Mr. Luhrmann is great when he's not artistic

Rating: 3/10 (7 October 2003)

Everyone claims this film is a musical, but it's more like a documentary. The song and dance routines seem to be a dress rehearsal where the leads were off sick. On Broadway, a show can get away with thin characterization and story through live interaction, distance from the stage, and lack of background elements. But in a film these glaring errors come back to haunt the film. Of course the irony is that the movie was staged and shot theatrically, without talented performers. Actors that are skilled and successful in mainstream film were woefully miscast. You can't hide the fact through slick cutting, electronically enhanced voices, odd angles (we were almost on the Titantic), and pop tunes that are a one trick dark pink pony.
Many people enjoyed the film and it was even nominated for Best Film, but I firmly believe that it was because of how unusual it was and "what" the film had to say, but unusual doesn't mean good and thorough analysis would bring that to light. My goal is not to tear down films that had ingenuity but a hope that the common filmgoer won't get ripped off going to the cinema.
In a musical, the audience has a right to see song and dance and not actors parading around as performers. The only exception is Frank Sinatra because he worked hard to refine his persona (and possibly Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas). Fred Astaire knew this and prevented directors from being creative by putting in his contract that he can only be shot in long shot. He gave the audience a value-added performance-not some actor singing in the shower. Granted some of Astaire's scene were too long, but his performance never ceases to impress. Why do you think slapstick is dead? No one wants to do stunts and pratfalls like in the early days. I know it's a "postmodern" world but we're still the same homo sapiens who are suckers for a good 'ole song and dance routine with funny (or classy) outfits.
To be fair, the art design and visual compositions (when they were long enough to notice) were carefully laid out. I appreciate the production allowing Cinefex to cover them. Nicole Kidman is stunning and alluring (whatever that truly means). But don't kid yourself this is just a modern update of Cabaret which is a classic, set in a real era that deals with weighty issues.
A message to anyone attempting to be Bob Fosse: Don't. You'll trip and fall and break your leg. But all I can say is smoke a few pack of cigarettes, dress in black, and watch his films. If you aim high enough, you're bound to hit a mullet rouge.