Photo: Omega Watches
The great Australian actress made a name for herself by acting in films such as Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge, and The Hours, and her activism and charity work are proof that the art is a powerful tool to bring about positive changes in the world
When talking about today’s iconic actresses, Nicole Kidman’s name inevitably stands out. Born in Honolulu, Nicole Kidman is an Australian actress who has won the hearts of the audiences around the world with her extraordinary talent, charisma and great elegance. Her career has been filled with many film and TV roles, which have made her one of the most sought-after and appreciated actresses of today.
Her international breakthrough came in the early 1990s with films such as Dead Calm and Days of Thunder, where her acting abilities fascinated both critics and audiences. Since then she has built a great career, demonstrating her outstanding talent in different genres. From an impressive portrayal in Eyes Wide Shut to an energetic dancer in Moulin Rouge, from complex dramas such as The Hours and Dogville to gripping thrillers like Cold Mountain and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Kidman has proved that there are no limits to her transformation as an actor.
At the same time, she has brought elegance, glamour and charm to the big screen, evoking iconic Hollywood film stars from the 1940s and 1950s.
Her brilliant performances have won her many prestigious awards, including an Oscar for best actress for The Hours and a collection of Golden Globes and BAFTAs.
‘Every film director opens a new door, and I’m happy to explore what’s behind them. That’s the magic of the movie business – we discover new aspects of our artistic expression all the time. I don’t know what a correct definition of a film star would be. I only know that my role is to remain grounded, committed, curious and always ready to learn. I always try to be emotionally connected with the character I portray. I still approach my roles as if I’d just left the drama school. It’s not a conscious choice; this is just the way it happens. I learnt very early on that it’s crucial to read the script carefully and note down my first impressions and reactions. Those reactions are the most sincere and valuable ones. Later, when you read the script again, you will have new perspectives and ways of approaching the role. But what you get the first time are raw emotions and instinctive reactions to the characters and the plot. That’s the advice Stanley Kubrick gave me, and I’ve never forgotten it.’
Eyes Wide Shut, the last film Kubrick made before his death, is one of the films that have marked Nicole Kidman’s career. One of the greatest filmmakers of all times was known to be a perfectionist and was dedicated to making perfect scenes, which led to setting several world records. One of them was a scene in The Shining that was retaken 148 times before Kubrick was completely satisfied with it, setting the world record for a dialogue scene. The film Eyes Wide Shut also holds a record for the longest constant movie shoot, which ran for over 15 months. His passion for film left a deep impression on the Australian actress…
