Baz Luhrmann does it again

Rating: Null/10 (10 January 2007)

Once again Baz Luhrmann has concocted a predictable, sappy and contrived kaleidoscope of images, wrapped them up in contemporary pop music and tried to pass it off as high class art. All the talent is there, Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidmann, John Leguizamo, but Luhrmann is so incessant on producing a film that is seen as cutting edge and original that what follows is a prime example of style over substance. Ironically, in Luhrmann's strive to be original, he has given the audience a text book lesson in what happens when media becomes so inbred. Using contemporary pop music already composed and already used for lord knows how many television commercials must be Luhrmann's 'edge' in his attempt to bring the musical in to current cinema but in the end just seems lazy and wreaks of effort. It is one thing to have different musicians compose songs for the film itself, but using songs that are already popular just reminds one of all the annoying car and soft drink commercials that permanently ruin songs that at one time were cherished. With all due credit, the cinematography is very well done and the acting is definitely above par. The film could have really worked if perhaps the director was someone that wasn't so concerned about appearing artsy for artsy sake and maybe concentrated on telling a story that wasn't so predictable and full of clichés. Many people I have talked to about this film usually give the same comment, "I haven't seen a movie made like this for a long time" (even though the theme is the oldest and most tired vehicle for storytelling in Hollywood history) and I answer with the obvious,"There is a reason for that" or, "Thank god for that!" even though, to the degree that Moulon Rouge is at best unsavory, it is a dime a dozen in the Hollywood machine.