Nicole Kidman showcases impressive autopsy skill for new role. [Image Source: INSTYLE]
Nicole Kidman recently explained why she learned to perform an autopsy during an interview with Jimmy Fallon on March 2. The actress, known for her dedication to her craft, shared that she developed this unusual skill while preparing to portray a forensic pathologist in her new series.
Kidman revealed she studied under a highly skilled medical examiner, honing her ability to conduct detailed postmortem examinations. During the interview, she mentioned that the show’s team even asked her to demonstrate a mock autopsy.
Going All In for the Role of Dr. Kay Scarpetta
Kidman’s commitment to embodying her characters is well known, from immersing herself in trauma for the psychosexual thriller Babygirl to method acting as cop Erin Bell in Destroyer for five months. Her latest role as medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta once again pushed her to learn complex new skills.
While speaking on Fallon’s show, Kidman confidently stated, “I can do an autopsy,” explaining how hands-on her preparation was. She described learning the names of all the organs and perfecting the technical aspects of the procedure to appear authentic on screen.
When Fallon questioned if she was fully method for the role, Kidman confirmed the depth of her study and stated,
“I can remove all the organs. I can name them all.”
She also joked about performing an autopsy during the interview, saying,
Image of: Nicole Kidman
“Unless I misunderstood. Maybe it was on a dummy or something, but either way. I can remove the lungs and the liver and the gallbladder and the intestines.”
Past Experiences with Intensive Method Acting
This is not the first time Nicole Kidman has embraced method acting to an intense degree. In a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she described how she fully immersed herself in her role as cop Erin Bell. She revealed that this deep involvement affected her personal life, mentioning that her then-husband Keith Urban found the process challenging.
About inhabiting the character of Erin Bell, Kidman said,
“You didn’t have to call me Erin, but it just kind of enters the psyche.”
She recalled Urban’s reaction, sharing,
“My husband was like, ‘I cannot wait for this thing to end.’”
She further explained,
“I entered so deeply into her. I don’t always do this with a character, but this one I had to because I didn’t want to feel like I was ever shifting into a performance: I stayed in character the whole time.”
The Impact of Kidman’s Dedication to Her Roles
Nicole Kidman’s readiness to acquire skills such as performing an autopsy highlights her intense preparation and commitment to bringing accuracy and depth to her characters. Her ability to master complex tasks contributes to the authenticity of her performances, setting her apart as a dedicated character actor rather than merely a movie star.
As she continues to take on challenging roles like Dr. Kay Scarpetta, audiences can expect Kidman to maintain her thorough approach, likely elevating future portrayals through detailed, immersive study and hands-on experience.
