Original Air Date:
Monday, November 10, 2008
Oprah on 'Australia':
Oprah started the show thrilled about sharing the film Australia with viewers - after seeing the film herself and the audience having a viewing the night before, they were all full of energy about the movie. Oprah shared that the film swept her off her feet; it had her laughing, crying and on the edge of her seat. She stated that it is the best movie that she has seen in a long time, shouting "Was that a movie!!" Continuing her praise of the film, Oprah remarked that they don't make movies like this anymore and credited the director, Baz Luhrmann and main cast Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
Nicole Kidman on Sunday Rose:
Oprah welcomed Nicole Kidman to the stage and told her how great Australia is, though Nicole responded that she hasn't seen the film yet. The set was designed to replicate the 1930s cattle station in the outback from the film, which reminded Nicole of the heat the cast and crew endured filming the movie - she even reported fainting from the heat one day.
Oprah couldn't wait to ask Nicole about her new baby with husband, Keith Urban. Nicole's baby, Sunday Rose, was named when Nicole was 3 months pregnant and had found out the sex of the baby; Sunday is the couple's favorite day. Nicole also shared a baby photo.
Nicole Kidman on Childbirth:
Nicole shared that having thought she couldn't get pregnant, Sunday Rose is a real miracle baby. Nicole expressed that at her age, she had thought that giving birth to a child was not her path as she has 2 adopted children with ex-husband Tom Cruise. Nicole also shared that she had an ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage in the past and was relieved to have a healthy child. When Nicole gave birth, she had 9 women in the room including her doctor and a doula and added that since then she cries very easily. 6 other women actually became pregnant as well during filming after swimming at Lake Kununurra.
A Look at 'Australia':
The film Australia is set to be released November 26, 2008 and stars Nicole Kidman as Lady Sarah Ashley who arrives in Australia from England and Hugh Jackman as The Drover, a cattle driver in the outback. The film follows the pair on a "journey across the outback where they discover a love that cannot be, but that cannot be denied." Director Baz Luhrmann also directed Romeo + Juliet as well as Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.
Following a clip of the film, Nicole told of how she feels characters come into her life because they were meant to - she agreed to play the role before a script was ever written.
Nicole Kidman on Marriage:
Nicole Kidman and her husband, singer Keith Urban, live on a farm in Nashville which Nicole had actually imagined. She told how she lived a gypsy out of suitcases after her divorce and dreamed of a man sweeping her away to live on the land. Stating that she is the marrying type, Nicole expressed that being married makes her feel safe and protected and gives her the opportunity to take care of her man.
Keith Urban entered rehab just 4 months after the couple was married and Oprah asked about the process. Nicole confided that it was devastating, but that there is hope - Keith just celebrated 2 years sober.
Hugh Jackman on 'Australia':
Hugh Jackman joined the stage for his first ever visit to the Oprah Show where Oprah congratulated him for what she called his breakout performance. Hugh explained the story behind him taking the role in the film which started at a party at his home in LA. Nicole approached Hugh at the party and encouraged him to take the part even though neither of them had seen the film - she asserted that it was Baz Luhrmann directing. Hugh added that Baz is a director that fills his films with love, passion and making the most of everything in life that matters and it felt a privilege to make the film.
Hugh Jackman on Kids:
Oprah asked Hugh and Nicole about the boy in the film, Brandon, and how Baz found such a talented child. Hugh explained how Brandon Walters had never acted before this film and it took a team a year to find an aboriginal boy that could play the part. Hugh's own son Oscar spent time with Brandon and other children on the set going to school and playing, but also hunting and having "boy adventures" - as Hugh referred to their play. Oscar and Hugh also camped out and had a great experience together while filming. Nicole's son, Connor, also worked with the horses during the filming.
Filming 'Australia':
Filming Australia was a rare experience as the cast and crew lived and worked on location in the Australian outback. The look of the film was difficult to pull off dealing with the natural conditions, but it was all worth it in the end. The cast and crew roughed it living in tents on site and withstanding windstorms and temperatures over 110 degrees. Hugh commented that the conditions weren't easy, but a blessing nonetheless because they were able to capture something on film that cannot be recreated with digital effects.
Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman on Love Scenes:
Nicole and Hugh had to act in intimate love scenes in the film; an experience Oprah asked them to describe. They explained that they have been friends since before filming the movie; though Nicole is actually better close friends with Hugh's wife Deb as well. Nicole explained the process beautifully and with respect as she hopes to act in a genuine place with her character and give meaning to the moment so that it has chemistry and a feeling of mystery to viewers and then step away from the acting and return to her real life. Hugh described how Nicole approached him to talk about the scene which made him feel open to the experience. They shared that their friendship gave them added trust with each other that actors need for love scenes and they respected each other's boundaries.
Hugh Jackman's Sydney Tour:
Hugh Jackman gave viewers a tour of Sydney, Australia - his hometown - by water, air and by foot. He started the tour on the harbor where he passed the famous Opera House and moved on to a plane where he pointed out whales and the beautiful beaches. He ended the tour by taking cameras to Speedo's Cafe where he enjoys going for breakfast. Back on the show, Nicole shared that she loves to visit Bill's Cafe for breakfast on Sunday mornings when she is in Sydney. Both Nicole and Hugh brought the audience snacks - Hugh brought TimTams from Australia, a type of cookie, or pickie and Nicole brought GooGoo bars from Nashville.
Baz Luhrmann:
To end the show Oprah welcomed director Baz Luhrman via Skype to talk about the film from Fox Studios in Sydney. He shared how his love of film comes from his youth in a small country town where he spent much of his time in the cinema watching classic movies, musicals and sweeping epics. Baz wanted to recreate a film like Gone with the Wind that has something for everyone - passion, love, romance, comedy, action, adventure and drama. Oprah responded by congratulating Baz for painting a canvas of his hometown for everyone to enjoy and making just the film that we need to see.
