(Credit: Alamy)
Baz Luhrmann’s 2008 film Australia wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some viewers found it too long, lacking in excitement, and took issue with its portrayal of Aboriginal people. One notable fan, however, was Nicole Kidman—although that’s perhaps unsurprising, considering she was the movie’s main star.
Kidman plays Lady Sarah Ashley, a wealthy English woman who, in 1939, travels down under to take over her dead husband’s cattle farm. It’s here that she meets the enigmatic and handsome Drover, played by Hugh Jackman, and their whirlwind relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a pivotal time in the country’s history. Also present in the mostly Australian cast are Ben Mendelsohn, David Wenham, and the late Yolŋu actor David Gulpilil.
When speaking to Movies in past interview, Kidman revealed that she had always wanted to make a film like Australia. “I wanted to make a film that’s deeply romantic,” she said, adding that she’d harboured that dream “since I was a little girl”. When talking about the movie in more detail, which hadn’t been released yet, Kidman said it had “a magical quality to it but still it’s a sweeping drama filled with some comedy,” before adding: “If we can pull that off, I’d be very, very pleased”.
This was Kidman’s second collaboration with Luhrmann following 2001’s Moulin Rouge. Her relationship with her fellow Aussie was a key part of her experience on the film. “It’s also nice to stand by a director you’ve worked with before and say, I’m right here next to you again.” she assured him. “Let’s try to do something unusual and special. Who knows? Next year, you’ll be sitting here and saying it didn’t work.”
Regretfully, Australia’s negative reception to the projecy would suggest that in actually, the project simply did not live up to expectations. Many criticised the movie for lacking creativity and having poorly developed characters, even if it had stunning scenery and flawless production design. Positive reviews from News Corporation-owned publications, which also owned the movie’s distributor, 20th Century Fox, also sparked controversy in Australia, casting doubt on the neutrality of the media.
In reality, Australia found it difficult to win over critics and audiences despite its extravagant production, breathtaking cinematography, and lofty themes because of its perceived extravagance, dependence on clichés, and inability to live up to its epic promise. Nonetheless, there are still many fans of the movie who value its massive scope and eye-catching spectacle, as is exhibited by the money it generated. Despite taking a drubbing from the critics, Australia grossed $211 million worldwide.
Regardless of the financial reward, Luhrmann took a five-year break from feature directing afterwards, returning in 2013 with his interpretation of The Great Gatsby. Recently, he revealed that his next movie would be called Jehanne d’Arc and would centre on the legendary French heroine commonly known as Joan of Arc. Casting is under way with no release date announced as of yet.
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