Nicole Kidman, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, has long been known for her fearless approach to challenging roles. In her latest revealing interview, the Moulin Rouge star opened up about the emotionally and physically demanding experience of filming Babygirl, a controversial project in which she portrays a woman grappling with the complexity of sexual desire and trauma. The film, which delves into themes of intimacy, power, and vulnerability, pushed Kidman to her limits, leading her to admit she reached a point where she did not “want to orgasm anymore” on screen, and even confessed, “I hate doing this.”
The Emotional Toll of Babygirl
Babygirl explores the life of a woman navigating intense and often painful experiences related to her sexuality, a role that required Kidman to engage in deeply intimate and explicit scenes. Known for her commitment to fully inhabiting her characters, Kidman has never shied away from roles that explore difficult emotional terrain. However, in this instance, she acknowledged that the sheer intensity of the work became overwhelming.
In an interview with Variety, Kidman explained how the role challenged her in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “I didn’t want to orgasm anymore,” she revealed. The statement reflects not only the physical demands of repeatedly filming intimate scenes but also the emotional exhaustion that comes with portraying such heightened vulnerability. Kidman added, “I hate doing this,” underscoring how difficult it was to continuously relive these moments while maintaining the authenticity required for the film.
A History of Challenging Roles
Nicole Kidman is no stranger to tackling roles that explore complex and often dark emotional landscapes. From her Oscar-winning portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours to her unsettling performance in Big Little Lies, Kidman has made a career out of portraying women who are grappling with trauma, mental illness, or profound emotional conflict. Her fearless approach to acting has earned her a reputation as one of the most versatile and courageous performers in the industry.
In Babygirl, Kidman’s character struggles with the aftermath of a troubled past and how it manifests in her present relationships. The role required Kidman to immerse herself in the raw and often painful emotions of a woman trying to reconcile her physical desires with her emotional scars. “There were times when I had to step back and remind myself that this wasn’t real life,” Kidman shared, indicating the psychological toll the role had on her well-being.
The Challenges of Filming Intimacy
Hollywood has increasingly focused on the depiction of intimacy in film, with conversations around the treatment of actors during love scenes becoming more prevalent in recent years. Intimacy coordinators, for example, have become standard practice on sets to ensure that actors feel safe and respected while filming intimate or sexually explicit scenes.
Despite these measures, Kidman described her experience as “draining,” adding that while she trusted the filmmakers, the sheer volume of intimate scenes in Babygirl left her feeling overwhelmed. “You can prepare for these scenes and have all the safety protocols in place, but it doesn’t change how much it can take out of you emotionally,” she said.
Kidman’s honesty about her discomfort shines a light on the emotional labor required of actors in roles that demand intense vulnerability. While actors like Kidman are professionals trained to separate themselves from their characters, the experience of repeatedly performing intimate acts on screen can blur those lines.
A Conversation on Boundaries and Consent in Film
Kidman’s revelations also highlight a broader conversation taking place in the entertainment industry regarding boundaries, consent, and the portrayal of sex on screen. As the industry continues to evolve, there is a growing awareness of the need to protect actors from the potential emotional harm that can come from repeatedly filming intimate scenes. Kidman’s experience serves as a reminder that, even with the best intentions, some roles can take a significant personal toll.
In recent years, many actors have spoken out about the need for better communication and support on sets, particularly when it comes to filming intimate scenes. The rise of intimacy coordinators has helped, but Kidman’s experience illustrates that even with safeguards in place, the emotional strain of portraying intense, intimate moments can linger.
The Future of Intimacy in Film
As Babygirl prepares for release, Nicole Kidman’s candid discussion of her experience brings attention to the ongoing conversation about the depiction of intimacy in cinema. While her remarks reflect the challenges she faced during production, they also speak to the broader issue of how filmmakers can balance the need for authenticity with the emotional and psychological well-being of their actors.
Despite the hardships she endured during filming, Kidman remains proud of the work she has done. “At the end of the day, it’s about telling a story that feels true,” she said. However, her experience on Babygirl raises important questions about the toll that such roles can take on actors and how the industry can continue to evolve to protect their mental and emotional health.
As for Kidman, her honesty has once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most respected and courageous figures in Hollywood, willing to confront even the most difficult aspects of her craft in service of powerful storytelling.