It was 50-50

Rating: Null/10 (23 March 2002)

I saw this movie just in time for Oscar night. After all the hype I was expecting something a little better than this mixed bag. The execution was highly original; unfortunately, all that originality was wasted on the most overdone plot ever invented.
Ewan MacGregor was perfect in his role, plus we don't get to see many handsome actors these days. Jim Broadbent as the scary old theater owner was excellent. What falls down is Nicole Kidman's performance. She's slim and exotic, etc. but she's not a strong actress and I feel she relies more on big eyes and good lighting to portray her character. In one excrutiating scene she does a very bad Meg Ryan impression that turned me off her character for the rest of the movie. Another weak point is the duke, who is portrayed comically as a sadsack cuckold, constantly having the wool pulled over his eyes as the two lovers go at it under his nose, but yet the whole plot hinges on the others' fear of him. It doesn't work. The story was a good half hour too long. There's Satine trembling and sobbing yet again...we get it. She's sad.
The good parts of the movie: the supporting cast, the quick pacing, the high energy of the song and dance numbers, and the juxtaposition of different scenes during the Roxanne emote-fest.
I don't advise against this movie, but I don't strongly recommend it. But if it leads to Ewan MacGregor getting more leading man roles in musicals or romances, then it's done its job.