In the 2010 film "Rabbit Hole," Miles Teller and Nicole Kidman worked together for the first time. As a newcomer to the industry, Teller held Kidman in high regard and admired her. However, their initial interaction was not as expected because Kidman refused to talk to Teller. This silence had a specific purpose.
At the time, Teller was still adjusting to his acting career and found himself collaborating with celebrities he once idolized from afar, including Nicole Kidman. He described it as a surreal experience, transitioning from being a fan to working alongside them. Unlike in sports where older athletes often retire, acting allows younger actors to collaborate with seasoned veterans, placing them on an equal plane.
However, when Teller and Kidman started working together in "Rabbit Hole," the Whiplash actor found the experience to be initially unpleasant. Kidman gave him the silent treatment, which slowly changed over time as they filmed their scenes. It was later revealed that Kidman's intention was to develop a relationship between their characters, mirroring their on-screen dynamic.
After completing the film, Kidman apologized to Teller for her distant behavior, acknowledging that it was crucial for their performances. Teller harbored no hard feelings towards Kidman, and they bonded after the movie, even bowling and laughing together at the wrap party.
This wasn't the only instance of Kidman practicing method acting. In the series "Nine Perfect Strangers," she stayed in character for months, using a calm and healing energy on set. Similarly, for her role as Lucille Ball in "Being the Ricardos," Kidman adopted a deep smoker's voice by actually smoking to immerse herself in the character. Despite initial difficulties, she successfully captured Lucille's voice through dedicated practice and preparation.
Overall, both instances highlight Kidman's commitment to her craft and her willingness to go to great lengths to bring authenticity to her performances.
