Nicole Kidman suffered several painful injuries while filming 'Moulin Rouge!,' according to cast and crew members reflecting on the movie's production for its 25th anniversary.
Director Baz Luhrmann recalled first noticing Kidman after watching her perform on Broadway. He later approached her for the role of Satine, the glamorous cabaret star at the centre of the musical romance. After workshops and rehearsals, Nicole Kidman was fully committed to the demanding role, putting intense effort into singing, dancing and performance training.
Nicole Kidman's Accidents on 'Moulin Rouge!' Set
That dedication came at a physical cost. During filming, Kidman reportedly cracked a rib while performing a scene suspended from a swing high above the set. According to producer and costume designer Catherine Martin, the exact cause of the first injury was never fully confirmed.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
After recovering enough to return to work, Nicole Kidman ended up reinjuring the same rib while wearing one of the film's tightly fitted corsets. Martin explained that doctors initially believed the corset would help support the injury, but the pressure caused further damage.
The actress also injured her ankle while filming a staircase scene. Luhrmann said Kidman slipped during the sequence, resulting in a serious ankle injury that temporarily left her using a wheelchair and crutches during production.
Despite the setbacks, the team praised Kidman for continuing with the physically demanding shoot. One of the film's most memorable scenes featured Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor performing high above the set on top of a giant elephant structure while strapped into safety harnesses.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Kidman had previously spoken about the injuries during filming, explaining that repeated dance lifts and stunt movements over several months likely caused the rib fracture. She admitted she did not initially realise the injury was serious and continued dancing for days, believing she had only pulled a muscle.
Released in 2001, 'Moulin Rouge!' became a major box office success and earned multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for Kidman. The film won Oscars for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design and later inspired a successful Broadway adaptation that opened in 2019.
