Nicole Kidman Exposed

I must say, it’s truly inspiring to witness the journey of Nicole Kidman. From her humble beginnings in Australia to becoming a global icon, she has defied age and stereotypes with grace and tenacity. Her resilience, coupled with her ability to adapt and evolve, is a testament to her strength as an artist and as a woman.

In the latest film titled “Babygirl,” Nicole Kidman portrays an intriguing character who experiences unconventional sexual moments on screen. While the initial scene might seem familiar, it’s a departure from the norm for a globally recognized actress with five Oscar nominations and two Emmys. However, the real surprise comes as the story unfolds, revealing Kidman exploring new cinematic landscapes – a reason she refers to this role as “a calling.” In subsequent scenes, director Halina Reijn unveils that the explicit opening scene was meant for Kidman’s on-screen husband (played by Antonio Banderas), and further sexual encounters are depicted without him. This A24 production serves as a reimagined love letter to erotic thrillers like “9½ Weeks” and “Basic Instinct,” with Kidman portraying a powerful CEO, wife, and mother whose relationship with a daring young male intern (Harris Dickinson) poses a significant threat to her seemingly perfect life on social media.

This performance is strikingly open and daring, even for an actress like Nicole Kidman who made headlines 25 years ago with her role in Eyes Wide Shut. It’s the perfect conclusion to a year where Kidman has been exceptionally busy. In 2024, she has no less than six projects lined up. These include the popular Netflix murder mystery series, The Perfect Couple, which was the most watched original streaming series in the U.S. in September; the spy thriller series, Lioness, on Paramount+; and Lulu Wang’s prestigious drama series, Expats, for Amazon Prime. This heavy workload can be attributed partly to a scheduling anomaly caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, but it also underscores the high demand for Kidman at age 57, making her more sought after than ever.

In contrast to many Hollywood figures who view the employment of more women in creative leadership roles as a trendy response to the #MeToo movement, Nicole Kidman has actively championed this cause. Over the past seven years, she has collaborated with an impressive 21 female directors, either as an actress or a producer. As Reijn puts it, “She is one of the rare individuals who truly embodies feminist ideals and supports women’s empowerment.” Kidman has also joined forces with fellow female producers such as Reese Witherspoon on HBO’s ‘Big Little Lies’, and Jamie Lee Curtis, who is producing the upcoming Amazon Prime series ‘Scarpetta’. In this project, Kidman will portray the title character from Patricia Cornwell’s book series about a medical examiner. “I’m learning a lot about autopsies,” Kidman shares. “Now I know where all the body parts go.

As I take a breather from my bustling life here in Nashville, where I reside with my beloved husband, country music sensation Keith Urban, and our two lovely daughters, Sunday (16) and Faith (14), I had the pleasure of chatting with The Hollywood Reporter. This conversation comes amidst the honor of receiving The Hollywood Reporter‘s Sherry Lansing Leadership Award for my professional and philanthropic accomplishments. We delved into the reasons why crafting Babygirl felt so risky, the advice from my agent that I doubted at age 40, and how I spend my — honestly — rare moments of leisure.

You described this movie to me as “a calling.” What was the calling?

Often, women find themselves marginalized in their careers based on their sexuality at certain stages. Finding a character that embodies this perspective and explores uncharted territories was truly refreshing. Upon first reading the script, I thought, “This is a unique voice, this is an unexplored setting – one I believe audiences haven’t encountered yet.” My character has advanced to a point where she wields immense power, but she grapples with self-discovery and understanding her own wants, desires, and identity, despite seeming to have it all. This struggle feels incredibly relatable for many women who question, “I’ve achieved so much, I have children, a husband – but who am I really? What do I truly want? Who are my desires, and must I pretend to be someone else for people to love me?” I believe this film offers a liberating experience. I hope it does. Some viewers have described it as the most unsettling film they’ve ever seen, which I apologize for if that’s the case.

In a small theater in West Hollywood, I watched the film, and later in the women’s restroom, some elderly ladies approached me to clarify certain aspects. I found myself unprepared for this discussion, so I recommended topics they could look up online.

What were they asking you to explain?

What triggers or attracts your character towards specific actions or situations? For instance, it could be that they find something appealing when a man takes control of an unruly dog and gets it to obey.

The dog symbolizes the wild side in us humans. It’s quite intriguing that they, the women, are questioning that. Essentially, it signifies the internal aspect you are subduing. Much of it revolves around power and its influence on your sexuality.

In a scene that’s hard to forget, Harris Dickinson’s character picks you up wearing a robe as “Father Figure” by George Michael plays. It feels like this moment is destined to become the latest internet sensation.

I love that [director Halina Reijn] put me in the bathrobe in that scene, and it’s not a silk bathrobe, it’s a terry. I was like, “Yes, let me sit in this chair and he can dance.” It’s a twist on 9½ Weeks, and then it’s also a bit messy. It was confronting for me, which I love. I was like, “Golly, OK.”

Do you consider it a compliment to be memed?

Absolutely! It’s crucial to learn to laugh at yourself, even if it’s a characteristic that originates in Australia. I believe this trait is essential for living a fulfilling life. I am confident in who I am and strive to remain true to my authentic self. Whatever lies beyond my control, I let go. As for the memes from “Babygirl,” we’ll have to wait and see how they turn out. There’s a chance I might be quite upset when we speak again.

Did you recognize the term “babygirl” when Keith used it during his speech at your AFI tribute last spring, as he ended it that way? Was this a term that held significance for you prior to receiving this script?

Although “babygirl” is sometimes used to refer to men in modern slang, as Keith has always called me by that name, it remains a private term between us and not something openly shared. However, when I encountered this term in the film, I was taken aback because I hadn’t seen a movie like it before. I found it incredibly sensual, raw, and edgy, and I couldn’t believe they were funding such a project.

What felt to you the most dangerous part of it?

The text is not intended for young adults, nor for those who are thirty. In other words, it’s not written for the contemporary audience.

How did you figure out how to play the different types of orgasms in the movie?

(I’m still taken aback, yet thrilled! It’s quite extraordinary, and I can’t help but be intrigued. However, I’m more of an introvert, so delving into these aspects isn’t easy for me. Yet, when I’m immersed in a role, it feels like another world. To expose the inner workings behind it all seems too intimate and reverent.)

Let’s peek behind the scenes a bit. The film initiates with what I’ll refer to as a “Hollywood climax,” which is more about the spectacle for him rather than the genuine experience. Later on, we witness instances where she is unconcerned about others’ opinions, and these climaxes appear and sound distinctly different.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve always yearned for diverse stories and perspectives in gaming. It’s not just about fairness, but the intrigue that comes from different voices shaping our experiences. I want these stories to be seen on the big screen, not just clicked on at home in secret. There’s a power in shared experience, a sense of unity when we all gather to witness something extraordinary together. That’s why it matters to have more women involved in game development – to bring fresh narratives and inspire gamers everywhere.

In the series “Babygirl”, there’s a scene where your character experiences various treatments, such as the cold plunge and Botox application. What did this sequence symbolize or represent for you?

1) She’s making every effort to express, “Assist me in becoming what I believe I ought to be, help me become ordinary. Help me maintain the pace of what I must be. I’m waging a losing war.” [Later on,] she’s attempting to communicate, “This is who I truly am. I’ve strived to be everything you desired me to be, and I can’t, and will you accept me as I am?

What determines the type of roles that you say yes to right now?

As a gamer, I’m constantly aware of the ticking clock, striving to share my passion and experiences with others. The gaming industry can be relentless in its pace. Yet, I’m also a father, nurturing my daughters, and a husband, cherishing my marriage. I have an extensive network of friends, a tight-knit family that extends beyond immediate relations. My sister is soon to join us from Australia for Thanksgiving, bringing her six children. They’re all coming, making our home even more vibrant with the presence of my sister’s niece and her boyfriend.

To Stellan Skarsgard, whom I collaborated with on “Dogville”, I inquired, “How do you manage it?” Since many Europeans work intensely, and he does so even more so, but he has numerous children. He replied, “They accompany me, and we establish a home wherever we go, inviting people into our lives and sharing experiences together on this journey.” In essence, that’s what I do as well – I involve my family in my work. Being married to a musician, my husband shares a somewhat nomadic lifestyle, making him adaptable rather than insisting on staying put. My daughters, whom I’ve always told, “You are citizens of the world, global children,” reflect our family lifestyle. We traverse the globe and immerse ourselves in diverse experiences, which serves as an exceptional education for them.

Is there a Kidman-Urban Google family calendar?

Instead of breakfasting together each morning and dining in the evening being a given, it’s the conversation we share during these meals that leaves me somewhat uncertain. We spend a considerable amount of time talking, which helps pass the time. I tend to leave social gatherings earlier than most, as well. If you don’t often go out, I suspect you may have more free time than you realize. Consequently, I usually decline many invitations for events and similar activities.

You’re probably not scrolling TikTok all day.

I’ve never personally used TikTok, but I often hear people say, “Have you seen this on TikTok?” They then proceed to share brief snippets with me, which usually leave me laughing and exclaiming, “Wow, that’s hilarious!

What is your relationship to social media in general?

Ten minutes a day. What’s yours?

Uh … more than that. A mortifying amount of time.

Don’t you have the timer?

I ignore the timer.

You ignore the timer?! I’m just not, my psyche’s not, I can’t handle that stuff.

What do you still want to do with your time?

I could perform a theatrical production. I’ve got my sights set on trekking Machu Picchu. To enjoy skiing, I must refrain from filming during that time. I adore hiking in Austria, and my spouse and I are eager to explore more of it. Then, we plan to take our daughters to Japan over spring break. We’re also looking forward to many ocean swimming sessions. The ocean has a profound calming effect on me, and its grandeur helps me appreciate things better. However, what I find truly challenging is being confined in a room for 24 hours without the ability to escape. I crave fresh air, and I need the freedom to walk around – that’s often referred to as “forest bathing.

And are you able to do all that as a public figure?

I’m just moments away from embarking on a nature immersion journey, as I’ll be heading up into the mountains of Tennessee with my niece.

I am sorry about your loss of your mom this year. What was she like?

In every gathering, I found myself surrounded by the brightest minds, but none could match her intellect. She’d often question my thoughts and work, pushing me to think deeper. It was a shame she missed out on watching “Babygirl”. Her wellspring of wisdom and humor was boundless, always tinged with irreverence. She had an uncanny ability to see through facades, and she’d frequently remind me that I often viewed the world through rose-tinted lenses.

Did your mother’s generation of women often face limitations that prevented them from pursuing their professional aspirations? Was there perhaps a dream or goal she held but couldn’t achieve?

Absolutely, which is unfortunate, but she openly expressed her feelings to us and involved her daughter, Antonia, who is a journalist turned lawyer, in this. She admired my profession deeply, often complimenting me on my work or criticizing it when necessary. Her praise was so heartfelt that it felt like I was about to collapse with gratitude. During my childhood, she would accompany me to the opera and displayed an extensive knowledge of art. Our home environment was highly academic, always questioning, “Where’s your degree?” But when I shared that I had earned a degree in acting, they didn’t dismiss it. Instead, we would read novels together, discuss them afterward, or analyze an art exhibition.

I spoke with you back in 2010 during the release of Rabbit Hole, when you were just beginning your career in production. One detail that stood out was your focus on ensuring there would be sufficient portable restrooms on set. This level of attention to detail seemed quite unusual at the time. Looking back, more than a decade later, how has your approach to producing evolved since then?

I adapt to your requirements. I wasn’t the one who created “Babygirl,” but I was given a part in it. However, with low-budget filmmaking, I have the skills. It’s crucial to maintain a schedule and look after the crew – that’s something I’ve naturally picked up over time. On the set of “Babygirl,” we were shooting inside the A24 offices to save costs.

Over the past 10 years or so following “Rabbit Hole”, you’ve experienced an incredibly active phase in your acting career, which seems quite unconventional. At that time, you were still relatively young in your early 40s.

16 years ago, I welcomed my child into the world on a Sunday. At this point in my life, it felt like a turning point. I could either choose to drift away or establish a more solid foundation. The idea of retirement used to be set at a specific age, but times are changing now, aren’t they? Doors seem to be opening up, and people are living longer, which means there are many more stories to tell. Moreover, the field of women’s medicine has improved significantly, giving us better understanding and control over our own health. It’s all about maintaining a sense of vitality and staying curious rather than complacent or tired. While being dreamy can be good, we should avoid becoming too sleepy.

At age 40, Kevin Huvane, my representative, told me, “Nicole, this isn’t the end. This is where it all starts now.” Initially, I was taken aback, thinking, “What? I believe it’s over,” but he firmly responded, “No way.” Known for representing Meryl Streep, Kevin has been a strong support in my career. In addition to his guidance, I have a producing partner, Per Saari from Blossom Films, who plays a significant role. My husband greatly influences who I am, and my daughters, who are substantial contributors to various aspects of my life, often opening my eyes to new things. Recently, I had an interview with the famous Chicken Nugget Girl. Do you know her?

The Chicken Shop Date girl, yes.

(Laughs.) Indeed, I’m Amelia Dimoldenberg. I had the pleasure of interviewing her, and my daughter exclaimed, “You’re joking, right?” To which I replied, “Wow.” Amelia is sharp and insightful, and even though she doesn’t always share all her thoughts with me, I have a good understanding of how her generation thinks. I believe this is what Halina Reijn found intriguing as well when she directed the Gen Z satire Bodies Bodies Bodies. When Halina directed that film, she was surrounded by many young people who were teaching her, which is why the concept of a younger generation instructing an older one appears in Babygirl. It’s possible to serve as both a mentor and a student to younger individuals.

How did you feel about Sunday making her debut in a Miu Miu fashion show at the age of 16 on a Sunday?

Everything she spearheaded was primarily her idea. I found myself expressing some skepticism, muttering “I’m not so sure.” However, Miuccia [Prada] had an unwavering fondness for her and asserted, “No, I want her.” And let me tell you, Miuccia carries an immense influence as a woman. So, it proved to be a successful pairing. Lately, I had the opportunity to converse with Miuccia in Italy, and remarked, “I can’t believe it’s been years since I first met you, roughly when I was 23.” I’ve spent quite some time in this fashion industry.

This Sherry Lansing Award holds special significance to me because she was one of the first influential female executives I encountered when I arrived in America. She stood tall at Paramount Pictures, exuding power. She was a caring figure who provided me with ample support, encouragement, and faith. She told me, “You’re destined for an extraordinary career,” which seemed hard to believe coming from Australia. However, her conviction was undeniable. Now, standing on this stage, I can say with confidence, “Yes, Sherry, you were right.

This story appeared in the Dec. 4 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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2024-12-04 17:26