Seeing Red

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Nicole Kidman

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Today, the pub is quieter, though Kidman's arrival hardly goes unnoticed. Sashaying through the door in a huggy jumpsuit, moving like Ann-Margret in Sigourney Weaver's body, she has nearly every man in the joint biting his knuckles. A few brave fans approach to offer unsolicited pool tips (''You've got to touch the balls very lightly, Nicole.''). The bartender keeps the Foster's flowing. ''In Australia, we call this skolling a beer,'' Kidman says, chugalugging a mug. She picks up her cue. ''Now remember, you promised to write that I win.'

All things considered, this is about as mellow a public appearance as Kidman can make these days. ''I spent some time with Nicole and Tom in Paris last year,'' says Duigan. ''It was like being in a Godard movie from the '60s. The minute they got into a car, all these paparazzi were buzzing around like mosquitoes.'' Schumacher has witnessed similar scenes. ''The two can't go out for a hamburger without getting photographed. I take my hat off to her. It's a lot to handle for a young woman.''

Kidman seems to be getting the hang of it, though. ''I don't think it's right to sit around and say, 'Oh, I don't like being famous,''' she says, sinking another ball. ''I find that indulgent. You've got to be willing to sign autographs and chat with people or you'll be miserable. People who fight it end up flipping out. It's one of the things my husband has done really well. He's been famous for well over a decade, and he's totally sane.''

On the other hand, she continues, ''you've got to draw the line somewhere. You've got to have some level of privacy.'' Particularly when it comes to their kids. ''You become ferocious in your protection,'' she says. ''Like a mother tiger.'' This much she will reveal: The two parents are currently negotiating whether to allow toy guns in the house — shades of Barbie dolls past. ''I say no guns. He says, 'How you gonna stop it?'''

At the pool table, Kidman is contemplating her last shot. She leans over the table, lining the eight ball in her sights. A small cluster of fans hangs close by, following her with big eyes. The pressure is building. Finally, she makes her move.

As promised, she wins.