Welcome to Baz Luhrmann s world. The movie is set in Paris infamous Moulin Rouge nightspot in 1899. The story is inspired by the Orphean myth in which a young poet-musician descends to the underworld in search of ideal love. But theirs is not an easy love affair. The pair encounter several obstacles including an egotistical Duke, a cowardly boss, illness and poverty.
Love is put to the test providing the main thrust of the narrative.
Moulin Rouge is visually stunning and curious but what is disappointing is that it often fails to grant the audience enough time to look and to marvel. Luhrmann takes us on a magical carpet ride that at times travels so fast because of jump cuts and quick edits, that we never get to properly see the magnificent landscapes below. All we get are glimpses before being whisked away. The effect is not so much exhiliration but frustration. This is one of the reasons why some of the best scenes are the musical ones.