Suspension of Disbelief

Rating: Null/10 (2 June 2001)

Those are the words you must keep in your head as the lights go down and Moulin Rouge begins. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what going to the movies is all about. This film is not "Dude, where's my car", or even, God forbid, "Pearl Harbor". This was a true, film experience. I didn't think I'd say that again, so soon after seeing "O' Brother, Where Art Thou", but here I am and I hope you have the same reaction.
Baz Lurmann(sp) is the most exciting director to come onto the scene since Tarantino (rent "Romeo + Juliet" and "Strictly Ballroom" if you haven't seen them). He has created a true, fictional world that happens to inhabit turn-of-the-century Paris and filled it with a truly amazing and over-the-top collection of characters. The music is outstanding, funny and touching at the same time. The leads are fantastic and the supporting cast really go out of their way to be more than backdrop scenery. Go see this film, then tell your friends!! We need more films like this. I'm not limiting that statement to musicals, mind you, just films made by filmmakers who aren't afraid to push the envelope. Go see this film, then tell your friends!! It's the only way to get them to listen. Otherwise, don't be surprised if you open your newspaper one day and see that "Pearl Harbor II: Back to the Beach" is playing in 4 theaters at your local cineplex. Don't say I didn't warn you.