An Interview with Nicole Kidman

Hollywood star Nicole's latest movie is the comedy Bewitched, a remake of the classic '60s US TV show. She talks about having magic powers, riding a broomstick and being famous.

Were you familiar with the television series Bewitched?
I watched the series as a kid and there seemed something quite fun, the idea of having watched something as a little girl and then being able to step into it as a woman and kind of pay homage to it. In the strangest way, re-making a TV series has far less onus on it than trying to (re-make) Portrait Of A Lady. The lesson you learn is you don't stay within the confinements of what's been said (in the series) and I think Nora tackled it quite well by finding another way to tell the story.

How did you perfect your nose-twitching for Samantha, the witch in Bewitched?
I needed a mirror and I needed slow-mo on the VCR. I would put Elizabeth Montgomery's nose in slow motion and then look into the mirror and try to mimic it. My mom would say, 'No that wasn't very good, try again!'

If you had magic powers, what would they be?
I do a lot of fund raising for women's cancers, so I probably would choose to eradicate all cancer. In the film, it's kind of nice if you're pissed off to be able to blow up a cappuccino machine, or make a dog jump into your arms and make him speak in tongues. I think that's funny and cool, but the concept is everyone wishes they could have a little magic. The overall idea of the film is that people in love require a little magic.

What was it like riding the broomstick?
They had a harness and they lifted it up and you're flying and you're thinking, 'Does this look OK?' and Nora (Ephron, the director) is shouting, 'Cross your legs,' so it's a little difficult to be ladylike flying on the broomstick. But it was fun. I just wish I could take off now out through the window!

There's a scene in the film where you and Will Ferrell, who plays Darrin, have a date on the sound stage and play with the props. Did you ever want to do that on a movie set?
There was a time where I would walk on the studio lot and there is something magical and I think you forget because you're doing it a lot these days. But I remember the first time I came to America and I walked onto the Paramount lot and went, 'Ahh, this is what it is.'

It inspires awe because of the history and you know the people that have walked the same steps you've walked. There are times now, especially in the evening when you're walking through those places and there's that kind of beautiful twilight and you're just going home, you can feel the ghosts and it's lovely.

You had surprising chemistry with Will Ferrell. Did it surprise you too?
Well, they also said that Sean Penn (from The Interpreter) and I were unexpected. I suppose with Will and I it really is kind of an odd pairing. But, at the time, it was a really fun pairing. He's very generous with his talent. He would always say, 'Come on Nicole, you can do it,' and coax me out of my shell.

Do you usually need coaxing when you're playing a character?
I always have doubts about everything. I think that motivates you. If you think you can do something, there's a slight arrogance to that. It's always better to be unsure and be taught and be willing to listen and learn. I always get accused of being really, really quiet because I sit there and I watch and I listen and I tend not to say much until I feel at ease.

There's a time when you step into it and you're on the rollercoaster. I'll be brave and throw myself into it and not worry if I fall flat on my face. For the first few days of shooting, you're kind of hoping that you do fall flat on your face, so then you're not frightened of making a fool of yourself. So much of your trepidation is just based on not wanting to make a fool of yourself, particularly if your nature is a little reticent and shy to begin with.

Is it still strange for you to see yourself on a movie billboard?
When I was doing the play Blue Room in New York and I was driving past the Broadway sign and seeing my name. You get used to it but, at the same time, you go, 'Who would think that you could come from as far away as Australia and have your name in lights on Broadway?' They say it can't happen, but it can.

What is your next project?
I'm a penguin in the animated feature Happy Feet, where I do a little singing. I hope I'm a cute penguin (laughs). I'm a big penguin, but it's a small role. From Bewitched to a penguin!

Share this Print this