Don't look so worried Nicole, it's early days!

Do you think Nicole has been monitoring how Australia is faring since its release two days ago? Most likely. The film is currently coming 7th at the Box Office in the USA. It's doing a little better Down Under, although not as good as the new 007 James Bond movie - which made over $1 million more in its first day than what Australia did. Perhaps that means the Aussies prefer James Bond over their 'Princess'. It can't be true.

Over at the famous Rotten Tomatoes Website, Australia is sitting at 51% on the 'tomatometer'. The website contains the following consensus on the film: Built on lavish vistas and impeccable production, Australia is unfortunately burdened with thinly drawn characters and a lack of originality.

Try not to worry Nicole! Things might turn around during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and the all important US Box Office might come good with this turkey. Then again it may not. At the end of the day, at least you still got paid!

You can't run or hide from Nicole this week

Don't try running or hiding from Nicole this week. She is appearing everywhere to remind you that her new movie (what's it called again?) has started. Nicole wants you to see it and support her, in an attempt to shift that 'box office poison' label that you gave her.

1. Let's begin with the infamous interview on David Letterman on Monday night. Letterman would have been happy to talk about Keith Urban the entire show me thinks, but Nicole was there to talk about the film and asked if he could move on from that. Depends on your point of view, but I felt he was rather rude towards her. Nicole may not have been totally on the ball at times, but I guess she's had a bit of jet lag this week to endure. I was surprised though she had no idea about the Paul Hogan 'put a shrimp on the BBQ' Aussie tourism adverts from 1987 that Letterman referred to. You can see the Letterman interview in two parts by clicking here and  here.

2. Nicole then appeared on Regis and Kelly the next morning. Naturally they asked about the infamous Letterman interview (quite brave of them). You can see the Regis and Kelly interview by clicking here.

3. Nicole appeared on the Australian movie review program At the Movies (ABC TV) on Wednesday night. This was filmed during her whirlwind trip Down Under last week. Clearly, this is the calmest Nicole has been in ages, and came across less giggly and less annoying than normal. Perhaps she felt more at home with David Stratton's interviewing style. You can see the At the Movies interview by clicking here.

4. While not directly related to the movie (although any PR helps, I guess), Nicole found time to make an appearance at the UNIFEM Violence Against Women campaign that she is the Goodwill Ambassador for. Nicole proudly revealed that 5 million signatures have now been received. Now all she needs is the Australia film to make $5 million back in it's first week (and the rest). You can see her speech by clicking here.

5. Later in the week, Nicole appeared on The View where she sat in the company of Bette Midler and Whoopi Goldberg. I got the feeling that Whoopi was not that impressed with Nicole based on the look on her face. Who could blame her when Nicole started with the usual spill about Keith, motherhood and career. Check out Whoopi's body language and the Nicole interview here.

I am sure there are other interviews or photo opportunities that's she's attended over the last week, but these are the most notable. In a nutshell, they represent that ever present PR Machine she keeps running.

New York, get your tissues ready!

Less than a week ago, Nicole and entourage battled rain in Sydney for the world premiere of Australia. Next it was New York's turn to see the 'chick flick' epic from Down Under. Last night (Monday) in the Big Apple, Nicole braved the Autumn chill in a short sleeve dress to show the city the film she's wanted to make since she was 2 years old.

Apparently, the crowd were not so wild to see Nicole, choosing to 'boo' her instead. She was running late from her Botox session and had no time to stop to chat to people, or sign autographs. You'd think people would be grateful for that, but obviously some people get a kick out of a piece of paper with scribble on it.

I have to hand it to Nicole. Sitting through 165 minutes of this film three times in less than one week is no easy feat! I don't know how she does it. Just as well she declined to attend the Melbourne premiere - afterall, there is only so many repeated viewings of this film that anyone can take.

As you can see from the photos, Keith turned up in his suit which is now a regular thing for him in his role as Mr Kidman. As I have stated before, Keith doesn't suit suits, but what can you do? My 'Style icon tip booklet' was returned to sender. Hugh, on the other hand, looks dashing in a suit.

NEW POLL: Where Would Nicole Be Today if ...

Nicole recently admitted that she became 'A star only by association to Tom Cruise'. Despite a couple of early mediocre Aussie films and mini-series, Nicole received fame when she met and married Tom Cruise and joined the Hollywood A-list.

Ever wondered where Nicole might be today if the whole Hollywood thing never happened? What career she might be in today? Vote now on the new Poll at the right side of this Blog.

8 December 2008: Poll has closed. Results are as follows:

21% - A shop sssistant

19% - Still trying to be a Sydney model

8% - Walking around Sydney all day trying to keeping fit

24% - Lying around the house dreaming of Hollywood

22% - Working in a Botox clinic in Sydney

3% - Back at school

Cate Blanchett: Voted Best Australian Actress

The most recent Poll asking 'Who is Australia's Best Actress' has now closed. Cate Blanchett is our best actress after taking out 57% of the votes. Nicole came in second with 23%, followed by Toni Colette, Judy Davis and Naomi Watts.

Cate is richly deserving of this honor. Here are 10 reasons why:

1. Classically trained in dramatic arts.
2. Chooses great film roles more often than not.
3. Gracefully acknowledged Gwyneth Paltrow for her 1998 Oscar win for "Shakespeare in Love" when everybody knew Cate should have received it for "Elizabeth".
4. Everybody speaks highly of Cate.
5. Current Co-Director of the Sydney Theatre Company, with husband Andrew Upton.
6. Lives in Australia and is proud of it.
7. Supports an Eco-friendly environment for us all.
8. Does not seek attention (NOT a fame whore). Therefore, the Australian media leave her in peace.
9. She is not in the papers every other day expressing her deep inner thoughts.
10. Totally likeable person.

Sydney premiere with rain and pillows

George Street in Sydney was closed down last night amid rain, for the Sydney premiere of 'Australia'. Invited guests turned up with umbrellas before heading inside with their pillows to catch up on sleep, ahead of the 165 minute film.

Nicole did the obligatory "hello" to a few fans standing nearby, before rushing inside to avoid the rain ruining her make-up. Either that, or she wanted a front row seat closest to the Exit sign. Apparently Nicole had not seen the finished product as Baz had edited it up to the final hour. Nor did Nicole know which ending Baz used as he had filmed several versions. Hopefully they opted for the ending where the Botox delivery van blows up and Nicole is left wrinkled and pruned by the road side.

The Premiere 'after-party' was attended by many socialites, cast, crew and family members. Nicole and Keith are expected to fly straight back home today to Nashville once the hangover subsides. As mentioned yesterday, there have been mixed reviews so far for the film which cost nearly $130 million to make. Excerpts from some of these reviews are as follows:

"There is a lot of narrative flab and longueurs in the first two hours and the film often has the pace of a steamroller with engine trouble."

"Jackman is a natural in the saddle, but is too damn handsome to convince us of The Drover's rough-hewn origins. He scrubs up a little too easily."

"The film is not without flaws, it's not the masterpiece that we were hoping for, but I think you could say that it's a very good film in many ways. While it will be very popular with many people I think there's a slight air of disappointment after it all."

"With such a maelstrom of styles and tones, Kidman and Jackman struggle to make any impression. They attempt to act out a serious love story but cannot get any traction in this garish circus of wild-eyed caricatures of Australian bush life and so many half-baked ideas about the national character, including spontaneous outbursts of Waltzing Matilda."

"Gidday ... I'm back in black on home soil"

Guess who just flew back into town, but not on a broomstick this time. Nicole and Keith touched down not long ago in the Land of Oz ahead of tonight's world premiere of "Australia" in Sydney. Nicole arrived with the usual attire of black tracksuit and cap. Keith followed slowly in the background, careful not to steal any attention. The only things missing were the red carpet from the plane to the taxi, and little Sundae who decided to stay behind in Nashville with Nanny. I can't blame Sundae for choosing to stay behind, as this trip is just for 24 hours. I'd rather stay back in Nashville too than put up with the annoying Aussies trying to get my photo! Don't they know that only OPRAH is entitled to that.

Some reviews of the film have already been released - and it's a mixed bag so far. A film that runs for 165 minutes is never going to be everyone's cup of tea. However, I have got it straight from the horse's butt that the film covers romance, drama, action and botox. What more could you want? Check this Blog later for post wrap-up of the Sydney Premiere!

Suits Vs Jeans? It's a no-brainer Keith!

It wasn't until I saw the latest CMA Award photo's of Keith (above left with Nicole) that I realised how much he doesn't look good in suits. Short men just don't suit suits especially when they have short legs. Who do you blame for this? Probably Nicole, but he did turn up in suits occassionally before she came on the scene (see far right photo). Keith looks great in jeans as shown in the inset photo. What's wrong with wearing jeans and a nice jacket to these CMA events. He should not wear what Ms Kidman wants him to wear. My memory fails me, but wasn't one of these two supposed to be a style icon?

Let's promote 'Australia' any chance we get

Country Music Awards (CMA) this week: I always say that if a film is any good it will sell itself. It won't need the strong marketing that an epic like "Australia" is now receiving. Here in Australia they have put "Australia" movie stickers on the front of new DVDs in retail shops so that people will remember to go see it. I believe in 'word of mouth' selling a movie, rather than the 'down your throat' technique that this film is going for. Agree?

Nicole and Hugh are working extra hard to sell this movie. Hot on the heels of their visit to the OPRAH show, these two appeared on Wednesday night at the 42nd CMA's in Nashville to present an award for the "weirdest celebrity couple on the country music scene" This was indeed a PR opportunity to promote the new movie. In all seriousness, what does Hugh have to do with country music? Nicole's only association is that she is married to a short country singer who didn't get any awards except for the one mentioned above. Well done.

I ask, will seeing Hugh and Nicole (with hair extensions) on the CMA Awards make Americans want to see the film even more? Or are you just going to wait for the DVD?

A staged moment on OPRAH

I admit it! I can't stand OPRAH. Not only does she interrupt her guests, but everything seems so staged. As you may know, Nicole and Hugh just appeared on OPRAH to talk about the new epic film Australia. Nicole was happy to talk about other things as well to increase public interest in her. Parts of the show have been available on the Internet over the last week. The best part is when Oprah asks Nic about the baby, and if she has any photos of the baby to show. Nicole says "in my purse" to which Oprah replies "someone get her purse now".

It's hard not to imagine that this was a carefully planned moment, and not spontaneous. For months now, Nic has been hiding her baby's face and showing the back of her as teaser shots. On OPRAH, out comes the professional photo of Sundae and herself. The viewer is expected to think that poor Nicole was set up. I'm actually surprised Nic didn't take the baby on the show with her.

"I became a star only by association"

While we are all bored with Nicole's interviews in every magazine you open of late, it is refreshing to see one where she is actually being completely honest. To admit what alot of people have thought for a long time i.e. that she became a star only by her association to Tom Cruise.

In a new interview in 'Glamour' magazine, Nicole said "I didn't think (the early movies) were very good, which is why I would always cower in the background. I thought, I don't deserve to be here. We would go to the Oscars and I would think, I'm here to support him. I felt it was my job to put on a beautiful dress and be seen and not heard."

Not that she minded at the time, of course. All that attention and money! But at least she is more or less admitting that lady luck landed on her lap. If she hadn't met Tom, who knows where she might be today. That gives me an idea for another Poll. Interesting how she mentions that the early movies weren't very good. Nicole is being honest here yet again, but perhaps could have mentioned that some of the early Aussie films were lousy too, like "BMX Bandits"!

Nine reasons to shake your head

Here is a new photo from Nicole's new film "Nine", currently being filmed in London. This is the film she started making two weeks after baby Sundae was born. Nic told the world media a few years back that if she was lucky enough to have a baby, she would pull right back on doing movies and focus on her family. As if! Today it was announced she has also signed up for a new film with Charlize Theron. There is also the film with Naomi Watts too in the making. "Sorry Sundae, but until I can get a hit film, I will continue making movies in rapid succession, then I may be able to take you to the park for twenty minutes".

Anyway, what is "Nine" about, you ask? "Nine" is a drama musical about a world famous film director struggling to prepare his latest picture, while at the same time balancing the numerous women in his life including his wife, mistress, movie star muse and mother. It comes from the "Chicago" director Rob Marshall, and stars Nikkers, Penelope Cruz (her ex-husband's ex-girlfriend), Sophia Loren, Kate Hudson, Fergie and Dame Judi Dench. It may hit cinemas from September 2009, or may go straight to DVD.

New Poll: Who is the best Australian actress?

Australia has quite a few Australian actresses now who have gained international stardom. There was a time when it was just Judy Davis, but we now have Cate, Toni, Naomi, Rose ... and of course, "Our Nic". Which one is the most talented in your opinion? Vote now on the Poll at the right side of this Blog.

Goodbye!

The latest Poll has revealed an amazing 73% of voters (A.K.A Nicole worshippers) hate this Blog. Nevertheless, it is wonderful that they went to the effort to vote. A special thank you to Nicole's biggest fan, Senora, who voted again and again and again. Because of you worshippers, this Blog will now cease to exist. Goodbye to you all, and thanks for reading over the months.

HA! Just kidding. This blog will remain for the people who like it (thank you!), and the people who are undecided (make up your minds!). The blog haters can go elsewhere ... like go and watch "The Invasion" over and over and over again.

LONG LIVE NICOLE KIDMAN'S JOURNEY BLOG !!!

My PR machine needs new batteries

"The premiere for Australia is only weeks away and there isn't much buzz out there for it. To be completely honest, I am FURIOUS about this. Those Australian tourism adverts have not been well received around the world, nor has my diary. I'm not proud to say this. I worked so hard on that diary, trying to play the sympathy card again, but I guess people have worked me out. Don't the public know how hard it was to work in 40 degree heat? My poor skin! Is it any wonder I had to get more botox. Not only that, I ensured my lips were big and luscious for the silver screen, but what thanks do I get? The Academy have already hinted that they will only be requiring my attendance on the big night to say sorry to everybody for releasing another flop. Seriously my PR machine needs new batteries, because something is not going right. Anyone got any heavy duty Duracell batteries to spare?"

I totally warned you, didn't I?

The Americans miss out again! Like the current "In Style" magazine, Nicole Kidman is only featured on the Australian edition of "Harpers Bazaar". Why is that? Isn't America the biggest market to try to sell this upcoming epic movie to?

In this magazine, Nicole is once again describing her passion for wanting to make this film since she was 2 years old. We also get the baby stuff again (OK Nicole, we all know how badly you wanted Sundae, but do you have to remind us every second?), and the deeper love she has found with Keith. The article also talks about the on-screen chemistry between Hugh Jackman and Nicole and how pleased Baz is about this. Sorry Baz, but I just can't imagine Granny Freeze being Hugh's type. On the other hand, Hugh's older wife in real life looks rather granny-ish.

Rush to your newsagency now to secure your copy of the latest Harpers Bazaar magazine. Please note the mistake on the cover. It should read "Witches of Oz". On a positive note, I do like that dress and wig.