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Nicole Kidman Discusses Getting Injured On Set Back During 'Moulin Rouge' Filming

Home / Entertainment / Nicole Kidman Discusses Getting Injured On Set Back During 'Moulin Rouge' Filming

By Favour Adegoke on November 29, 2021 at 3:00 AM PST

Actors must often do certain tasking scenes in movies, regardless of the consequences. Sometimes this involves carrying out their stunts, method acting, and a bunch of other things. In the end, they are mentally and physically exhausted and many times get injured trying to portray a role excellently.

Even with the best plans, things can go sideways during the movie production process-- if safety measures are not in place. And even when all the regulations are top-notch, an accident can still occur due to an actor eschewing the set rules.

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For example, Nicole Kidman is a well-renowned actress who has acted in various films across different genres. Although she is an expert at her work, she still had several painful injuries while shooting "Moulin Rouge!," such as breaking her rib. Find out more information below.

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Kidman Got Hurt A Couple Of Times

When Kidman appeared on The Graham Norton Show, she discussed "Moulin Rouge!" and a couple of things that happened to her while on set. The actress revealed she got injured multiple times while prepping to play her part.

For one, she wanted to have an 18-inch waist for the film and ended up choosing to wear a corset that broke her ribs. Also, she injured herself while practicing her dancing routines during the early morning hours.

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Nicole Kidman is seen on set for "Being The Ricardos" in Los Angeles
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"I hurt myself dancing in heels at three in the morning, and I fell downstairs," Kidman said. "I then re-broke my rib getting into a corset."

Kidman added: "I had this thing that I wanted to get my waist down to 18 inches, which Vivien Leigh had on "Gone with the Wind," and I was just like, "tighter, tighter!"'

The A-lister still had more unfortunate moments on set. She bruised herself during an acrobatic dance sequence and then tore her knee cartilage while acting the "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" scene.

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Kidman Explains The Difficulty Of Filming 'Moulin Rouge'

Kidman has had a storied career that contains several acting credits. However, she pointed out that starring in "Moulin Rouge!" took quite a toll on her as it made her go out of her comfort zone.

"Moulin Rouge! was really hard for me because it isn't something that comes naturally to me," Kidman said. "I get literally so … it's frightening to have to sing in front of people. My voice starts to go! I don't know why I get terrified."

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Subsequently, her role in "Moulin Rouge" brought a music opportunity to her doorstep. English singer and entertainer Robbie Williams asked her to sing harmonies with him. Although she had a handful of projects she was working on at that time, she decided to give it a shot, and it turned out well. However, she has stuck to acting since that time.

'Moulin Rouge' Garnered Critical Acclaim After Its Release

Starring in "Moulin Rouge!" proved to be a tough one for Kidman. Ultimately all the efforts, coupled with the injuries, made the movie a hit at the box-office and award ceremonies.

The musical had a budget of $50 million but grossed more than three times that amount at $179 million. It received several nominations at the 74th Academy Awards, winning Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.

Although Kidman's performance lost the Academy Award to Halle Berry in "Monster's Ball," she swept home the Golden Globes award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

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This year, Kidman appeared as Lucille Ball in Aaron Sorkin's "Being the Ricardos." Her role in the film has gathered claims as a potential Academy Award winner. Her nearest competitors are Kristen Stewart in "Spencer" and Lady Gaga in "House of Gucci."

'Moulin Rouge' Synopsis

"Moulin Rouge!" first debuted in 2001 at the Cannes film festival and was later released to the cinemas. The romantic drama was directed, produced, and written by veteran entertainer Baz Luhrmann.

It told the tale of a young English poet, Christian, who got smitten with the film's lead, cabaret actress, and courtesan Satine. However, several circumstances led to their love's unfortunate end.

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Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala
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The film served as the final piece in Luhrmann's "Red Curtain Trilogy," which included "Strictly Ballroom" (1992) and "Romeo + Juliet" (1996). In addition, it used the musical setting of the "Montmartre Quarter of Paris" to give it an authentic feel that mirrored its Broadway counterpart "Moulin Rouge! The Musical."

Kidman starred in the film as Satine, and Ewan McGregor played the part of Christian. The supporting cast consisted of John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent, Jacek Koman, Caroline O'Connor, Kerry Walker, Richard Roxburgh, and others.

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