Moulin Rouge Description
Cross LA BOHÈME with CABARET, throw in a
little bit of RENT, and you might almost begin to describe Baz
Luhrmann's visually opulent, fast-paced, funny, heartrending
MOULIN ROUGE. The film, which premiered as the opener to the 2001
Cannes Film Festival, is a musical set in 1899 Paris at the
notorious Montmartre cabaret club, the Moulin Rouge. Directed by
Luhrmann (WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO AND JULIET, STRICTLY
BALLROOM), the movie stars Nicole Kidman as the high-kicking
courtesan, Satine; Ewan McGregor as the sensitive poet, Christian;
and John Leguizamo as the flamboyant artist and matchmaker,
Toulouse-Lautrec. Luhrmann's use of eclectic lighting and
saturated color, the fast zooms and quick cuts of his camera, and
his magnificent costumes and sets perfectly capture the excess and
freneticism for which the Moulin Rouge was famous. Beautifully led
by McGregor and Kidman, the flawless supporting cast brings to
life the culture of belle époque Paris with magical realism.
Above all, the anachronistic, energetic contemporary soundtrack is
what drives MOULIN ROUGE, with popular songs by L'il Kim,
Christina Aguilera, David Bowie, and Beck--as well as Kidman and
McGregor adding their own superb vocals.
"...Luhrmann's technique is flamboyantly
operatic...[He] creates visual miracles..."
"...There are more volatile or seductive
shades of red than even Toulouse-Lautrec might have dreamed
of....Mr. Luhrmann has the eye of an artist..."
"...Baz Luhrmann displays often amazing
resourcefulness as he mixes a multitude of film and song styles to
relate his quintessential tale of la vie boheme..."
"...Spectacularly drenched in color, décor
and other visual oh-la-la..."
"...Astonishing....The sweet-voiced Kidman
has never been sexier....Daring..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars
"...Stunning cinematic
artistry....Dazzling....It is a powerful impression of Luhrmann as
a technically dexterous visual virtuoso..."
"...Breathless....McGregor's wide-eyed
readiness to perform is an undiluted pleasure and he is at his
most charismatic here..."
"...A fever dream of musical
spectacle....It showcases excellent work from co-stars Nicole
Kidman and Ewan McGregor..."
Theatrical Release: MAY 18, 2001 (LA/NY)
JUNE 1, 2001 (WIDE RELEASE)
to
listen to Sound Samples
