Nicole Kidman Close Up in Birth

[scienceisgod1]

Just brilliant!

[loefly]

More impressive close-up I've ever seen on the screen ... only comparable to close-up of Janet Leigh driving the car in "Psycho" (1960) ...

[NightinGal89]

I loved this scene, too!! This whole movie was so beautiful!! And Nicole..amazing talent. Such a gifted woman.

[akroasis10]

In this scene Kidman could have at the WC making pee and IT WOULD MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE - All the work and merit is of the genius of Richard Wagner!! why people get so confused? she is a talented actress with beautiful bone structure and skin - but Wagner had more talent in his little finger....

[hardwickebenthow]

@akroasis10

I agree. She just puts on the same expression the whole time. It's the music doing the work for her.

[joaobenin]

I love this movie so much, and it really hurts me that most people dislike it. And this scene... well, all i can say is that this scene alone has inspired me into chasing my dream of being a movie director. If i ever get to make a scene as beautiful as this I can die happy.

[Skoomax]

Now, this is some real '' professional '' acting, people who doesn't like this movie, really doesn't understand it

[loucilll]

what song is this? sorry for my english.

[EntertainmentBySam]

Give this clip to an inspiring actor/actress and tell them "This is how to act!"

Nicole Kidman is the most versatile and most talented actress of her generation.

[imanacer]

I remember this scene quite well when I saw it in the cinema.

After the first 30 seconds of the closeup there was some quiet chuckles; again after a minute. Her companion says something to her and you think it's over, but then it goes back to that same stare. After a minute and a half most of the audience was chuckling audibly because of how long it lasted.

[zombiemouse]

THIS MOVIE WAS HORRIBLE!!! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!!

[Jca2790]

@zombiemouse The people who like these movies are the same ones who thing a crucifix in a jar of piss is art. Don't bother with them because their minds are gone and they don't know it. Its sad, really.

[zombiemouse]

@Jca2790 xD omg you're so right.....

[EntertainmentBySam]

@Jca2790 You're so Ignorant.

[therealdennisemail]

Great scene. And I think it would be well to leave Kubrick out of the discussion. The best of Kubrick is a gloss on his betters: Kurosawa, Bergman, Ophuls and Dreyer. It is possible for a post-modern film maker to cut around the line to Kubrick and go straight to the sources of his inspiration, which is more what this film feels like to this viewer.

[michael50694]

This a load of crap there is no birthing she is just shocked sitting there

[CVcivilrights]

also they refer to the child Shaun as an 'it' and there is the line Anna uses saying she is going to break this 'spell' i just think it explains it all. But then again i do believe this movie isnt all about trying to explain it. Rather eternal love and Anna realising she isnt over Shaun and makes her question her love for Joseph. Good movie non the less, loved it.

[CVcivilrights]

i love how this movie plays so much homage to Stanley Kubrick as seens here, as well as the bouncing of the ball the hotel secuirity guard does (The Shinning when Jack has gone insane) Alot of people draw their own conclusions to this film but i believe he wasn't 'litteraly' reincarnated, but possesed. Hence the references to Kubrick, but its not a bad possesion but actualy Shaun's good side, explaining why he remebers his place of death but doesnt recall the affair which then makes him leave.

[folladordeprostis]

I like her "rosemay baby " haircut,great movie,very underrated,sean jr was really in love with her............

[kuntstunt]

At first I was like wow she's really pretty but as the close up progressed she began to look more and more like a miniature owl.

[surpris23]

I love this movie; Nicole Kidman is the best

[hollywoodkiddo]

This scene gives me chills, brings tears to my eyes. I felt so shaken the first time I saw this film. I've seen it probably 5 or more times, and it still has such an intense effect.

[basmashemy]

amazing

[dragmio]

This movie's cult following will grow and grow.

[altovoo]

... Nobody but her.

[CapricornBG]

When Kidman is ON she's one of a kind! I perfectly remember what I felt the very 1st time I saw this scene => "Shawn is BACK", I really felt how he undoubtedly returned into her life and her variety of expressions showed it in such a subtle way, I've never seen anything like this before. I really do not understand how so many people did not get the movie, he was Shawn, he wanted to apologize, he wanted to say he never realized what Anna really meant to him! His comeback had a purpose!

[hyato66]

this movie does something really rare in hollywood these days justifys the money spent in the industry of cinema.

A masterpiece.

[13tarmac]

i saw this movie. it definitely made me think. one of the most memorable movies i have seen in my life.

[evangeline135]

a lot of the power comes from the music...opening "storm" music of Wagner's DIe Walküre...

it's amazing how long she sustains that close up though...

[IlluminationGlobal]

These and "Eyes White Shot" are the best movies with Kidman. :-)

[CocaineHabbit]

@IlluminationGlobal

i think "dogville" is her best film. shes had a couple of true masterpieces though..."eyes wide shut", "the others", "the hours", "dogville". even when the films aren't excellent, she usually is ("margot at the wedding", "to die for", "birthday girl").

[sorrels89]

this crap was torture to watch.

[MissTeenPregnancy]

@sorrels89 not enough explosions ?

[stenwald]

Is she dead yet?

[hyato66]

Best scene in modern cinema.

[stenwald]

@hyato66 Oh please - a lingering shot of a plastic surgery and botox-riden face? How easily people are won over...

[RuiJTSantos]

@stenwald Botox working right so why it doesn't work for other actresses ? And for the record have you seen the movie ? I don't think so.

[blackkittycatt]

Damn she was good and might still be ten years from now. This flick and The Others are two of her best performances as an actress. She is best in art house faire instead of "big" movies. Shame she stared messing with her face.

[PikkaBird476]

This is one of the stupidest movies I have ever seen. One of the primary reasons is because of this ridiculous close up.

This film tries way to hard.

[nataliechiara8602]

i want to watch this movie, but i can't find it in local stores! does anyone know if its posted anywhere online? i love Nic Kidman, and this scene really blew me away too...

[breakfastonpluto]

this movie is an awful piece of shit. thumbs up!

[zapkvr]

I agree. This scene was the best, the finest performance by Nicole Kidman ever. I cannot beleive no one saw the movie. I saw it three times in three days I had to keep going back just to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me. I have the DVD now abd it is still one of my favorite films of all time along with Williams in What dreams may come.

[robi2000]

Yeah it was an amazing movie. And i too was very into this scene. You can feel her . Nicole is one of the worlds best actresses.

[curdey]

One of the greatest moments in film, in my opinion.

[obsessivesffe]

i like her haircut here.she looks so cool and pretty

[juliMathers]

the first time I saw this I thought that was too long. Even when I can spend all day looking at her face.((sorry for my english))

[beyondtheforest]

Nicole was robbed of an Oscar nomination for this performance (and also Margot at the Wedding).

[Ypipable]

a sublime genius of Franz Kafka

[touchogrey]

@Ypipable what do you mean by Kafka?

[Ypipable]

@touchogrey I think I'm going to faint.

[bakekok19]

well done Score!

[foreo]

I love Birth. It's one of the most underrated films of the last decade. Is this the greatest close-up since Bergman's 'You Must Remember This' scene in Casablanca? Maybe not, but it is still pretty amazing. THIS is real cinema in all it's cinematic economy - the face tells all. How wrong would this scene have been with a voice-over explaining everything she is thinking?? Chatter would ruin everything.

[madmone45]

does any body know where i can see the bath scene?

everbody keeps talking about that

[rubenquintero76]

Vela21: It's Wagner.  Die Walküre: Orchestervorspiel

[Vela21]

what concerto or song is being played in this scene? Please I want it!!!

[RubyTuesday717]

This is how acting should be: The actors moving the audience, not the camera moving in action.

[TheNikko88]

@RubyTuesday717 what acting shes just staring ahead lol

[alexalex3131]

This and "Birthday Girl" are two unheralded films in which Kidman gave a great performance.

[folladordeprostis]

@alexalex3131 Critics said birthday girl sucks,they also said birth sucks,but critics love harry potter movies,wtf??!?!?!

[hannavonwelt]

absolutely! nothing seems to happen, but there is so much suspence in the face (& the music) great!! thank you!

[dmalantic]

Great transition, with the music starting before they enter the concert hall, reflecting Anna's emotional/intellectual state in addition to the actual Wagner prelude

[phoneix91]

The whole movie was real fucked up, most with the whole "bath" scene.

[kdl0071]

WHERE IS THE BATH SCENE PLZ TELL ME

[ruivog]

very well chosen of you, thanks

[zacattack214]

That is a fantastic dress and it looks amazing on her.

[LaurelineAmanieux]

My favorite movie with Kidman, I can't stop thinking of that scene and also the one when the kid comes in her bathroom saying something like "I'm taking a bath with my wife". This movie is fascinating and subtile. A shame it was not well recieved.

[Tuvak2277]

Nicole Kidman was perfect in his film!

[Torekgo]

this movie was so fucked up

[fib112358]

I completely fell in lust with Nicole Kidman in this film.... . . errrr, not intended to sound creepy at all...

[marshallgirl2009]

Horrible Movie

[jonsalvator]

LOL

[TheWeirdCutey]

she's a pretty lady but i think she looks better with long hair.

[svenjolly10]

beautiful, there is so much pain in her face yet she is still so serene...nicole kidman is just incredible

[misswings83]

Nicole Kidman is the most amazing actress ever! I just ordered this movie and I can't wait to see it. :)

[producermattpop]

Good choice. What gave this scene weight, through Ms. Kidman's wonderful acting, was the story. She sits there thinking about the unbelievable events of the days gone by, missing her deceased husband, doubting her love for the man next to her, doubting her sanity, and it gives us, the audience, a chance to do the same. I almost jumped out of my seat myself when she is startled by her partner at 2.53, just when she seemes about to start crying.

[CitizenCindy]

For anyone else who loves this film (as I do), I am going to recommend Robert C. Cumbow's excellent essay, titled:" Why Is This Film Called Birth?: Investigating Jonathan Glazers Mystery of the Heart." It can be found on "The House Next Door" website, or through Google.

[nikiwho]

TY so much for the suggestion, its brilliant!

[CitizenCindy]

Glad you enjoyed it. It really is the kind of in depth essay that a film this good deserves.

[JoeNate22]

cool, that was an interesting read

[b1a2b3y4]

true actress-we know everything going though her mind in that 2 minute scene and she doesnt say a word.....genius

[rankokusan]

well said, I agree, I love a movie where it does not consider it's audience idiots and lets us decide for ourselves

[xyaqua]

There was this bass line in a lot of the scenes. Something about the sound. really made the movie. Haven't felt this spooked by anything in decades.

[producermattpop]

I know what you mean - like a low drone, a sort of heartbeat, very eerie. You'll need good speakers, though ;)

[jukeboxrunner]

films arnt made this anymore cos the directors think the audience cant think while watching. more movies should be like this one.

[gglennwill]

what is this movie called?

[keysersoza999]

garbage, stupid ass movie

[awalktorememeber]

i never understood the ending. was he or was he not really sean reincarnated???

[djollyboy]

me too! i never understaded the ending..i was so angry i mean, how did he know where sean died?

[awalktorememeber]

i understand it now, the boy he read the letters seanw rote 2 his mistress and THOUGHT he was really sean but the mistress said if he was he wouldnt came 2 her cuz he loved her more than Anna. So the boy said i cnt b sean if he never loved Anna & he loved u more

[djollyboy]

i understood what you said aready;But what i am saying is it doesnt matter how much letters he read it is impossible for him to know where sean died by reading a letter;i mean, how can sean write a letter to his mistriss about where he died,after he died?hence,why it would be better if the boy was really shean

[folladordeprostis]

@awalktorememeber Sean jr really loved nicole,the real sean loved the hot slut clara

[cyberm12]

i think it was sean but he didn't want her to find out about the affair and the letters etc.

[rankokusan]

thats what i am thinking also the part of sean that was recarnated was the part of sean that loved Anna and the rest was in the grave with the body

[folladordeprostis]

@awalktorememeber He was not sean reincarnated,the real sean was in love with the hot slut clara,but sean jr was really in love with nicole

[gglennwill]

what is is rated?

[CeramicVideo]

MA+15

[revuereview]

I love the shear magnificence of this scene. All those extras for that one consistent shot. Thats so much pressure on the actors and the director especially nicole who has so much emotional coverage to convey in such a subtle way. She is able to deliver so much to the audience in just her eyes with no dialogue or physical action; its completely internal. Amazing scene!

[Shrubbs]

Fantastic movie, my favorite film of all time

Such a shame other people don't understand the beauty of it

[devilsrain729]

Love this movie. Amazing how everyone is convinced that it isnt sean because of the letters he found. In my opinion it is actually sean, he knows too many details not to be him. Its just he realizes later on that he wasnt exactly the husband he thought he was. Couldve had a great ending. Maybe him solving a physics question so we couldve had some closure.

[foCDB4life]

Personally that is sort of why I like the ending. I think it is somewhat open for the viewer to choose what he or she wants to believe. Also makes for some great debate! :)

[XxClarissax]

hoe did the lil boy bother her?

[Shrubbs]

It is him and she comes to that realization

Sean claims that he's not her "husband" -

it's him alright, but he realizes he is no "husband" to her (because of his ultimate betrayal; his infidelity)

[spanishprisoner]

This movie is good. This scene is one of the few highlights of it. But I felt a little dismantled at the end. It was one step away from genius. And truly, not many want to direct this movie this way.

[andreaandrewmilne]

Powerful beyond tolerance!!! Has she just seen her husband return? Has she just seen him collapse again? Is the kid tricking her? ...

[andreaandrewmilne]

...Hurried away by a paper-thin (though plump) fool who does not understand her. Wagner's music evokes breathless evasion and relentless pursuit. On stage Siegmund is about to seek shelter in Sieglinde's house. The two feel electric attraction. Internally, Kidman's mind races. Is this fantasy, is she deluding herself, can she love this boy? The hypnotic repetitive rhythm matches the possessiveness of thought. Her concentration is broken - fleetingly - by something she pays no attention to....

[andreaandrewmilne]

... The schmuck wannabe husband is quite outside her world. Probably drivelling about some self-serving nonsense as to how the kid won't bother her again. Just as we saw him making love with her but not really at one with her. She plunges again into the crisis of her feelings. Brilliant! This is first-class film making. High intelligence and passion. Love it!

[foreo]

Birth is a magnificent piece of cinema and it's detractors are totally missing the point. I love it so much because every time I view it I get a new experience from it. Few films manage (or even bother with) this abstract quality because lazy audiences always want the answers given to them on a plate. Hitchcock's Vertigo is possibly the benchmark for this most rewarding kind of film-making - as well as sharing very similar themes. True great cinema!

[Shrubbs]

Absolutely!

[stottie92]

Wow thats such great acting! If i tried to stay like that on cam. i would just end up laughing! But yeh, her facial expression tell you eveything she is thinking...slightly creepy aswell. Thanks again for the post. Nicole Kidman is amazing.

[rapul84]

The film is a little strange, but this scene is brilliant; just great actresses can do it!

[mviemkermick]

I want to see this movie !

[lolatmarshall]

amazing that part give me chills every time i watch it

[lobali84]

can you download the movie. it looks fascinating. :)

[frederickletterblair]

雖然我知道這女武神的原聲帶是蕭提爵士版

但光看著劇中場景,我不禁覺得他們是在看李文在指揮!

我喜歡這部電影,但我自覺不夠成熟去了解它

Even if I know the soundtrack of this

prelude to Die Walkure is Sir, Georg Solti

version, I can't help imagining that

it is James Levine conducting in front of the audience when watching the scene.

I like the movie but I think I am not

palladian enough to get it.

[orpheusads]

I adored this film. Completely underrated and so beautifully conceived. Thank you for posting this.

[Driven000009]

Ah crap... I kept waiting for the closeup of her giving birth, then I finally realised the movie is called "Birth"

lol

[belle2smart]

HAHAHAHA that's hilarious!

[CuriousKingGeorge]

What a great scene in a completely underrated movie.

[bobskyjones]

Amazing Words Can Not Describe How Stunningly Amazing She Is, She Fullfils The Role So Well, One Of Her Best!

[unamuerte]

completely bored my mind to death. if this close up is meant to be a showcase of innovative directing creativity...i'm scared.

[mooresu]

Great Nicole!!!

[anarky4321]

what a f*cking waste of my time

[morristonian]

Nobody comes close to Nicole and yet she is shy and uncertain. Anthony Hopkins said"She doesn't know how good she is!"

[breedak]

Couldn't agree more, dara9999, this is the best Nicole has ever been.

[dara9999]

her face, while she was listend the music... amazing one

[BoHPriest]

Nicole is the best.. really fantastic

[lyteskinpr]

Nicole at her best.

[sejulie1]

i love this movie. Everyone acted so convincingly. It was so touching.

[dara9999]

it is one of my best movie i have ever seen. she deserves another Oscar for this role

[toiletmaniac]

Completely agree with you.