giving away the plot details, explores intriguing themes such as power dynamics, female satisfaction, and the significance of honest dialogue concerning intimacy. In a departure from his sex-icon persona of yesteryears, Antonio Banderas brings humor to his role as Kidman’s kind, age-suitable spouse, Jakob.
“The movie’s promotional materials describe it as such: ‘Babygirl playfully pushes boundaries in its exploration of the heartfelt, the humorously mischievous, and the surprisingly romantic realms that hidden desires can take us to, and the lengths one might go to find freedom.'”
Speaking about unveiling the movie in front of a crowd, Kidman shared that it made her feel exposed, vulnerable, and terrified. However, creating it alongside this team was a delicate, intimate, and extremely profound experience.
She remarked: “Currently, we’re all feeling somewhat anxious, so I find myself thinking, ‘I hope my hands aren’t trembling,’ yet I’m also incredibly proud to be part of a festival like this, and to be moving forward with films that are still being produced – and notably, with women in leading roles.”
During the Venice press conference, Kidman stated: “I believe it was the factor that kept us hooked, working under Halina’s direction. I felt secure knowing she wouldn’t misuse me. No matter how others perceive it, I didn’t feel used or exploited. Instead, I felt deeply involved in it all. The story was one I wanted to be a part of, one I wanted to share, and every fiber of my being was invested in that.”
As a dedicated admirer, I’d like to share that Nicole Kidman has openly admitted to her extensive involvement in films and series with themes centering around intimacy, such as “Eyes Wide Shut,” “To Die For,” and “Big Little Lies.” However, she expressed that the role in “Babygirl” presented a fresh perspective.
In an interview prior to press screenings, she expressed, “Among the numerous directors I’ve collaborated with, I haven’t had the opportunity to work with a woman on this topic. When a female director suggests, ‘Let’s explore this sexual climax together,’ it’s a conversation you wouldn’t have with a male director. [Halina] was always caring and supportive towards everyone, including Antonio, Harris, me, Sophie, and all the others. The atmosphere during our work was genuinely warm and welcoming.”
As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate my fellow actors, Dickinson and Banderas, in our movie project. They both tackled the film’s intimate scenes with an identical mindset of teamwork and generosity, making the experience even more enjoyable for me.
“She said they agreed to join her in telling the story, standing by her side, but stressed that they weren’t the main characters. She admired their openness and generosity in this endeavor.”
Reijin initially appeared on the U.S. stage with the Gen Z slasher satire “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (2022), a production by A24. However, her subsequent work, titled “Babygirl,” delves back into the sensual themes reminiscent of her first film, the 2019 Dutch drama “Instinct.” This movie followed an unconventional love story between a prison therapist and a convicted sex offender.
As a passionate gamer diving headfirst into the world of filmmaking, I can’t help but draw parallels between my gaming experiences and the creation of my latest project, “Babygirl”. In an exclusive sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter, I opened up about the influences that shaped this thrilling narrative. Much like how some video games take me on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue, the sexual thrillers of the 90s, particularly the works of Paul Verhoeven, ignited my imagination.
Prior to her directorial debut, Reijin – a Dutch actress – worked alongside Paul Verhoeven in his film ‘Black Book’. She credits this experience as influencing her creative journey for the movie ‘Babygirl’. In a statement released by A24, she explains, “Paul Verhoeven said I could only make a film if I had a particular question. For this story, I questioned: Are we merely animals or are we civilized? Can we find harmony with our inner beasts? Is it feasible for the various aspects of ourselves to cohabit, and in doing so, can we love ourselves entirely without feeling ashamed?”
In response to the journalist’s comment about Babygirl not focusing on female protagonist punishment like 1990s erotic thrillers, Reijin stated: “I believe that every creature, regardless of gender or species, carries multiple aspects within them, and there’s a wild side lurking inside each of us. Women, in particular, haven’t had much opportunity to delve into these complexities, showcasing not only our strength but also our vulnerability. I was brought up by parents who don’t believe in good and evil; I think we all possess both qualities. It’s crucial to continue highlighting this duality because it’s when we suppress it that it becomes harmful. That’s why I prefer my characters not to be punished but simply explored.”
Under the lights of Venice’s Sala Grande cinema, “Babygirl” will have its grand debut this coming Friday evening. Following the screening, A24 will throw a highly anticipated party for the movie at the legendary Hotel Cipriani, making it the must-attend event on the Lido.
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2024-08-30 14:55