"Australia shooting was punishing," Luhrmann

Washington (ANI): Aussie director Baz Luhrmann has said that shooting for his outback epic Australia was extremely difficult as the set was struck by a string of problems. The Moulin Rouge! director had to face cast and crew illnesses, food poisoning and a host of other setbacks to complete the film, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

"(It was) punishing. There was an equine flu outbreak. It rained for the first time in 100 years as we were about to shoot the desert scene. There was nothing that could have happened that didn't," Contactmusic quoted Luhrmann, as telling Outside magazine.

However, the director was strong enough to pass through all the setbacks and dealt with the hardships like professionals. Luhrmann was all praises for actress Nicole Kidman. "Nicole is at her best in the unusual and difficult. I think it's one of her great characteristics. And no one camped out in the bush with me except for Hugh," he added.