Kidman to Kick Off Cannes

By Stephen M. Silverman

04/24/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

The 54th Cannes International Film Festival, which runs from May 9-20, will be launched with the world premiere of director Baz Luhrmann's musical drama "Moulin Rouge," starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, says the Hollywood Reporter. Previously there had been trade and mainstream news reports that the $50 million musical production was in trouble, reportedly running over budget and not making its original release date of last Christmas. The May premiere will also be the first high-profile appearance of Kidman, who is expected to attend the festival, since she was recently sued for divorce by her husband of 10 years, Tom Cruise. "Moulin Rouge," from the Australian filmmaker who also directed "Strictly Ballroom" and a modern-day version of "Romeo and Juliet," is said to revolve around the bohemian nightlife of the Parisian artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and his coterie of intimates.