Nicole Kidman recently shared the reason behind learning to perform an autopsy, a skill she developed while preparing for her role as a forensic pathologist. During a March 2 interview with Jimmy Fallon, the actress highlighted how seriously she approached her new character in the series Scarpetta by training under an expert medical examiner and mastering postmortem procedures.
Immersing Fully into the Role of a Medical Examiner
Known for her dedication to authentically portraying complex characters, Nicole Kidman has once again committed to intense preparation for a demanding role. Having undergone method acting for previous projects such as playing a detective in 2018’s Destroyer, Kidman pushed herself even further for Scarpetta, where she embodies Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner.
On Jimmy Fallon’s show, Kidman revealed, “I can do an autopsy,” explaining that she had become proficient enough to handle the process herself. She recounted training sessions with an “incredible medical examiner,” where she learned detailed anatomical knowledge and hands-on examination techniques.
When Fallon asked if Kidman remained in character during her preparation, she emphasized her comprehensive understanding of the role, saying,
“I can remove all the organs. I can name them all.”
She further joked about a moment during the interview where Fallon’s team requested a demonstration, adding,
“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.”
Previous Experiences with Deep Method Acting
This is not the first time Nicole Kidman has described immersing herself deeply into her roles. In a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she discussed the experience of inhabiting the persona of Erin Bell, a hardened police officer, for several months while filming Destroyer. Kidman’s method approach involved adopting the character’s mindset and behaviors extensively, which impacted her personal life.
Reflecting on that period, she revealed,
“You didn’t have to call me Erin, but it just kind of enters the psyche,”
and noted how her then-husband responded to this intense commitment:
“My husband was like, ‘I cannot wait for this thing to end.’”
She added,
“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 Significance of Nicole Kidman’s Dedication to Her Craft
Nicole Kidman’s willingness to acquire an unusual skill like performing an autopsy demonstrates the lengths she goes to bring authenticity to her roles. By training closely with professionals and adopting intricate, technical procedures, she elevates her portrayal of Dr. Kay Scarpetta beyond surface-level acting. This commitment not only enhances the realism of her performance but also sets high standards for actors taking on complex characters.
With Scarpetta set to showcase Kidman’s new abilities, audiences can expect a detailed and believable depiction of forensic pathology, grounded in her disciplined preparation. Her devotion to embodying her characters fully continues to be a defining feature of her career, as evidenced by both her recent and past work.
