Must see event

Rating: 10/10 (11 November 2002)

As you may have noticed from the other comments, people either loved this film or despised it. That reaction alone should be enough for you to give this movie a shot and discover in which camp you belong.

Visually stunning, but so unconventional that scores of people will tune out immediately. The first fifteen minutes are almost a test to see if the viewer can bend his expectations to a totally new paradigm. According to the director's commentary, this is exactly what he intended. Separate the wheat from the chaff early, let the audience know this will not be another generic musical (or film, for that matter) and then proceed with the fun. For the people that don't make it through the first fifteen minutes, thank Baz.
This is a simple love story with a simple plot told in a very complex way. The movie begins by telling you the end so the viewer can enjoy the ride, and what a ride!
The Moulin Rouge is about to become a real theater, with the help of the evil monied Duke. The show being written by Christian (Ewen McGregor) to accomplish this 'Spectacular' transformation is a reflection of the movie character's own lives. But wait! This is a two-way mirror. At times the stage show precedes the real action and at times 'real' life is written into the show. At other times the show and life are happening simultaneously.
*small spoiler* The movie is chock full of original ideas, my favorite being the use of popular music in the score. The first time this happens you'll be asking yourself, "What the heck is this piece of music doing in this movie?", but once Ewen starts singing Elton John's 'Your Song' the device is revealed. Modern songs are used as the libretto of the movie!
There has been much said about the singing talents of the lead characters, but I applaud Nicole and Ewen for having the courage to sing their own roles. I guess Baz could have cast a 'real' singer like Madonna for the lead role, but unfortunately, she can't act.
Give this movie a shot, and don't be tricked into turning it off before you see what it's really all about.
10 out of 10