But if you're open...

Rating: 10/10 (7 April 2002)

This is a very unusual film, and certainly one that that many viewers will not even watch all the way through. It is also a shocking film, but not in the sense the word is generally used. There is very little in the way of explicit sex or violence, and the humor, while a far cry from the standard Hollywood fare, does not attempt to push the envelope of bad taste. Moulin Rouge! is shocking in that every aspect of its design, from the over-the-top acting, to the frenetic editing, to the lavish sets and the unconventional manner of telling the the story, is a spectacular departure from conventional filmaking. This is why so many people dislike it, but also why, for those who do enjoy it, repeated viewings are so rewarding. The more comfortable one becomes with the film, the better it seems. For my part, I was not sure what to think of Moulin Rouge! the first time I saw it, but I liked it enough to see it again, and I have seen it several times since. It is true that it is not for everyone, but I would encourage just about anyone to see it at least once. To use the words of the movie's male lead, played by Ewan McGregor, Moulin Rouge! "is very modern... and may feel a bit strange at first. But if you're open, I think you might enjoy it."