Vacation has ended.
It is Monday.
It is the last day of Spring.
The only thing that makes it all bearable is that I can say “Happy Birthday, Nicole Kidman!”
Nicole Kidman, while possibly the most famous actress from the land Down Under, was actually born in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 20th, 1967. She was 3 years old when her parents returned to their native land. There is a nice little biography on Nicole here that will suffice if you’re in the mood for more details.
Nicole Kidman is quite possibly my favorite living actress, only eclipsed by the late Audrey Hepburn for favorite overall actress. I enjoyed her earlier films, especially Far and Away. That film has great personal significance because my wife’s one and only ‘false labor’ moment came around the time that this movie was being released and I recall reading an article in Preview magazine about Far and Away while we waited to see if our child was ready to enter the world. Far and Away was also the first movie that our darling Tori attended at the ripe old age of 4 weeks! She was so precious and was quiet throughout the entire movie.
As I said, I had enjoyed previous Nicole Kidman movies but it was the advent of Moulin Rouge that propelled her to the top of my list.
I love musicals and have many treasured musicals that I like to revisit again and again. Moulin Rouge is one of the best. I’ve seen all the films in Baz Luhrmann‘s Red Curtain Trilogy and I think each one is unique and magical. Many tend to think of Baz Luhrmann as either a genius or a hack. I consider him a genius. What he did with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge was amazing. The first time I saw it I was in awe.
Those of you who have acted in theatre on any level and enjoyed it probably experience the same things I do when I see a play, musical or otherwise. I’m transported back to past experiences…a good musical draws out those cherised memories and dreams and gives the viewing experience added depth and dimension. As I sat watching Moulin Rouge for the first time and the moment came when Ewan and Nicole were singing “I will always love you” and the camera was spining and white lights burst behind them I was in esctasy! During the final number as the song reached it’s crescendo and Richard Roxburgh strode down the aisle, gun in hand, screaming “My way! My way!” I wanted to jump to my feet and give a standing ovation! I feel this way every time I watch Moulin Rouge (I frequently stop the movie after the curtain falls and before the tragedy strikes so that I can pretend that they live happily ever after).
Nicole’s background of ballet and drama were put to good use with this movie and I was astounded at both her and Ewan’s vocal ability. The writing, the music, the rich color, the lavish costumes, the tragic romance…this film has it all in spades and Nicole is simply marvelous in it.
Another Nicole Kidman favorite is The Others. This is actually my favorite movie in the ‘scary movie’ genre. Alejandro Amenábar created a suspenseful, atmospheric ghost story of the kind that are not made anymore. The Others hearkens back to gothic tales of suspense and mystery and horror. This is another movie that gets repeat viewings and I enjoy the look and feel of it everytime I see it. Nicole Kidman does a masterful job as does the rest of the very solid cast.
Nicole’s latest, Bewitched, is a film that I was initially interested in only because she was going to be in it.
The newest trailer has me very excited about this movie. I hadn’t paid attention to the fact that Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail) was the writer/director for Bewitched and I didn’t know that it was a romantic comedy. I’m a sucker for “chick flicks” and am really looking forward to seeing this. I also enjoy Will Ferrell so this has become a must-see for me.
Nicole Kidman is an extremely talented actress and her beauty, poise, and choice of roles reminds me of the film stars of yesteryear.
She appears equally at home in both serious and comedic roles. I love the fact that she has almost singlehandedly brought back glamour to Hollywood with her choice of outfits and hairstyles that recall the spirit of legendary starlets. She brings an air of class and sophistication to celebrity and yet still seems to have great fun trying new things.
One of Nicole Kidman’s recent ventures has a very Moulin Rouge feel to it. She is currently promoting Chanel No 5.
Clicking here will take you to the IFilm site where you can watch the short film/commercial for Chanel No. 5.
To conclude I will direct you to the very best Nicole Kidman fansite in existence, Nicole’s Magic. Jess has the most complete and exhaustive site imaginable. Images, videos, sound clips, forums, reviews, trivia…this site has everything and is a truly great site to visit simply for inspiration for one’s own site.
Happy 38th Birthday, Nicole! And bon voyage to Spring, everyone!
i do enjoy ms kidman. she’s elegant, radiant, luminescent, & very tall.
Yes, she is all of the above!
Hated Moulin Puke but that’s the ultra macho hairy man in me talking. Couldn’t get enough of “The Others”, wonderful flip at the end. I first saw her in Dead Calm and thought she was great. Weird movie but cool.
So the vacation life is over. What a feeling that first day back to work is. It’s like those dreams you have when you are sooo tired that you cannot hold your eyes open. Yeah I’ve been there but not for years. We were talking about how jealous we were that you could do that, but we were dreaming of Florida. We love the beach and can’t wait to take the kids there. You do see movies I wouldn’t dream of seeing. I guess I should broaden the ole movie horizons.
Yes Tom, expand your mind! There are too many wonderful movies out there that you miss if you only stick with the mainstream stuff. You and Karen both love kids, I’m sure you’d love Spellbound and Mad Hot Ballroom. They are both full of the kind of humor that you would only hear “coming out of the mouths of babes”.
I agree, Dead Calm is great!
What are you saying, Carl? Do you like Nicole Kidman or what?
Get off the fence, man!
Sorry, like Charlie Brown before me I guess I’m just wishy-washy!
Nicole Kidman is my favorite actress, too. I loved all the movies that were mentioned. I really would like to see Bewitched. I am soooo picky about what I see because I rarely see movies at the theatre. I am afraid of wasting the experience on an ok movie. The time James and I have out and about by ourselves only happens once every month or two or three. If I go out with a girlfriend I just want to talk! I love talking to adults!!! If someone sees Bewitched before next Sunday, let me know what you think. Paying money to see comedies at the theatre is risky. I know I want to see Cinderella Man. That Mad Hot Ballroom sounds fun. We’ll probably have to wait and rent it.
I think Nicole is great too because she adopted her children. I have read interviews and she hates all the same cliches that I hate about adoption and will defend her children against such rude insensitive comments. My blood pressure just went up!
I’m hoping that we can squeeze it in early Saturday. If we do we’ll certainly give you our opinion!
Ok, let me know.
I feel for you, Tom. It’s been five years since James and I went on vacation. It was our trip to Mexico.
Our time WILL come. I think I’m going to tear up just thinking about it!!!!
I think that this was only the second vacation that Mary and I have had sans Tori…at least one that was more than just a couple of days.
Our recent summers have involved using our vacation time to work the Fireworks stand and, except financially, I’m very happy we aren’t doing that this year.
As soon as our pix are back I’ll post details about the Bed and Breakfast, etc.
I can’t imagine what Tom Cruise was thinking when he left Nicole.
He was thinking, “I needs me a short girl!”
OMG I love Nicole Kidman too! She’s my role model and people tell me I have a look of her. I was very flattered! She’s my favourite actress too. I love and was very impressed for many reasons by Moulin Rouge. The Others is fantastic. She does a marvellous job. Very haunting.
Even though she’s a film actress she has a theatrical background which is great for me as I intend to go into theatre. Wouldn’t mind doing a film or two either! 🙂
So yeah I’m a Nicole Kidman fan too.
Kisses!
Maegan age 14
xxx
Wow I didn’t know she was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, you learn something new everyday!!