Great cinematography, pity about the plot and the dialogue

Rating: 1/10 (12 October 2001)

Moulin Rouge is a stunningly beautiful film, with cinematography that manages to capture the flair of Paris in 1900. Unfortunately, that is not enough to make you overlook the ridiculus plot or the contrived script. From the moment Ewan McGregor first began to sing (in a send up of the Sound of Music), I knew we were in for something truly cringe-worthy. This scene was only topped by the version of Like a Virgin (Yes, Madonna's Like a Virgin) sung by the fat nightclub owner and the effeminate English duke. Even a wonderful performance by the ever reliable Ewan McGregor couldn't save this film. My advice: Save your time/money and a few brain cells.