Creative Misfire

Rating: 6/10 (23 February 2002)

What a weird movie. It's like `The Wizard of OZ' on drugs. Baz Luhrmann, co-writer and director, and Craig Pearce, co-writer, have created an utterly, decadent fantasy that pushes the envelope of the imagination. This movie is a testament that there are no boundaries when making a movie these days. The computer-generated images of the Moulin Rouge and Paris in 1900 are fascinating. The camera shots that seem to have no seams, zoom through the city, and come to a close-up of an actor are great.

However, I can't say I enjoyed `Moulin Rouge' that much. It just seemed way too busy, and it could have been better without all of the silliness. The love story that is central in the plot, was, in fact, interesting and touching, but unfortunately there are too many campy distractions.

While watching `Moulin Rouge', it reminded me of a couple of movies. The first that I thought of was 1996's `Romeo + Juliet'. I later found out found that he co-wrote and directed it as well. The second I thought of was the Beatles' `Help' because of the playfulness and zaniness of some of the scenes. So if you liked the style of `Romeo + Juliet', you may enjoy `Moulin Rouge'.
The music and songs were good and bad at times. Luhrmann and Pearce take famous songs and blend them to create some interesting medleys. Many artists are sampled, from Nirvana to Dolly Parton. Madonna, the Beatles, and Elton John also have large chunks of songs thrown in. The combinations are not always great but are original. My favorite scene in the movie is when Christian (Ewan McGregor) is trying to convince Satine (Nicole Kidman) that they should be lovers. Christian and Satine sing lyrics from famous love songs, while they are in on top of her elephant-shaped apartment (yes, she lives in an elephant). They end up singing David Bowie's "Heroes" (great song).
McGregor is outstanding, as the aptly named, Christian; the poet who falls in love with the most sought after prostitute at the Moulin Rouge. His singing voice is good, and he handled his dramatic scenes very well.

Kidman is Satine; the hooker that falls for the poet and suddenly develops morals (the hooker with the heart of gold). I have never liked Kidman, and I have a hard time believing that Satine was the most popular prostitute. I don't see it. She does sing well, however. If you are a fan, you should like this new dimension of her.
The best performance in the film was by Jim Broadbent, as Harold Zidler, the owner and Â‘pimp' of the Moulin Rouge. He was great. He reminded me of the wizard in the "Wizard of OZ". He was funny and he sang well.

The bottom line is that I am glad I saw this movie, however the craziness and silliness was taken too far for my tastes. I wish Luhrmann had made a more serious movie that was consistent with the love story. I can, however, appreciate the creativity and work that went into this movie; it is quite an accomplishment. I think if you are a fan of Broadway musicals, you should like it.
6 out of 10