Nicole Kidman’s Bold Casino Audition: A Role That Got Away

Nicole Kidman’s career is a testament to relentless dedication, with a range that stretches from Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut to the family favourite Paddington. Her journey from Australia to the heart of Hollywood was marked by a series of determined steps, each one underscored by her willingness to go the extra mile. After making her mark in Days of Thunder alongside Tom Cruise, Kidman continued to pursue roles in major American productions, including a reunion with Cruise in Far and Away. By the mid-1990s, she had already become a familiar face in the industry, appearing in Batman Forever and Gus Van Sant’s To Die For. Yet, there was one part she was particularly eager to land, and her approach to the audition was nothing short of immersive.

Transforming for the Audition

In 1995, Kidman set her sights on the role of Ginger McKenna in Martin Scorsese’s Casino. Determined to embody the character, she took her preparation beyond the audition room. She recounted,

“I remember dressing up to audition for Casino with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. I dressed up completely, so you couldn’t recognise me, and I walked down the street and men were whistling and stuff like that.”

Her commitment extended to visiting shops in full costume, observing how people responded to her transformed appearance.

“I didn’t get it—I was way too young—but I went in there and Martin didn’t know who I was. De Niro didn’t know who I was. I just pretended I was that woman. I was so far from that woman, but I had this low-cut shirt, the shortest [skirt]. And to do the research to build up for it, I would go into stores dressed like that. I couldn’t believe the way people reacted. I mean, I’ve done so many wild things, it’s insane.”

Dedication Without Reward

Despite her efforts, the role ultimately went to Sharon Stone, who would go on to receive an Academy Award nomination for her performance. Kidman’s willingness to fully commit, even when the odds were not in her favour, speaks volumes about her approach to acting. She reflected,

“I have that terrible thing that once I’m in it, I pretty much will try and do anything. It’s my commitment to the art, and I don’t have strong boundaries because I didn’t learn them at 14. I just learned full and utter commitment.”

This attitude has undoubtedly contributed to her impressive list of credits, even if it sometimes meant missing out on roles she dearly wanted.

Reflections on Scorsese and Female Roles

Interestingly, Kidman has never collaborated with Scorsese, and she has noted the director’s tendency to focus on male-centric stories. She once remarked,

“I’ve always said I want to work with Scorsese, if he does a film with women.”

She observed that in his films, female leads are rare and often overshadowed by their male counterparts. For now, Kidman appears to be placing greater emphasis on working with female filmmakers, perhaps in search of stories where women are at the centre rather than the periphery.