Nicole Kidman’s newest movie role has sparked controversy with the Monaco royal family.
Since production began on Kidman’s film Grace of Monaco, Princess Grace’s children have spoken against the flick. They claim it does not accurately portray events in their mother’s life.
In a statement issued last week, Princess Grace’s (formerly known as Grace Kelly) three children, Prince Albert II and his sisters Princesses Stephanie and Caroline stated, “The trailer appears to be a farce and confirms the totally fictional nature of this film. The Princely Family does not in any way wish to be associated with this film which reflects no reality and regrets that its history has been misappropriated for purely commercial purposes.”
Olivier Dahan’s GRACE OF MONACO starring Nicole Kidman will open #Cannes2014 on May 14th, 19:15! pic.twitter.com/YSvRUlvexa
— Cannes Film Festival (@CannesCoverage) May 8, 2014
Grace of Monaco premieres Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Cannes Film Festival, which is also where Kelly met her future husband, Prince Rainier III. As part of her press tour for the film, Kidman spoke to the Daily Mail online, where she stated that she understood the family’s hesitation and opposition to the movie. “I know they’re upset. I would be, too, if it were my mother,” the Academy Award winning actress told the publication.
She further expressed that, “It’s a child’s job to protect their parent. In that regard, I get it. I get why the children are upset. I can’t say much other than that I have great respect and regard for their mother. It’s not meant to be a biopic. I certainly did my best to honour everything that was real and truthful in it.”
Though Grace’s children worried the film would be seen as a biography, the Daily Mail clarifies that before the Grace of Monaco begins there is a disclaimer that says it’s a ‘fictional account based on real events.’
During the interview, Kidman also revealed that Harvey Weinstein finally agreed to distribute the film in the U.S. According to Yahoo! News, he previously attempted to sell the film to another distributor, because of conflicting views on the movie’s intent. “Producer Pierre-Ange Le Pogam told the Le Parisien magazine, ‘We want to show a real crisis situation between Grace and her husband and he wants to tell a fairytale, give Americans a lesson on Monaco and Grace Kelly.’
Olivier Dahan directed Grace of Monaco; he also directed the Oscar winning biography about Ėdith Piaf, Le Vie en Rose. Grace also stars Tim Roth as Prince Rainier III. The supporting cast features Frank Langella, Paz Vega, Parker Posey, and Milo Ventimiglia .
Images via Wikimedia Commons, Nicole Kidman, Facebook