Author: Cara
Date: 7/1/01
Rating: 10
Movie Rating: PG-13
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To me, Moulin Rouge is more than just a movie. It's an experience that embodies the Bohemian values of Truth, Beauty, Freedom,-- and most importantly-- LOVE!
Moulin Rouge is the semi-historic story of a young, penniless writer, Christian, played by the delightful Ewan McGregor. Christian falls in love with the beautiful star of the Moulin Rouge, Satine, played by the even-more-delightful Nicole Kidman. Their love is thwarted by the Jealous and powerful Duke, played by the menacing Richard Roxburgh. John Leguizamo plays a young Toulous-Lautrec in the film, adding a new dimention to the history of the famous artist. Jim Broadbent plays Harold Zidler, proprietor of the Moulin Rouge.
The movie combines music from the modern era with the mood of the early 1900s to create an almost dreamlike atmostphere. Featuring songs from artist such as Elton John, the Police, and Madonna, the film makes the soundtrack believable while still remaining humorous.
The cinematography is nothing less than brilliant. It completely exemplifies the qualities of a really good acid trip. The wide zooms in and out further inhance the dreamlike mood. The extreme close-ups and frequent use of both freeze-frame and panning bring the viewer further into the experience that is Moulin Rouge.
Moments of intense drama in the film are juxtaposed with moments of fall-out-of-your-seat comedy, creating an almost soap-opera kind of charischuro that some will hate and some will absolutely adore. The interaction between the characters is truly magical. The "El Tango de Roxanne" scene perhaps shows this best of all. A montage of several different scenes happening in tandem, this scene captures the fast-paced, almost erotic tension created between the characters. Generally, it is a happy, feel-good movie, but it is truly tragic. Perhaps there are even several lessons to be learned from the film. "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
I've seen Moulin Rouge three times already and I intend to see it a few more times. Moulin Rouge is going to be America's next classic film.