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Nicole Kidman
From the brilliant film historian and critic David Thomson, a book that reinvents the star biography in a singularly illuminating portrait of Nicole Kidman—and what it means to be a top actress today. At once life story, love letter, and critical analysis, this is not merely a book about who Kidman is but about what she is—in our culture and in our minds, on- and offscreen.
Tall, Australian, one of the striking beauties of the world, Nicole Kidman is that rare modern phenomenon—an authentic movie star who is as happy and as creative throwing a seductive gaze from some magazine cover as she is being Virginia Woolf in The Hours. Here is the story of how this actress began her career, has grown through her roles, taken risks, made good choices and bad, and worried about money, aging, and image.
Here are the details of an actress’s her performances in To Die For, The Portrait of a Lady, Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge!, The Hours, and Birth, among other films; her high-visibility marriage to Tom Cruise; her intense working relationship with Stanley Kubrick and her collaborations with Anthony Minghella and Baz Luhrmann; her work with Jude Law, Anthony Hopkins, Renée Zellweger, and John Malkovich; her decisions concerning nudity, endorsements, and publicity.
And here are Thomson’s scintillating considerations of what celebrity means in the life of an actress like Kidman; of how the screen becomes both barrier and open sesame for her and for her audience; of what is required today of an actress of Kidman’s stature if she is to remain vital to the industry and to the audiences who made her a prime celebrity.
Impassioned, opinionated, dazzlingly original in its approach and ideas, Nicole Kidman is as alluring and as much fun as Nicole Kidman herself, and David Thomson’s most remarkable book yet.
Tall, Australian, one of the striking beauties of the world, Nicole Kidman is that rare modern phenomenon—an authentic movie star who is as happy and as creative throwing a seductive gaze from some magazine cover as she is being Virginia Woolf in The Hours. Here is the story of how this actress began her career, has grown through her roles, taken risks, made good choices and bad, and worried about money, aging, and image.
Here are the details of an actress’s her performances in To Die For, The Portrait of a Lady, Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge!, The Hours, and Birth, among other films; her high-visibility marriage to Tom Cruise; her intense working relationship with Stanley Kubrick and her collaborations with Anthony Minghella and Baz Luhrmann; her work with Jude Law, Anthony Hopkins, Renée Zellweger, and John Malkovich; her decisions concerning nudity, endorsements, and publicity.
And here are Thomson’s scintillating considerations of what celebrity means in the life of an actress like Kidman; of how the screen becomes both barrier and open sesame for her and for her audience; of what is required today of an actress of Kidman’s stature if she is to remain vital to the industry and to the audiences who made her a prime celebrity.
Impassioned, opinionated, dazzlingly original in its approach and ideas, Nicole Kidman is as alluring and as much fun as Nicole Kidman herself, and David Thomson’s most remarkable book yet.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
56 people want to read
About the author
David Thomson
66 books152 followersDavid Thomson, renowned as one of the great living authorities on the movies, is the author of The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, now in its fifth edition. His books include a biography of Nicole Kidman and The Whole Equation: A History of Hollywood. Thomson is also the author of the acclaimed "Have You Seen . . . ?": A Personal Introduction to 1,000 Films. Born in London in 1941, he now lives in San Francisco.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 23, 2019
My favorite film critic/historian wrote a book about my favorite actress, but I am not biased in loving Nicole Kidman by David Thomson, I simply consider it one of the most entertaining books on Film I’ve ever read. This is not a biography, more a discussion for hopeless cinephiles like myself; a conversation about the silver screen, stars, acting, career choices, female beauty, age, and image; a dedication to “all the actresses in French cinema;” something between a thorough profile of a phenomenal career and a love letter. More than anything, this is a bold declaration of Thomson’s reverence, respect, and unmistakable desire for Kidman herself.
The majority of books, the majority of movies, are mundane. I believe David Thomson and Nicole Kidman are aware of this, for both have made the unique career choice to curb the need for security, focusing instead on what starts conversation. Both make risky career decisions (Thomson’s to write this book at all, and Kidman’s to interview for it, are proof of this); both unashamedly frequent their naughty sides (his wicked humor and her undeniable sex appeal); both have a demonstrable understanding of the potential monumentality of the motion picture medium, and seek to work towards it’s success. He’s the caricature of the mean-spirited know-it-all-on-film, adjudicating the lovely Artist when she’s quoted saying things like, “It's the desire to study the human condition, the desire for collaboration, to learn and absorb, and to lead a well-examined life.” For this fan, this book is a marriage of beauty and beast that seems ironically natural.
Thomson is selective and clever in his profile of the actress’s professional and personal life (and believe me when I say both are critiqued). Her work in the films Dead Calm, To Die For, The Portrait of a Lady, Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge!, The Others, The Hours, Dogville, Cold Mountain, Birth, Bewitched, Fur, and more are each given chapters (which one he considers her best will surprise you); as is her stage work in The Blue Room, her shoots for multiple magazines, and yes, her upbringing in Australia as well as her marriage, separation and divorce from Tom Cruise (the one star of whom her career will always and unavoidably be compared to). Thomson goes so far as to include imaginary film projects and even a dream he had, too, and as a film lover I can’t help but wish I could pay admission to what his imagination has conjured.
Thomson ends with, “People ask me anew why I am doing a book about Nicole Kidman. I tell them there are great things to come, and I hope that I am right.” The book was published in 2006. Since then, Kidman’s resume contains: Margot at the Wedding (‘07), Australia (‘08), Nine (‘09), Rabbit Hole (2010), The Paperboy (‘12), Queen of the Desert (‘15), Lion (‘16), The Killing of a Sacred Deer (‘16), The Beguiled (‘17), Aquaman (‘18), Boy Erased (‘18), Destroyer (‘18), HBO’s Big Little Lies (‘17-19), and several others; not to mention the most memorable talk-show interview I’ve seen on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, while promoting Paddington (‘14). I think it’s time for a newly revised edition of David Thomson’s Nicole Kidman, as he’s done with his Biographical Encyclopedia of Film. I want to know, Mr. Thomson, what’s your verdict?
The majority of books, the majority of movies, are mundane. I believe David Thomson and Nicole Kidman are aware of this, for both have made the unique career choice to curb the need for security, focusing instead on what starts conversation. Both make risky career decisions (Thomson’s to write this book at all, and Kidman’s to interview for it, are proof of this); both unashamedly frequent their naughty sides (his wicked humor and her undeniable sex appeal); both have a demonstrable understanding of the potential monumentality of the motion picture medium, and seek to work towards it’s success. He’s the caricature of the mean-spirited know-it-all-on-film, adjudicating the lovely Artist when she’s quoted saying things like, “It's the desire to study the human condition, the desire for collaboration, to learn and absorb, and to lead a well-examined life.” For this fan, this book is a marriage of beauty and beast that seems ironically natural.
Thomson is selective and clever in his profile of the actress’s professional and personal life (and believe me when I say both are critiqued). Her work in the films Dead Calm, To Die For, The Portrait of a Lady, Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge!, The Others, The Hours, Dogville, Cold Mountain, Birth, Bewitched, Fur, and more are each given chapters (which one he considers her best will surprise you); as is her stage work in The Blue Room, her shoots for multiple magazines, and yes, her upbringing in Australia as well as her marriage, separation and divorce from Tom Cruise (the one star of whom her career will always and unavoidably be compared to). Thomson goes so far as to include imaginary film projects and even a dream he had, too, and as a film lover I can’t help but wish I could pay admission to what his imagination has conjured.
Thomson ends with, “People ask me anew why I am doing a book about Nicole Kidman. I tell them there are great things to come, and I hope that I am right.” The book was published in 2006. Since then, Kidman’s resume contains: Margot at the Wedding (‘07), Australia (‘08), Nine (‘09), Rabbit Hole (2010), The Paperboy (‘12), Queen of the Desert (‘15), Lion (‘16), The Killing of a Sacred Deer (‘16), The Beguiled (‘17), Aquaman (‘18), Boy Erased (‘18), Destroyer (‘18), HBO’s Big Little Lies (‘17-19), and several others; not to mention the most memorable talk-show interview I’ve seen on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, while promoting Paddington (‘14). I think it’s time for a newly revised edition of David Thomson’s Nicole Kidman, as he’s done with his Biographical Encyclopedia of Film. I want to know, Mr. Thomson, what’s your verdict?
April 30, 2009
La Kidman.
David Thomson is a special film critic. Though he's a film historian, his reviews don't descend into geekery or plot dissections (he saves that for another book, his Dictionary of Film). When he writes about movies, he articulates extremely subjective reactions to images and performers, contemplating the inner life of what he sees.
So he turns to one fascinating performer for a book that surely was more fun to research and write than to read. Each short chapter focuses on a performance or an aspect of her personal life.
Though not a hugely satisfying read, it's so curious that it's worth a scan. Don't believe me? Watch "Dead Calm." There is such question and caution in her damp, sharp eyes. Nicole Kidman's Tao deserves a hardcover contemplation.
David Thomson is a special film critic. Though he's a film historian, his reviews don't descend into geekery or plot dissections (he saves that for another book, his Dictionary of Film). When he writes about movies, he articulates extremely subjective reactions to images and performers, contemplating the inner life of what he sees.
So he turns to one fascinating performer for a book that surely was more fun to research and write than to read. Each short chapter focuses on a performance or an aspect of her personal life.
Though not a hugely satisfying read, it's so curious that it's worth a scan. Don't believe me? Watch "Dead Calm." There is such question and caution in her damp, sharp eyes. Nicole Kidman's Tao deserves a hardcover contemplation.
August 31, 2017
Where Thomson just stuck to the script, and just wrote about Kidman and/or her movies, this was fine. But the other 50% oscillates between (recycled?) highfalutin', pretentious college lectures (with a smattering of "fuck"s and "shit"s) to impress young film students, and lascivious salivating over Kidman's naked flesh. The editor is mentioned by name in the acknowledgements, as is customary, but this is less a recommendation than a dire warning for other writers considering a similar project.
August 26, 2018
DNF. Boring and definitely not worth to be classified as a biograhpy. The writer never spoke to Nicole or interviewed her for this book. The book is only the writer's view and critism and so-called analysis of Nicole's movies. I can do that myself, I don't need David Thomson to do that for me.
March 16, 2017
Not a celebrity biography, per se, but an analysis of Nicole Kidman, her acting, her ambition, and her film choice by a film historian. On this basis, very good.
October 24, 2018
This isn't really a biography; it's more of a study of Kidman's work and craft. Thomson also imaginary casts her. (I, for one, think she'd be a great Mrs. Robinson, if ever they decide to remake The Graduate. Also, RIP Anne Bancroft, you were fantastic) I'm digressing.
I really dislike Thomson- as much as one can dislike somebody they don't know based soley on their writing. He's always come across as bitchy and snarky to me, and not in a fun (or funny) way like say, Truman Capote. He's always just come across as mean and pretentious. Which I find insuffrable. Also, he seems a little too fixated on Kidman's naked body, and if I remember correctly, he spends an uncomfortable length of time discussing her pubes. It's...strange.
I really dislike Thomson- as much as one can dislike somebody they don't know based soley on their writing. He's always come across as bitchy and snarky to me, and not in a fun (or funny) way like say, Truman Capote. He's always just come across as mean and pretentious. Which I find insuffrable. Also, he seems a little too fixated on Kidman's naked body, and if I remember correctly, he spends an uncomfortable length of time discussing her pubes. It's...strange.
January 27, 2023
Ik heb altijd een zwak gehad voor Nicole Kidman. Ze lijkt er ook altijd te zijn geweest, zelfs toen ik helemaal nog niet met films bezig was. In films zoals Batman Forever komt ze misschien niet helemaal tot haar recht, maar het is wel een actrice die met de jaren beter en beter wordt. Ze is bovendien één van die uitzonderingen in Hollywood die nog voorbij de gezegende leeftijd van 50 jaar interessante rollen aangeboden krijgt. Met The Killing of a Sacred Deer schopte ze het tot mijn nummer 1 in mijn top 10 van 2017 en dan kon de recent aangeschafte biografie niet achterblijven.
Al is hetgeen wat David Thomson er hier van maakt maar met moeite een biografie te noemen. Het duurt al twee hoofdstukken vooraleer hij niets nuttig over Kidman vertelt en zelfs dan zit het boek vol met zijn ideeën over de films waar ze in meegespeeld heeft. Op zich geen probleem hoor, zolang dat er ook maar enige structuur in zit. Wat doet Thomson echter? Hij begint aan ellenlange essays hoe hij de film zou veranderen en die zijn - met een sporadische uitzondering - niet interessant en bovendien vol met spoilers. Bij The Others moet hij zich erg hard inhouden om de climax niet te verraden, hij belooft dat je met een gerust hart kunt verder lezen en wat doet hij? Hij spoilert het einde.. Bovendien is hij in de besproken films wel erg hard gefascineerd door het erotische aspect aan Kidman. Het is waar dat het een actrice is die niet veel schroom vertoont om uit de kleren te gaan, maar Thomson komt bijna net niet klaar wanneer hij het over haar blanke dijen en zelfs haar rossige schaamhaar heeft. Ondertussen laat hij nog eens vallen dat hij wel gesprekken heeft gehad met Kidman, maar dat zij niet haar toestemming heeft gegeven tot de inhoud van dit boek. Zegt me genoeg lijkt me.
Het merendeel van het oeuvre van Kidman laat hij links liggen (breek me de mond niet open over Far and Away zegt hij op een bepaald moment), maar er is dan wel een volledig hoofdstuk gewijd aan Sharon Stone.. Het merkwaardigste komt nog op het einde wanneer hij een droom beschrijft waarin Kidman en Catherine Deneuve Belle de Jour-gewijs een Chinees en een Amerikaan bevredigen. Erg vreemd en ongemakkelijk allemaal.
Al is hetgeen wat David Thomson er hier van maakt maar met moeite een biografie te noemen. Het duurt al twee hoofdstukken vooraleer hij niets nuttig over Kidman vertelt en zelfs dan zit het boek vol met zijn ideeën over de films waar ze in meegespeeld heeft. Op zich geen probleem hoor, zolang dat er ook maar enige structuur in zit. Wat doet Thomson echter? Hij begint aan ellenlange essays hoe hij de film zou veranderen en die zijn - met een sporadische uitzondering - niet interessant en bovendien vol met spoilers. Bij The Others moet hij zich erg hard inhouden om de climax niet te verraden, hij belooft dat je met een gerust hart kunt verder lezen en wat doet hij? Hij spoilert het einde.. Bovendien is hij in de besproken films wel erg hard gefascineerd door het erotische aspect aan Kidman. Het is waar dat het een actrice is die niet veel schroom vertoont om uit de kleren te gaan, maar Thomson komt bijna net niet klaar wanneer hij het over haar blanke dijen en zelfs haar rossige schaamhaar heeft. Ondertussen laat hij nog eens vallen dat hij wel gesprekken heeft gehad met Kidman, maar dat zij niet haar toestemming heeft gegeven tot de inhoud van dit boek. Zegt me genoeg lijkt me.
Het merendeel van het oeuvre van Kidman laat hij links liggen (breek me de mond niet open over Far and Away zegt hij op een bepaald moment), maar er is dan wel een volledig hoofdstuk gewijd aan Sharon Stone.. Het merkwaardigste komt nog op het einde wanneer hij een droom beschrijft waarin Kidman en Catherine Deneuve Belle de Jour-gewijs een Chinees en een Amerikaan bevredigen. Erg vreemd en ongemakkelijk allemaal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2009
I wish that there had been a subtitle for this book because everytime someone saw me reading it they would give me an odd look and a raised eyebrow. I tried to explain that this was no glowing life story or tmz style unauthorized biography, but people couldn't really get past the cover. No one seemed to understand that Kidman is really used to examine the relationships between a star and the public and with the industry. The book seems a little sillier now that kidman is no longer the star she was two years ago. Thomson does a thorough job of critiquing her work as well as examining her public persona. He obviously is a fan (or why devote so much time to the subject?) so some of his criticisms of her work feel a little skewed (especially in Birth and Fur). Overall it is an interesting work that makes you think about the role of acting and films in society.
November 16, 2011
Not that it's terrible, Thomson writes extremely well and engagingly, and he brings out more about his subject than you might think possible. It's just that there is too much here about movies which I haven't seen, don't plan to see, and though Thomson does his best in trying to make them a part of his overall narrative it ends up being a little bit too obscure to fully appreciate. I like the concept of the book quite a bit- biographical criticism of alluring and complex stars written poetically ought to be done more often, like in the old days, I say. But this is somewhat deadened for me by its material, which is necessarily vague and uninteresting, I think.
February 27, 2008
Not recommended unless you're already interested in Kidman, but if you are, this is a clever, well-crafted and intelligent book. A bit too clever at times, but better than a fluff celeb bio thrown together to fill space on the shelf. This is written by a film professor who is also a self-professed fan.
October 10, 2008
This book is more than you might expect. Kidman is more the theme than the subject of this entertaining biography, which contains brilliant film and literary criticism and also offers repeated insights into how Hollywood stars manage their careers. Thomson is an incredibly insightful and skilled writer whose knowledge of film and cinematic history is probably unsurpassed.
April 1, 2012
I believe this book had so much potential. Thomson seems to analysis the films Kidman has starred in, which is relevant as he is also a film critic, but didn't really reveal the whole life and story of Nicole Kidman thoroughly, as it can get quite repetitive.
Not saying it's poor, but not implying it's brilliant.
3/5 stars.
Not saying it's poor, but not implying it's brilliant.
3/5 stars.
December 22, 2013
Another "biography" that is really a filmography. So if you are looking for some insight or details about Nicole Kidman's life. Do not read this book. It is just a film critics review of all her movies with his opinions of future movies he would case with Nicole Kidman or how he would recut movies she had been in. These opinions do not a biography make.
February 15, 2007
David Thomson is quite a prolific critic. Why he put his considerable talent towards this book is beyond me. There are some quite sharp observations about celebrity and stardom in here. But the authors' fantasies about Kidman will make most cringe.
November 9, 2015
Op zich een aardig boek om te lezen, maar ik vind het geen biografie. Het gaat hoofdzakelijk over de films waarin Kidman heeft gespeeld en je komt weinig over haarzelf en haar drijfveren te weten. Een gemiste kans.
January 30, 2013
Essays on talent and celebrity.
I wish there was an addendum covering the film of The Golden Compass.
I wish there was an addendum covering the film of The Golden Compass.
May 18, 2008
I'm not really a fan of Nicole Kidman. But David Thomson is and it was fascinating to read about his analysis of her as an actress.
November 2, 2008
hahah yes i did read this book. of course i did!
April 15, 2024
Didn't get very far in this one. Pretentious and creepy.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews