Nicole Kidman is famous for taking on bold and daring roles. From her groundbreaking performance in Eyes Wide Shut to her latest role in Babygirl, she has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged herself as an actress. Let’s look at some of her most provocative performances and how they shaped her career.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
In Eyes Wide Shut, directed by Stanley Kubrick, Nicole Kidman plays Alice Harford, the wife of Dr. Bill Harford, played by Tom Cruise. The film explores themes of love, desire, and sexual exploration. One of the most talked-about scenes in the movie features Kidman in an orgy sequence, which was very daring for its time.
This role marked a turning point for Kidman, showing her willingness to take risks. It was also significant because it was her first time starring alongside her then-husband, Tom Cruise, adding to the film’s intrigue.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
In Moulin Rouge!, Kidman plays Satine, a cabaret star in Paris. This movie mixes romance and musical flair, but it also has dark themes surrounding her character’s profession. Satine faces a tough choice between love and duty, as she must decide whether to follow her heart or fulfill her responsibilities.
Kidman’s portrayal included a memorable scene where she fakes an orgasm while singing. This daring choice showcased her versatility, blending vulnerability and strength.
The Paperboy (2012)
In The Paperboy, Kidman takes on the role of Charlotte Bless, a woman obsessed with a death row inmate. This film features some of her most controversial moments, including a scene where she urinates on Zac Efron’s character after he gets stung by a jellyfish. This bold move highlighted her fearlessness as an actress.
Kidman’s role in The Paperboy pushed her further into intense performances. Though the film received mixed reviews, her performance was praised for its courage and depth.
Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
In the acclaimed series Big Little Lies, Kidman plays Celeste Wright, a woman in an abusive marriage. This role was both emotionally and physically demanding, as the show explored the effects of domestic violence. Kidman worked closely with an intimacy coordinator to ensure the scenes were handled safely and respectfully.
Her portrayal earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series. This role confirmed her status as a leading actress in both film and television.
Babygirl (2024)
In her latest role in Babygirl, Kidman plays a tech executive who has an affair with a younger intern, portrayed by Harris Dickinson. This movie is described as an erotic thriller, and Kidman once again dives into a provocative role.
For the intimate scenes in Babygirl, an intimacy coordinator helped create a safe and comfortable environment for both actors. Kidman highlighted the importance of feeling supported on set, especially during vulnerable scenes. She described the role as challenging but rewarding, continuing her legacy of exploring complex characters.
Conclusion
Throughout her career, Nicole Kidman has shown that she is unafraid to take on challenging roles. From Eyes Wide Shut to Babygirl, her choices have defined her career and demonstrated her ability to tackle provocative characters with depth and grace. As she continues to take on new projects, Kidman remains a fearless force in cinema.