1899, Paris. Christian, an impoverished writer takes to the streets of London and lands at Montmartre, where he finds himself mingling with the creatures of the underworld. Far from being repulsed, however, he enjoys the environment, associating with the Bohemian revolutionaries and embracing their dogma of freedom, truth, beauty and love. It happens that these Bohemians are in the middle of writing a play for Moulin Rouge, a famous club in the centre of the underworld. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for Christian, he stands-in for a character played by a narcoleptic. Putting his talent and passion to good use, he suggests something which bode well with the group’s leader, Toulouse Lautrec. Lautrec then arranges for Christian to have a one-on-one meeting with Satine, Moulin Rouges’ star and the city’s most famous and most beautiful courtesan. On that same night of the would-be meeting between Christian and Satine, the club’s owner, Harold Zidler, likewise arranged a one-on-one meeting between the club’s soon-to-be benefactor, the Duke, and Satine. Events lead to Satine mistaking Christian as the Duke, and fortunately, or unfortunately, for the two, they fall in love. When the Duke finally appears, a dangerous love triangle ensues. But Christian and Satine hold on to the strength of their love, gallantly fighting the odds, until Satine discovers a shocking truth. Will love conquer?
One word, repeated twice: spectacular. The amazing production deserved the Oscars for Art Direction-Set Decoration and Costume Design. It’s a pity Nicole Kidman, who smoldered in her portrayal of Satine, did not bring home the bald man. Nevertheless, her superb acting in this film, pitted against the innocent and likeable performance of Ewan McGregor as Christian, is going to be talked about for ages. Adding to the spice is the brilliant performances of Jim Broadbent as Zidler, Richard Roxburgh as the Duke and John Leguizamo as Lautrec. Visually stunning, the film revolutionizes musicals in a way that only director Baz Luhrmann can. And if you aren’t blown away with the montage of songs, wait until you hear Zidler’s rendition of ‘Like a Virgin’.
My personal favourite was Roxanne, with its dark and sexy production number.
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