Australian film director Baz Luhrmann has opened up about his friendship with Nicole Kidman, praising the actress as "someone to be admired".
The Strictly Ballroom filmmaker was reflecting on the impact of Kidman's role in the 2001 film Moulin Rouge! on the opening night of the latest theatre adaptation of the classic story at the Piccadilly Theatre in London.
Luhrmann, 60, said: "I think Nicole is still doing pretty well! I mean, yes, we’re great friends and I think in terms of the cast from [Moulin Rouge!], I see some of them more than others, but Nicole and I go way back.
"We’re great friends and I’m so, I don’t know if I can say I’m proud of her, I’m just so enamoured and so impressed.
"You know, we live in a world where as an actor you can be relegated at a certain numerical point in your life, and she’s flourished.
"I mean, she’s not only acting in more challenging roles consistently but she’s also producing and creating and I think she’s someone to be admired, but she’s also just a great friend."
The 2001 film was directed, co-produced, and co-written by Luhrmann and follows English writer Christian – originally played by Ewan McGregor – as he travels to Paris where he falls in love with Satine – played by Kidman – a performer, courtesan and the star of the city’s biggest nightclub, Moulin Rouge.
Source: Press Association
