Initially indifferent, now spectacular, spectacular

Rating: Null/10 (25 June 2001)

I have never been one to go out of my way to see a musical. I was,in fact, dragged into it against my will. By the time I walked out I was convinced it was the choice of movies in the cinema at the time.
Baz Luhrmann again creates another tragic love story, however, this time he makes no effort to use smoke and mirrors, plot twists, red herrings or particularly in-depth characters to make his point. In fact he emphasises the plainness of the plot with his 'play within a play' depicting the very going ons of the main characters. Most evident of all is his use of a classic genre whereby the opening scene sees one of the main characters, Christian, in complete despair at the loss of love. From here, he proceeds to enlighten us with how events led to this point in time.
The genius of this movie lies with the musical ironies. Through the sensory overload of the can-can scene, upper-class men in tuxedoes revelling with 'working girls' in an orgy of gyrating, colour-filled dance, the glib, clichéd, contemporary love song medley, to Roxanne Tango and who will forget two sleazy men, singing and dancing around the Gothic-style apartment to 'Like a Virgin'. The musical score is clever, the mixes sensational and led by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman in the lead roles, whose singing are very competent and adds to the depth and flavour of the movie.
I must admit, at times the visual effects reminds me of one who has just received a video camera for Christmas and spends the length of the movie, trying out each visual effect option the machine provides - full colour, black and white, a range of cepeas - oldies but goodies. However, in saying so, the applied effect achieves its aim of emphasising the mood of the moment/scene.
In all, I don't think there was one individual; original thought created during the entire movie and maybe this is the Baz's definative theme. However, the way it was put together, is no doubt unlike how anyone else would even have remotely conspired how this movie would ultimately turn out and it is a combination of this that stirs feelings of nostalgia and poignancy, while at the same time inspiring and funny.
This is not a deeply moving movie, nor is it full of action and excitement. It is a still a highly entertaining and unique movie, one I expect to attain cult status in years to come. I thoroughly enjoyed it.