Film Review November 2002 ***
As the first major biography of Kidman, this is very professional. Touching all the expected bases, it includes chapters on her Australian childhood, her early films (BMX Bandits anyone?), her marriage to Tom Cruise, and her recent cinematic outings. While exploring the media circus that surrounded Kidman's split from Cruise it sets to rest the rumours about their private life. The prose gushes at times, yet one can't deny the authors' enthusiasm for their subject. Otherwise, the raft of sourced quotations from Kidman's friends, family and colleagues - as well as Kidman herself - helps paint a welcome portrait of this huge star.
OK! 10th August 2002
Aussie actress Nicole Kidman has come a long way since the frizz-haired tomboy in BMX Bandits. Writing partners Ellis and Sutherland take an in-depth look at her life and trace her progression from shy teenager with a passion for drama to confident screen goddess.
They have all bases covered: her revived movie career, separation from husband of 10 years Tom Cruise, her love for her two adopted children and her special bond with her family. A treat for the truly celebrity-obsessed.
Lucky Break August / September 2002
Since Nicole Kidman divorced Tom Cruise last year, her career has gone from strength to strength after a string of hits including Moulin Rouge! and The Others. This fascinating biography charts her new success as well as her childhood in Australia, her early career and relationship with Tom Cruise.
Modern Woman September 2002
This co-written biog comes to us from a pair of ladies who make a habit of teaming up to do books. Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue and Annie Lennox have already been targets. Their style of writing is conservative and always entirely serviceable. Which means that this book is earnest and detailed without being hugely surprising. It joins the dots on an interesting actress who keeps reinventing herself.
Did Tom Cruise prevent her becoming her own person? Perhaps. 'I can now wear high heels again,' she quipped after they split, but hopefully her new-found independence will also allow her to grow taller artistically as well. On the evidence of her back catalogue thus far, that should only be a matter of time.
From Batman cameos to horror flicks like The Others and a rash of lighter vehicles, she's proved her versatility. One hopes all the hoo-ha over Penelope Cruz won't affect her concentration in future endeavours. In the meantime, this avidly researched book will tell you everything you need to know about the leggy antipodean who likes to push the envelope in any genre you care to mention. It's the first biography that's been done on her but I doubt it will be the last if she continues to grab headlines like in recent times.
OK! May 2003 - Updated paperback release
Since her split from Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman's already widespread acclaim and praise soared. The Oscar she received for her role in The Hours secured her status as one of Hollywood's most powerful actresses. Read more about the woman famed for having an entrancing hold over any man crossing her path in this revealing book, which also features fascinating photographs.
Nicole Kidman - The Biography excerpt
Nicole Kidman - The Biography publicity