Through her relentless pursuit of complex and experimental films, Nicole Kidman has long proven her mettle as a charming yet gritty actor. Sadly, the toll of playing in some of the most physically demanding films can be quite high.
Despite the common assumption that starring in a lavish Hollywood musical is all effortless glamour, a 2001 musical project directed by Baz Luhrmann proved to be anything but smooth sailing for Kidman. To play the star performer and courtesan Satine in ‘Moulin Rouge!‘ Kidman pushed herself far outside her creative comfort zone. She spent hours learning choreography and aerial stunts in tight costumes, an exhausting routine that ultimately led to severe mishaps on set.
‘Moulin Rouge!’ Made Nicole Kidman Push Her Creative Limits
Nicole Kidman’s filmography is full of dark experimental movies such as ‘Dogville,’ ‘The Northman,’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut.’ Still, preparing for ‘Moulin Rouge!’ remains one of the most grueling experiences of her career. Apart from the physical challenges, she even doubted her ability to play Satine.
Related: Even After 25 Years Later This Classic Psychedelic Movie Is A Literal Fever Dream
After all, it was her first experience performing in a movie musical. “When I got the role, I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is amazing. I get to do a musical. And Satine, I love Satine.’ And then, when we started, I was like, ‘I’m not gonna be able to deliver for him,'” she told GQ.
“Because it was like singing live, and dancing, and on top of all the comedy and the drama, it was just sort of a…it felt like an out-of-reach film for me,” Kidman explained. Meanwhile, director Baz Luhrmann had his own concerns about the lead role.
Before taking on Satine, Kidman almost said yes to another musical titled ‘Chicago.’ Luhrmann didn’t want to lose the Australian actress and carry out a hunt for another actress who could match her caliber. Fortunately, Kidman’s self-belief paved the way for the project.
She beautifully portrayed Satine, anchoring a tragic romance in which she and Ewan McGregor’s Christian are star-crossed lovers. Kidman fully immersed herself in creating the spectacular film, which led to her first Oscar nomination. However, the hard work brought an incredible physical burden on her.
Physical Pain Behind Kidman’s Stunning Performance
Speaking to Yahoo Entertainment about her experiences filming ‘Moulin Rouge!’ Nicole Kidman revealed how much she suffered. “I’m dancing in high heels, I broke my ribs, I tore up my knee,” she said. “I did all the things you’re meant to do while creating great art”.
In Case You Missed It: Tom Cruise’s Shocking Reason For Turning Down ‘Indecent Proposal’ With Nicole Kidman
The breaking point for the actress came during preparation and dressing, as noted by Catherine Martin, Luhrmann’s wife and co-producer of the film, in an interview with The Guardian. Martin and the team didn’t realize the first time Kidman cracked her rib.
Despite this injury, Kidman continued working and returned to the set. Next, the actor’s period costumes transformed a usual wardrobe adjustment into a health problem. “Her doctors, who were there, were saying, ‘The corset will be great,’” Martin said.
“When we were lacing her in tightly, we broke her rib again,” she added. Apparently, the danger posed by an inflexible corset, dancing, and singing came true. Despite a torn knee and having her ribs broken twice, Kidman bravely completed the filming process.
Great art requires great sacrifices from its creators, but in Nicole Kidman’s case, the pain yielded stunning results. ‘Moulin Rouge!’ turned into a cinematic masterpiece that redefined the genre. By pouring her literal blood, sweat, and broken bones into the film, she made Satine’s song immortal.
You Might Also Like To Read: ‘Obsession’ Director Lands Third Horror Movie After Near $300 Million Breakout
