BAZ LUHRMANN - LUHRMANN RUSHES TO COMPLETE AUSTRALIA BEFORE PREMIERE

LUHRMANN RUSHES TO COMPLETE AUSTRALIA BEFORE PREMIERE

Director BAZ LUHRMANN will have just one day to finish his epic film AUSTRALIA before its world premiere next week (18Nov08).
The Moulin Rouge moviemaker has spent four years shooting the $130 million (GBP84.2 million) movie, which features Aussie superstars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman as lovers during the Second World War.
But despite the long-awaited movie's release date fast approaching, Luhrmann admits he still has to edit certain footage.
He tells the BBC, "We're right up against it, I literally have to - on Friday - push that button."
And the filmmaker has another obstacle in his way - he must fly from the U.S. to Sydney, Australia to finish his film.
He adds, "This is really dangerous, I hope there's no problem with the plane going back."
However, Luhrmann refutes claims he is behind schedule because studio bosses demanded he scrap the film's ending - after they reportedly found the finale too sad.
He says, "You really think that on my films people tell me what to do? I don't think so - on my films I decide."