film: review

> MOULIN ROUGE (2001)
Director Baz Luhrmann again takes something old and puts a fresh new spin on it. This time he revives and creates the modern musical.

By John C. Lyons
Film Critic

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan MacGregor, and John Leguizamo

Directed by: Baz Luhrmann

Written by: Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce

Genre: Musical/Romance

Our Rating: 9 out of 10

I am not the kind of guy who looks forward to seeing a musical. While I don't get excited about movies like Singin' in the Rain I can appreciate them, the talent involved, and their genre. That said, what is the last musical you remember seeing? Or should I say how long has it been since you have seen a good musical? (Does South Park count?) Or even wanted to see a musical? The genre passed away decades ago (unless, of course, you're making a formulaic film where cartoon animals, voiced by Hollywood's finest, sing -- thanks Disney). Personally, when I see people going about their lives and then suddenly breaking out in song and dance its just plain silly, even when it's not supposed to be. Whenever there is singing in a film, nowadays, it is usually somehow self-mocking and humorous. I am happy to say that Moulin Rouge, through its insanity and its hipness, has potentially brought new life to this genre. And if films this cool come out of it, I am all for it.

Moulin Rouge stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor…who also sing their own songs! I know that having untrained film stars singing their own songs sounds like a huge mistake, but I was really quite impressed by both in this film. The only thing that could be bad about this success is the potential failures out there from other actors who think, "I have lots of money, I can do this too!" Can you imagine Sylvester Stallone or Kevin Costner? Oh, my! The tunes in this film are quite entertaining! Major kudos to the creative minds that effectively morphed together classic favorites like Madonna's "Material Girl", Sting's "Roxanne", Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and many, many more. There is also one original song that the duo sings from the film titled "Come What May" and it is right on par with everything else in the film. Had these songs been anything but interesting and familiar, to hear and see, the film would have failed. I always appreciate a director that pushes the envelope or creates something original, and I must say that Baz Luhrmann took a giant risk in this film, but came out a winner.

This film is about love. "Above all, love", Christian (MacGregor) states throughout. He is a poet looking for love, and he finds that and more in a beautiful courtesan named Satine (Kidman). The only problem is, she has been promised to "the Duke" (Roxburgh, who could win a Gary Oldman look-alike award). This creates more than a little trouble for the two. And so the story unfolds around all this well-paced excitement. It is not only through great song that we follow the story; this film is a treat visually also. From the beginning, when the red curtain opens, we are dropped into this absinthe-inspired, turn of the century (the 20th century that is), and you know you're going to be in for a wild ride. This film wants to be unique and hold your attention the entire 2 hours, and thankfully it does. All this attention to detail holds the film together, and despite the song selection, you never think you are anywhere but this magical vision of Paris. Again, well done, and I would recommend this to anyone willing to see a different kind of love story (and musical).

I saw this film at the Tinseltown theaters on upper Peach Street in Erie.

PROs: The song, the dance, the vision, the story.

CONs: John Leguizamo, as a midget, looked a little "off". A couple times the film is a bit too silly.

(01-0607)

related links:

Moulin Rouge - official site