Ahead of the release of her latest film, The Goldfinch, Nicole Kidman talks to Michele Manelis about film-making, family and transformation
When were you first aware of art and at what age did you have
an appreciation for it?
I was always aware of art as a child and my parents made sure I had a lot of access to it. When I was a teenager, the first thing I did was get on a plane and head off to Italy so I could go to see the Sistine Chapel. Then slowly I discovered the old masters and made my way through Europe, falling in love with being able to see amazing art in person.
What struck me from watching the film is that you seem totally unafraid of physical transformation. How do you feel when you see an older version of yourself on screen?
Well, particularly in this film, when I look at it I see my mother. I look so much like my mother in the older version of this. It's actually kind of nice in a way.
What do the kids say?
They're aghast sometimes at the various transformations but I think they are now very captivated by the art form. It's strange because they very much rejected it earlier on but now they are growing to love it and it's interesting watching them absorb that and grow with that. We will see whether that ends up as a lifelong love and career for them but at the moment, I'm completely supporting all of it. I have one who wants to be behind the camera and one in front.
What do you tell them when they use social media?
They don't use social media. I don't let them go on it; they don't know it. I mean they know the words "Instagram," but they know they are not allowed on it. I mean, they are 8 and 11, so that's just not allowed.