MARCH 2005
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31st March 2005
Nic and Baz in Sydney
- Nicole Kidman and Baz Luhrmann visited the Australian Theatre for Young People in Sydney this week, as can be seen by the photograph above! Special thanks to Kate at the excellent Spectacular! Spectacular! message board for allowing me to post this image from The Advertiser.
Both Kidman and Luhrmann once were students at the theatre, and it seems it was a surprise visit as they dropped in on current students and took part in a drama class, as reported in the following article by Hello magazine:
Nicole Drops in on Inspiring Young Actors
"Nicole Kidman went back to school this week as she dropped in on students at her old alma mater, the Australian Theatre For Young People.
The Oscar-winner, who was accompanied by Moulin Rouge director Baz Luhrmann on the visit, surprised a group of children aged eight to 11 as they took part in an improvisation exercise during a drama class. But it was Nicole who had to improvise some snappy answers to a multitude of questions from the enthusiastic youngsters.
"What's the worse movie you have ever made," asked one pupil. The Cold Mountain star's diplomatic reply? "I'd better be carefull answering that," she said, "because I'd be getting letters from producers saying 'How could you say that about my movie?'." Nicole also revealed she's been taking photography lessons in preparation for an upcoming role. "That's one of the great things about being an actress… you get to learn new things," she said.
The face of Chanel has been busy during her stay in Sydney, dining with Libyan leader Colonel Gadaffi's playboy son
Al-Saadi Gadaffi to discuss his possible investment in the Australian movie business, and stepping out with her rumoured new beau, film producer Steve Bing."
Another article regarding the same visit by news.com.au reveals that Kidman and Luhrmann also made a video testimonial to help raise school funds :-)
Nic's mettle test
"The tough questions flew thick and fast at Nicole Kidman yesterday, but it wasn't a hungry media pack, just a group of
school-aged drama students.
Kidman revisited her alma mater, the Australian Theatre for Young People, to meet students, staff and board members.
She also recorded a video testimonial, partly directed by fellow alumni Baz Luhrmann, to help the school raise funds.
But she wasn't counting on the flood of questions from the eight to 11-year-olds in the drama class when she walked in on their improvisation exercise.
"What's the worst movie you've ever made?" one student bravely asked.
Kidman diplomatically replied: "I'd better be careful answering that because I'd be getting letters from producers saying, 'How could you say that about my movie?' "
Kidman said she had started taking photographic lessons in Sydney to prepare for her role as photographer Diane Arbus in the film Fur, which is due to start shooting in May.
"That's one of the great things about being an actress . . . you get to learn new things," said Kidman, who this year took out restraining orders on two paparazzi."
Chanel No. 5 a "one off"?
- A further tidbit of information regarding Nicole Kidman was published by news.com.au and syndicated in Australian newspapers this week. In the article entitled 'Nic's Strine wish', it states:
"Kidman has also told the mag, out today, that the ad she did for Chanel No.5 perfume last year with director Baz Luhrmann was a one-off.
"Everyone is saying, 'Oh, you're the face of Chanel'. No, I'm not. I just did the No.5 thing," she said."
I was under the impression Kidman is indeed the face of Chanel No. 5, as she not only starred in the film, but in a series of print ads as well. But perhaps she means that she is not the face of the entire Chanel range, as there are actually several products. Whatever the case, the Chanel No. 5 film was a beautiful piece of work and Kidman was definitely the best choice for the role. :-)
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22nd March 2005
Baby boy for Baz and CM!
- News regarding Luhrmann's projects has been rather quiet this month, and this is the reason why I have not posted a news update - until now. However, I have just discovered some absolutely delightful news! Just hours ago, Sydney Confidential, stated that Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin are expecting a baby boy in June! :-)
Sydney Confidential today reported the following:
"IT SEEMS that Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin's creative partnership doesn't extend beyond the film set, with the pair taking turns naming their children.
Baz accused Confidential of conspiring with his wife when we asked if the couple had any names picked out for their new arrival, who is due in June.
Baz confirmed the couple are expecting a baby boy "all going well" and that, after Catherine chose Lillian as the name for their first-born, he was responsible for choosing the name for the newbie."
Congratulations Baz and CM! I can't wait to find out what name Baz chooses for their newborn son! Stay tuned for future updates! ;-)
Baz at Variety Heart Awards
- Baz Luhrmann has received an award for his film work at this year's Variety Heart Awards in Australia. As the article below states, "The Variety Heart Awards recognise Australians for their exceptional effort in the humanitarian and entertainment fields." Well done to Baz and all those honoured at this year's event, especially brave little Sophie...
Burns victim Sophie takes first steps
22 March 2005
Source: Ninemsn.com.au
"Sophie Delezio, the little girl horrifically burned when a car crashed through her day care centre in 2003, took her first steps to honour the man who saved her life.
Sophie presented Westmead Hospital's burns unit head Dr John Harvey with a humanitarian award at the annual Variety Hearts Awards.
Sophie suffered burns to more than 80 per cent of her body and her feet had to be amputated after the crash, which left her and two-year-old playmate Molly Wood trapped.
Sophie's father Ron Delezio said he was proud of his daughter, who wore a pink dress and matching crocheted headscarf.
"I'm very proud of her," he said.
"She's our inspiration. She's our strength."
The three-year-old received a standing ovation at the awards which were attended by TV stars, musicians and business identities.
"It's going to be a long road because she is going to have to have skin grafts and cosmetic surgery and all sorts of things," he said.
The Variety Heart Awards recognise Australians for their exceptional effort in the humanitarian and entertainment fields.
Other awards given out include ABC TV host Andrew Denton for his work on television, director Baz Luhrmann for his film work and actor Jack Thompson who received a lifetime achievement award.
After receiving his award, an emotional Luhrmann met with Sophie and posed for photographs.
Presenters included Kate Bosworth who is in Australia to film Superman Returns, and Oscar winning actor Russell Crowe.
The Variety Heart Awards were founded 25 years ago with many high profile entertainers being recognised over the years including Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman, Bert Newton, Hugh Jackman and Cate
Blanchett."
Moulin Rouge sequel?
- On 18th March, the following snippet of news quickly made its way around the internet, appearing on various websites under various titles that basically suggested that Ewan McGregor would like to do a sequel to Moulin Rouge:
"Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is urging movie bosses to make a sequel to his movie musical debut Moulin Rouge!
McGregor was so impressed by the surreal filming experience created by Australian director Baz Luhrmann, he is keen to reprise his 2001 role as poet Christian opposite Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman.
He says, "I've never done anything like it. There's never been anything like it.
The opportunity to sing and dance and be part of a company like that. It felt like we were in the circus.
It was an extraordinary experience going to work every day - the colour, the music, the crazy Baz."
"It was fantastic. I'd do it all again tomorrow. I'd be quite happy to make Moulin Rouge! II."
This news was reported on several websites, including itv.com and contactmusic.com , and even right here in Glasgow in the city's online version of Sunday Mail! However, there has been no further information released, and I can't help but feel that this information is highly misleading. I think McGregor's comments were just random thoughts in support of the original film that were taken out of context. I find it hard to believe he is "urging" movie bosses to make a Moulin Rouge sequel, and I certainly couldn't see Luhrmann making one! McGregor has said many times before how much he enjoyed making Moulin Rouge. However, the assumption should not be made that just because McGregor may have said he'd be happy to make Moulin Rouge 2, it doesn't mean there will be a Moulin Rouge 2! In short, I believe he was simply expressing his positive feelings associated with the process of making such a wonderful movie. :-)
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