Luhrmann Rushes To Complete Australia Before Premiere

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."