“The more I researched her life, the more I came to love to her, because from what I could see she was a lovely person,” said Nicole. “So I hope she would sit back and be very happy with the way she’s been put on screen.”
In comments made exclusively to The Weekly, Nicole played down the storm that has erupted since Prince Albert issued a statement publicly distancing the Monagesque royal family from the film.
“It is a story and obviously we weren’t flies on the wall during her life,” said Nicole. “But I would hope that her children will be happy with the way she’s been depicted.
“As (the film’s director) Olivier (Dahan) says: if you want to see a documentary on Grace Kelly, there are plenty available. This is a film about a particular time and he’s taken some artistic license in accordance with telling a story. For my part, I certainly approached the role with an enormous amount of respect but at the same time love.”
Tim Roth and Nicole Kidman on the set of the ‘Le Grand Journal’ TV show at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival.
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Tim Roth and Nicole Kidman on the set of the ‘Le Grand Journal’ TV show at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival.
Tim Roth and Nicole Kidman on the set of the ‘Le Grand Journal’ TV show at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival.
In a statement released to the press, and despite only having seen the film’s trailer, Prince Albert of Monaco denounced the film, calling it “pointlessly glamorised” and a wholly inaccurate work of “pure fiction.”
Newspapers and magazines here in France have been breathlessly relaying every detail of the Monaco royal family’s dislike of the project.
“Rarely has such a film caused such a stir before its release,” reported Point de Vue magazine.
Grace Kelly and Nicole Kidman with their Oscars.
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Grace Kelly and Nicole Kidman with their Oscars.
Grace Kelly and Nicole Kidman with their Oscars.
That the principality of Monaco lies only 55 kilometres away from Cannes along the French Riviera, plus the fact neither Prince Albert nor either of his sisters, Princesses Stephanie and Caroline will attend the red carpet premiere, has given tonight’s event added poignance.
“It was daunting taking the role on, because she’s such an icon,” said Nicole. “It’s an enormous responsibility playing somebody who’s existed in life, but my job has been to come up with what I feel is her heartbeat.
“Princess Grace was a beautiful role model. The film is hopefully very real and very true to my sense of just wanting to honour her.”
