Nicole Kidman The 2024 Venice Film Festival launched in full swing on August 28, marking the return of a much-anticipated Tim Burton and Michael Keaton collaboration. Their sequel to the iconic Beetlejuice opened the 81st edition of this prestigious event, sending waves of excitement across the Lido. The festival promises a memorable lineup that runs through September 7, filled with cinematic gems and powerful storytelling that will capture the attention of film enthusiasts from around the world.
Nicole Kidman (toptrendshub.com)
Stepping into its rich history, Venice Film Festival stands tall as the world’s oldest film festival, dating back to 1932. Every year, it draws top-tier filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals to celebrate the art of cinema. This year’s event boasts an impressive selection of films, featuring everything from high-profile premieres to thought-provoking independent works.
One of the most talked-about films in this year’s lineup is Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux, a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Joker, which featured an unforgettable performance by Joaquin Phoenix. This time, Lady Gaga joins Phoenix in what is expected to be another haunting portrayal of complex characters. Audiences are eager to see how this dark and twisted universe continues to unfold on the big screen.
Nicole Kidman Bares Everything in the Sexy Drama ‘Babygirl’
Continuing the festival’s tradition of hosting world-class directors, Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door is another film drawing major attention. Almodóvar, a master of cinematic emotion and complexity, brings his signature style to this new project. His ability to craft vivid characters and deeply emotional stories ensures that The Room Next Door will be one of the festival’s highlights.
Meanwhile, Luca Guadagnino returns to Venice with his latest film, Queer. Known for his previous work on Call Me by Your Name, Guadagnino has established himself as a filmmaker who can delicately explore themes of love, identity, and human connection. Queer promises to continue this exploration, taking viewers on a journey through the complexities of desire and self-discovery.
Another major highlight of the festival is Pablo Larraín’s biopic Maria, which stars the ever-talented Angelina Jolie as the iconic opera singer Maria Callas. Larraín, who previously directed films like Jackie and Spencer, is known for his ability to delve into the lives of influential women, offering audiences a deeply personal and intimate look at their struggles and triumphs. Jolie’s portrayal of Callas is expected to be nothing short of captivating, making Maria one of the must-see films of the festival.
Babygirl Nicole Kidman
Of course, the 2024 Venice Film Festival wouldn’t be complete without the presence of cinematic giants like Alfonso Cuarón. His new work will surely captivate audiences with its masterful storytelling and visual brilliance. Cuarón, who previously won the Golden Lion at Venice for his film Roma, is no stranger to the festival and remains one of the most influential filmmakers in contemporary cinema.
Walter Salles, another prominent name, adds to the festival’s allure with his latest project. Salles has consistently impressed with films like The Motorcycle Diaries and Central Station, and his return to Venice is eagerly anticipated. His ability to bring raw emotion and cultural depth to the screen makes his work an essential part of this year’s lineup.
Harmony Korine, known for his boundary-pushing style, also brings something new to the table at this year’s festival. His films often challenge conventional storytelling, offering audiences a unique and often provocative cinematic experience. With Korine’s latest work, festival-goers can expect to be taken on an unpredictable and visually arresting journey.
Sexy Drama ‘Babygirl’
Thomas Vinterberg, another filmmaker with a strong presence at Venice, has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling with films like Another Round and The Hunt. His ability to explore the intricacies of human relationships and societal dynamics makes his contribution to this year’s festival one to watch.
Brady Corbet, who gained recognition with his film Vox Lux, is also showcasing his latest work at Venice. Corbet has a knack for crafting stories that delve into the darker aspects of fame, power, and human ambition, making him a filmmaker to keep an eye on at this year’s event.
Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Kitano is another notable name gracing the Venice Film Festival this year. Kitano, known for his unique blend of violence, comedy, and drama, brings a distinct style to his films that has earned him a loyal following. His latest work is expected to continue this tradition, offering audiences a film that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
“Babygirl” Electrifies Venice Film Festival
Claude Lelouch, a veteran filmmaker, adds to the impressive roster at Venice with his latest film. Lelouch’s career spans decades, and his films are known for their romantic and philosophical undertones. His presence at the festival is a testament to Venice’s commitment to celebrating both new and established voices in cinema.
Finally, the legendary Errol Morris brings his unique documentary style to the festival. Morris, a master of non-fiction storytelling, has a way of uncovering the truth in a manner that is both captivating and thought-provoking. His work at Venice is sure to be a highlight for documentary enthusiasts and film lovers alike.
As the 2024 Venice Film Festival continues to unfold, it promises to be a celebration of diverse voices and compelling stories. From high-profile premieres to hidden gems, this year’s lineup showcases the best of what cinema has to offer. For filmmakers and audiences alike, Venice remains a place where creativity flourishes and where the power of storytelling takes center stage. With each passing day, the festival solidifies its place as one of the most important events in the film industry, setting the tone for the cinematic landscape in the year to come.
Nicole Kidman’s Bold Comeback:
It’s been a quarter-century since Nicole Kidman captivated audiences in Stanley Kubrick’s erotic classic, Eyes Wide Shut, opposite her then-husband, Tom Cruise. However, after years of steering clear of sexually explicit roles, Kidman returns to the genre with a bang in Babygirl, one of the most anticipated and provocative films at this year’s Venice Film Festival.
Kidman Embraces a New Challenge in “Babygirl”
Directed by the talented Dutch filmmaker Halina Reijn, Babygirl showcases Nicole Kidman as a powerful CEO who embarks on a steamy affair with her much-younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson. Antonio Banderas co-stars as her husband, adding yet another layer of complexity to this tale of desire, power, and secrets.
Nicole Kidman, who admitted she felt “exposed, vulnerable, and frightened” as the film approaches release, passionately defended her role. She emphasized that the story, although erotic, goes beyond just sex. It delves into themes of marriage, consent, and the hidden desires that many people keep buried within. “This is one woman’s story,” Kidman expressed during a lively press conference, “and I hope it’s a very liberating story. It’s told by a woman, through her gaze. That’s, to me, what made it so unique and freeing.”
The Comfort of Collaboration: Kidman and Reijn
One of the reasons Nicole Kidman felt at ease with this daring role lies in her collaboration with Reijn. She praised the director’s approach to the film, saying, “I knew she wasn’t going to exploit me. There was enormous caretaking by all of us. We were all very gentle with each other. It felt very authentic, protected, and, at the same time, real.” This mutual trust allowed Kidman to dive deep into her character, bringing authenticity and intensity to the screen.
Erotica Returns to the Spotlight
Babygirl is not alone in exploring the realms of eroticism at the Venice Film Festival. In fact, this year’s lineup seems determined to reintroduce erotica to mainstream cinema, following a long period where such content had all but disappeared. Alberto Barbera, the festival’s director, remarked, “In the last 20 years, it seemed like the representation of eroticism and sex on screen had almost disappeared. It was like a form of absurd self-censorship. But now it’s back.”
A notable shift from the puritanical releases of the past decade can be observed. A 2019 Playboy study revealed that only one in every 100 movies released in the 2010s included a sex scene, the fewest since the 1960s. However, the resurgence of eroticism on screen signifies a broader cultural shift, with filmmakers now delving into sexual relationships in deeper and more meaningful ways.
A Diverse Exploration of Sexuality
Babygirl is part of a wave of films at Venice that explore various aspects of sexuality, from sadomasochism to LGBTQ+ relationships. For instance, Luca Guadagnino’s Queer adapts the William S. Burroughs novel, with Daniel Craig portraying an American expat who becomes infatuated with a younger man in Mexico. Another example is Alfonso Cuarón’s psychological thriller series, Disclaimer, which stars Cate Blanchett. Moreover, Norwegian filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud’s Love and Italian filmmaker Giulia Louise Steigerwalt’s Diva Futura, about Italian pornographer Riccardo Schicchi, also contribute to this bold new wave of erotically charged cinema.
Barbera welcomed this trend, noting, “I don’t like that eroticism has been confined to the porn industry, which, as we know, has become mass consumed. It’s good that filmmakers are trying to talk about intimate and sexual relationships in a deep and artistic way again.”
The Evolution of Erotic Cinema
One significant aspect of this resurgence lies in how erotic films have evolved. No longer confined to heteronormative ideologies, modern erotic cinema embraces inclusivity. Films like Babygirl center female pleasure, depict homoeroticism, and explore various kinks, reflecting the broader shifts in society’s understanding of sexuality. If Babygirl had been made three decades ago, its female protagonist likely would have been punished for her illicit behavior. Today, however, these stories highlight the complexity and richness of human desire without moral judgment.
Reijn, who previously collaborated with Basic Instinct director Paul Verhoeven, acknowledged that she aimed to make a film that focused on the “female gaze” while also addressing the “huge orgasm gap” between men and women. This refreshing perspective challenges outdated norms and celebrates a more progressive view of sexuality.
The Impact of the #MeToo Movement on Erotic Films
The #MeToo movement has undeniably reshaped the landscape of film production, especially regarding sex scenes. The introduction of intimacy coordinators has empowered actors to take on roles involving sex with greater confidence, knowing that their boundaries will be respected. In the past, systemic abuse and exploitation plagued the production of erotic films, as evidenced by Bernardo Bertolucci’s infamous 1970s drama Last Tango in Paris. Today, however, studios and filmmakers prioritize the safety and consent of their actors, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their performances.
Arielle Zadok, an intimacy coordinator and sexologist, emphasized that more sex scenes are appearing in films because of this newfound commitment to co-creating these moments with clarity, efficiency, authenticity, and, most importantly, informed consent. She also highlighted the increasing diversity of depictions in these scenes, with more focus on female pleasure and exploring different expressions of sexuality and gender.
A Generation’s Fascination with Sex
Interestingly, despite reports that Generation Z, often labeled as “puriteens,” are having less sex than previous generations, there remains a fascination with sex in popular culture. Mary Harrod, a professor of French and screen studies at the University of Warwick, stated, “We know that young people are actually having less sex than the previous generation.It’s no surprise that, like any commodity in short supply, physical congress is currently an object of cultural fascination, including on screen.”
The pandemic pushed much of life online, leading people to crave physical reconnection, which is evident in the surge of erotic cinema. The desire to celebrate embodied connection through sex – often portrayed in raw, unfiltered ways – has become a driving force in this new era of film.
A Bold Return to Risk-Taking
Nicole Kidman, who once took cinema by storm with her fearless performances, had settled into the comfort zone of streaming TV. At 57, she has become a reliable star in beach-read limited series like Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, The Undoing, and The Perfect Couple. These shows keep her bankable, but many long for the daring actress who once embraced auteurs like Jonathan Glazer, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Lars von Trier.
That is what makes Babygirl so refreshing. This A24 film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Friday, reestablishes Kidman as one of the industry’s most fearless actresses. The spiky and sexy indie film has become the talk of Venice and will undoubtedly spark intense debate when A24 releases it in theaters this Christmas.
Exploring Repressed Desires in ‘Babygirl’
Directed by Halina Reijn, Babygirl opens with a provocative scene of Nicole Kidman character, Romy, faking an orgasm. Romy is a driven CEO who seemingly has it all: a successful career, two lively daughters, and a handsome husband, played by Antonio Banderas, who lovingly dotes on her. Despite their tender lovemaking, Romy’s desires lie elsewhere. After her husband falls asleep, she retreats to another room, pulls up S&M porn on her laptop, and brings herself to a real climax.
Although Romy’s tech company thrives on automation, she yearns to break free from her meticulously organized life. This internal conflict draws her to the office intern, Samuel, portrayed by Harris Dickinson. Their initial encounter occurs outside their office building when Romy watches Samuel soothe a wild dog with nothing more than a few words. Later, he nonchalantly explains that he simply fed the dog a cookie. When Romy asks, “Do you always have cookies on you?” he responds with a flirtatious grin, “Yeah, you want one?”
A Steamy Affair That Challenges Power Dynamics
Before long, Romy and Samuel’s relationship turns physical, with Samuel ordering Romy to perform various acts, including stuffing his tie into her mouth and lapping milk off a saucer. However, Romy struggles to fully commit to the affair. Guilt gnaws at her, not only because she is cheating on her husband but also because her fantasies challenge the public image she has cultivated as an untouchable role model.
Though Nicole Kidman has ventured into sexually explicit territory before, notably in Eyes Wide Shut, she revealed that the intimate scenes in Babygirl pushed her boundaries even further. “This is something you do and hide in your home videos,” Kidman told Vanity Fair. During a news conference at Venice on Friday, she admitted that the thought of sharing this film with audiences terrified her. “I hope my hand’s not shaking!” she said, acknowledging that the role left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.
A Director’s Support and Vision
Nicole Kidman credited Reijn for guiding her toward such a raw and vulnerable performance. “I knew she wasn’t going to exploit me,” Kidman explained. Reijn, known for Bodies Bodies Bodies, emphasized that the film delves into the reconciliation of all parts of oneself, even the parts that evoke shame. “All beings have a beast living inside,” Reijn noted. “For women, we have not gotten a lot of space yet to explore this behavior.”
The Challenges of Intimate Performances
Harris Dickinson, who gained attention for his role in Triangle of Sadness, admitted that filming the film’s sadomasochism sequences was nerve-racking. “It’s always vulnerable constructing a scene, but when you add something intimate to it, it becomes even more challenging,” Dickinson said.
Reijn argued that sex scenes, when done right, can be both necessary and illuminating. In Babygirl, she opens the film with a faked orgasm and later includes several authentic ones. “The huge orgasm gap still exists. Take note, men!” she quipped, playfully excusing Dickinson from the critique. Dickinson, leaning into the microphone, offered a comment that could serve as the film’s thesis: “Everyone deserves a good orgasm.”
Nicole Kidman Reclaims Her Daring Edge
With Babygirl, Nicole Kidman steps back into the daring roles that once defined her career. The film’s exploration of repressed desires, power dynamics, and the struggle to reconcile public and private identities reintroduces Kidman as one of cinema’s boldest actresses. As Babygirl continues to generate buzz from its Venice premiere, audiences are eagerly awaiting its theatrical release to join the conversation.
