I am ready to be blown away by the upcoming epic, Australia, starring Nicole Kidman (Lady Sarah Ashley) and Hugh Jackman (The Drover). There has been a lot of hype surrounding director Baz Luhrmann’s latest project because the countryside of Australia has yet to be the setting or character of a film of this magnitude. Besides sound stages, the majority of the filming took place in The Kimberley — home to a diverse landscape of billabongs, salt flats, open plains, and mountain ranges in the northwestern part of Australia. So yes, even the exquisite Nicole Kidman had to “rough it” in the outback during the many months of filming.
Production and costume designer, Catherine Martin, brought Luhrmann’s vision to life by using a series of drawing and collage techniques to carefully plan out the scenes. Every detail was meticulously sketched out prior to filming, from Hugh Jackman’s jodhpurs to the town setting. Above you can see a few examples of the models for the house, territory hotel, and movie theatre.
The house was actually built on marsh land and became the home to Lady Sarah Ashley. According to Vogue Living, Martin decorated her room with art deco pieces from both Australia and Hollywood and included oil paintings on her walls by Grace Crowley. If I can find more images of the interior, perhaps this will make a great Double Take…
The styling of her wardrobe changes as Lady Sarah Ashley transforms from a tightly controlled woman who is disappointed in life to a character who is powered by the landscape and loved by her drover. Here are just a few examples of the costumes worn by Nicole Kidman, which are part of the 1,800 costumes designed for the cast of Australia.
Lastly, did you know that Hugh Jackman was actually second choice after Russell Crowe for the part? When Crowe refused the role over money, Jackman became the leading man — better choice anyway…
If you are interested in learning more about the film, watch the podcasts that are available on the official site. Enjoy!
Image credits: Australia Movie and Vogue Living Australia
13 responses so far ↓
1 Rick Boyer : Oct 28, 2008 at 10:03 am
I’ve been reading along for a while now. I just wanted to drop you a comment to say keep up the good work.
2 bandelle : Oct 28, 2008 at 10:07 am
Thank you, Rick. That’s very kind…
3 cindy k : Oct 28, 2008 at 12:07 pm
i’m looking forward to this movie - i hope it’s good and long like ‘out of africa’. love this post and agree hugh jackman was the better choice. i love the photo of nicole kidman with the umbrella and all that luggage behind her - whoa!
4 Krissy : Oct 28, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Her wardrobe is dreamy! Great post dear
5 karina : Oct 28, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Beautiful set and wardrobe!
I love Hugh Jackman and not so much Russell Crowe, but I loved him in a beautiful mind!
6 Melissa : Oct 28, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I can’t wait for this movie to come out. I think it’s fantastic that they got two of the best Australian actors/actresses to represent their country in this film. If anyone has some extra time to do the not-so-typical-tourist things when in Australia, they should definitely visit the Kimberley Ranges - it’s the Outback at it’s best. Thanks for a great post.
7 All Things Lovely : Oct 28, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I’m so excited about this movie, it may even require Gold Class tickets! I LOVE that blue and white outfit she wears. I’d love to see a Double Take on her bedroom, there are so many things in there I’d like to nab for my home.
And you’re right Hugh Jackman is much better in this role.
I do like Russell, but not for this.
8 Chelsea : Oct 28, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I am so fascinated by this movie. I can. not. wait. I want every single piece in these images… all of it! thanks for sharing!
9 Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall : Nov 2, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Oh wow! The natural scenery alone just blows me away here! Can’t wait to see this one. I agree with you about Jackman as well. Sure the movie is much better with him in it:)
10 Grace : Nov 17, 2008 at 5:41 am
Drover. Not drove.
11 bandelle : Nov 17, 2008 at 8:27 am
Thanks for the correction, Grace.
12 ~Tina : Nov 23, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I can’t wait to see this movie. It looks so good.
13 Ben : Dec 30, 2008 at 6:40 am
would really love to see more pictures of the station house interior set design, if anyone knows where there are images online?
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