Director Baz Luhrmann is a true master of cermonies when it comes to his lavish movies. He’s currently promoting an Emporium gala in Melbourne, so he chatted with the Mail Australia to promote the event. The conversation revolves mostly around Luhrmann’s family life. He and his wife, Catherine Martin, have worked together on almost all Baz’s movies. Catherine produces and does and costume design, and the costumes are always intense when it comes to Baz. They work together and play together. Baz reveals that they do need time apart, and that time comes at home.

Baz and Catherine sleep in separate bedrooms. He says that’s the secret to their successful relationship. Is that strange? I suspect more couples do this than any of us realize. People don’t always talk about it though. Separate sleeping arrangements are often viewed as a harbinger of disaster. Baz and his wife do have weekly “hotel dates.” That sounds really hot:

Baz & Catherine sleep apart: “We worked out a long time ago that we both need space. We are surrounded by our teams of staff all day every day, whether travelling, at work and at our homes. I was finding I was saying things in passing that weren’t properly thought through, things would become fraught. We both needed time to ourselves.”

They do sexy hotel weekends: “We always do our Saturday night date. We dress up and go to a restaurant or maybe see a show, but mostly we just talk and catch up. It’s very much our escape, our quality time together. It’s very romantic and keeps us grounded and connected. Then we head back to the hotel and the next day is important too as we relax, watch TV and don’t head home until after lunch.”

His family life: “The children are totally used to travelling and our crazy, circus lifestyle but we are coming to a point as they get older where we need to be in the same place for longer. We want to spend more time with them.”

Working away from home: “We are fortunate to have a house team of staff in both houses and dinner is served every night at 6pm. Catherine is amazing and no matter what she’s doing she always eats with the children and I do my best to be there too at least a couple of times a week. I love it when they visit me on set too, William has been known to shout ‘action’ which is a bit dangerous!”

He wants to work with Leo again: “He’s not only one of the best actors of all time but he’s also a great friend. I’ve known him and his family since he was very young so working with him is a wonderful experience when you have that trust and rapport.”

He’s protective of his young actors: “I always make sure they have family back up and support because that’s vital – it can be very tough on children in particular and I take great responsibility for the young people I cast.”

[From Daily Mail]

Separate bedrooms obviously work for Baz and Catherine, and if it saved their marriage, I don’t see the problem. My own parents kept separate rooms (one of them was a very loud snorer). I remember worrying (during sleepovers) that my friends would think it was weird, but no one seemed to notice. At least they pretended not to notice.

Some couples just thrive on plenty of solo time. Others need to be together at all moments. That would drive me nuts, you know? I don’t prefer separate bedrooms as a personal preference. But if some dude wanted to cuddle 24/7, that could change.

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet & WENN