Hard to fault ... but not to everyone's tastes

Rating: 10/10 (23 October 2003)

Moulin Rouge is the 3rd of Baz Luhrmann's Red Curtain trilogy and arguably, the installment that takes the Red Curtain concept the furthest. As such, it is not a film that will appeal to everyone either in concept, story, style or execution. I, however, find it a film that it is difficult to fault but can understand the criticism of others.
As for the plot, it is loosely based on the Opheian myth (Orpheus and the Underworld) and is a love story which uses very similar story telling devices to Romeo and Juliet and is based around Montmatre and Moulin Rouge in turn of the century (1899) France. The key device that this film will be remembered for is its use of modern songs in a period setting (not an original concept but taken further than previous films have dared).

The acting and musicianship of the headlining actors is excellent and each brings something to the film as a whole. Christian (Ewan McGregor) is an idealistic, naive writer and McGregor brings a degree of honesty and vulnerability to the role, particularly in his early scenes with Nicole Kidman. Kidman herself plays Satine, the courtisan in chief of the Moulin Rouge and completely owns this role. It is impossible to imagine anybody else playing the part as well as Kidman and her musicianship, particularly in "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend) is also top-notch. Jim Broadbent plays Harold Zidler, the owner of the Moulin Rouge and mostly is there to provide comedy. However, he performs well and creates real shades of light and dark. Finally, Richard Roxburgh as the Duke, is a good comedic villain, who also managed good variation between light and dark. In fact, the only characters I did not care for were the other Bohos such as Toulouse (played by John Leguizamo - a Luhrmann favourite). They suffer from being the story devices to get Christian to the Moulin Rouge and as such, they feel shoehorned in to scenes taking place after the Elephant scene.
The direction is typical Luhrmann - brash, colourful, quick and stylish. Admittedly, the first 20-30 minutes of the film are not easy viewing as they invoke the style of old WB cartoons and there is also a lot of jump cutting. This is, I believe, the main thing which puts certain audiences off. However, if you can get past this, the direction settles down post "Spectacular Spectacular" number. It's hard not to like this - it has charm, wit, drama and romance and for the most part, is an original concept. The set and costume design also show an amazing attention to detail. The dancing exudes energy especially the Can Can in the Moulin Rouge. But I think the Tango scene is where it is used to best effect. However, if you do know someone who hates musicals, this is not the film to try and convert them.
In my opinion, an original, modern classic and the sort of film-making that should only be encouraged. Superb 10/10 (Plus, if you liked this, try Singing In The Rain if you haven't already seen it.)