The expression to lose yourself in a film, has never been more apt than in Baz Luhrmann's new spectacle. Hard, unyielding cinema seats, and the crunch of popcorn from the row behind are all forgotten, this is literally a film to escape into, but it's no image of utopia. In Moulin Rouge, Luhrmann has conjured up a world of dream and nightmare, in which fantasies of true love coexist with harsher truths about the nature of greed, desire and the fruits of capitalism.
In the great tradition of the musical, fantasy and the world of dreams reign supreme over depictions of reality, and Lurhmann evidently relishes the opportunity to play master showman and construct for us the ultimate illusion. We know that we are in the Underworld as Luhrmann's camera plays dizzying tricks, speeding us through the street of Paris in a style which brings to mind the speeded up trick camerawork of Nosferatu, a device which Murnau used to convey the maelstrom of hell and suggest darker forces at work. If we are in any doubt as to the illusion before us, the rotating arm of the Moulin Rouge windmill constantly interrupts the narrative, acting as a wipe to a new scene, and deliberately coming between the viewer and the spectacle before us, to rupture the screen fantasy and remind us this is an artificial world. Like wise the star of the Moulin Rouge, chanteuse and courtesan Satine (an ethereal Nicole Kidman) reminds us constantly that she is an actress, and nothing she does or says is to be believed. For Satine, there is no life outside the gaudy pantomime of the Moulin Rouge. Although her signature song is 'One Day I'll Fly Away', Satine does not and cannot exist outside the Moulin Rouge and specifically the narrative of male desire, her attempt to transgress these rules can only end in tragedy.
Reader comments about Moulin Rouge!
Xenia (xmv200@nyu.edu) writes:
I was dragged into moulin rouge by a fifteen year old girl. i was bored. i had nothing to do. i ended up seeing it three times and dragging others into my strange cult of rewatching the eye candy and the love story and just allowing myself to be completely, utterly entertained by something that i resisted, and resisted and found myself unsuccessful. The movie is for those who appreciate visuals. The movie is for those who are unforgivably and relentlessly in love with love. The review was on point. Thank you. Watch It.
Liz Conolly (Email address withheld) writes:
As a somewhat jaded and cynical teacher of Media I resisted Moulin for sometime convinced that what I would see would be trite, contrived etc...Having now seen it three times and also compelled every student to watch it the film has restored my faith in modern film making and for the first time in ages really excited me!! When it finally disaapears from the big screen it will be a loss a spectacular spectacular that rightly deserves to be on the big screen.
CW (Email address withheld) writes:
Not since 'Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas' have I been so disappointed at the cinema. A film about love? Well, a pretty unconvincing one. About beauty? It looks pretty, will that do? About truth? Hmph. Truth is, you want to see a film about love and beauty, go see 'Amelie' - a REAL spectacular, embracing fantasy and full of humanity.
Laura "mcgregor" (ewan_mcgregor_sexgod@hotmail.com) writes:
well, wat can i say??? IM IN LOVE WITH EWAN MCGREGOR, come wat may I will love him till my dyin'[ day!! i love him soooooo much, my friends think im a tad bit obsessed, i have 1348 pics of him and moulin rouge, well again - that is the best film i have ever seen, ive seen it 11 times in the cinema and am desperate 2 see it again. thanx 4 listening - and i would like 2 say "im sorry 2 all my m8's 4 goin on and on and on.....etc... bout ewan and moulin rouge.xx"
p.s. i really do love ewan, so if ewan, u r lookin at this please email me. xx
Heather (CirqueQuidam84@Hotmail.com) writes:
I thought it was sooooooooooooo good. I loved it and so did my mom and sister. It was like Cirgue Du Soleil in away. Don't u think? ok i loved the love story that went along with it. It acted like a play and i wish they did do a play of Moulin Rouge. Ok i have to go now bye byes.
jen (Email address withheld) writes:
Moulin Rouge is one of the best movies
I've ever seen! Nicole and Ewan were a great couple.I hope they had a blast making this film together,and I hope all of you enjoyed it as much as I did.This film is worth seeing over and over again.
China Doll (Email address withheld) writes:
THE MOULIN ROUGE IS A COMPELLING SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR IN THE MAKING. THE FOUR WHORES OF THE APOCALYPSE:NINI BELLE ,MOME' FROMAGE ARABIA AND CHINA The moulin rouge is a compelling spectacular spectacular in the making. The four whores of the apocalypse: nini belle ,mome' fromage arabia and china doll and other characters like le petomane the man who farted poems, le chocolat, petite princess, charles(harold) zidler, joseph oller and many more! The spirit of the moulin rouge still stands in montmartre paris france. And the spirits of the prostitutes dancers and etc. Their wild spirits live in us all!!! Long live the moulin rouge!! Your doors will open again!!
Jeff (antihero74@yahoo.ca) writes:
If any one knows how many times they say the word 'LOVE' in Moulin Rouge, could you please let me know? I could count myself, but...
Megan Wayper (Wayperm@aol.com) writes:
I think that Moulin Rouge is an exellent film and if any one has a picture of Nicole Kidman (Front veiw) in the white wedding dress at the end of the film would you please email it to me on Wayperm@aol.com.
Thanx
Matthew Areskog (areskog@yahoo.co.uk) writes:
Although I'm a fan of films, i have never and doubt I will ever be so in love with a film like I am with Moulin Rouge.
It is quite simply beautiful. The sets are rich with colour, the actors are superb, the story is a rollercoaster ride that takes you from such a high to such a dramatic low.
The music in Moulin Rouge is not cliche and over powering, it sits comfortably in the film and makes the film what it is. Nicole and Ewan have superb voices and some of the songs are breathtaking.
I will spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it (WHY HAVEN'T YOU SEEN IT YET?!) but the final scene where Christian and Satine sing to one another, makes me tremble and gives me goosebumps, Baz has captured what love can be like. Soon after of course our beloved Satine passes away and she is left in Christians arms, after you cry for days you begin to realise, well its not an awful, horrible sad ending.
"This story is about love. A love that will last forever. The end"
In summary, if you do not see this film you will miss out on what I think is an all time classic of the cinema.
Natalia (Email address withheld) writes:
God, I've never been more obsessed
with a movie, I'm completely in love with it and completely in love with Ewan McGregor! When I first went to see it it completely blew me away. It touches you right to the heart, I've never cried so much. Seriously, it's beautiful...
I've watched it 55 times on video and it still leaves me breathless!
ps. I think Ewan McGregor is SO gorgeous I nearly faint, I IN LOVE!
Chris~~~"nini" (dakewl12003@aol.com) writes:
i loved the movie so much. it is much more than what you would ever expect. there is so much hidden things, you really need to pay attention to get them. I also have the cd, 2 burned versions with other stuff from the movie and things i got online. JUST REMEMBER, "The only thing you will ever learn is just to love, and to be loved in return!" and from my "gurl", "this ending is silly, why would the cortizane fall for the penniless writer...oops...i mean sitar player!!!"
Kari (Email address withheld) writes:
I went to go see the movie in Flagstaff, Arizona. My Mom and sister went to go see it with me. My Mom did not want to go and see it because she thought it was going to be stupid. But boy was she ever wrong. With her my sister and myself we absolutely love the movie. Baz Lurhmann is an awsome director. I don't know how many times I have seen the movie now but die everytime when I hear Ewan McGregor sing Come What May. He is so grogeous. My Mom has two loves of music in her life now Paul McCartney and now Ewan McGregor. I just absolutely love this movie and was so upset when Baz was not nominated for an Oscar for best director and Nicole Kidman did not win for best Acrtress. Both should have won.
Anon (Email address withheld) writes:
I am so obsessed it's worrying! I have seen it more times than I can count and I listen to both cds EVERY DAY!!!I am literally word perfect and don't speak to my friends for days if they either say something bad about it or havn't seen it yet!
I LOVE IT!!I cry every time which some would say is VERY sad!
XxX
Colleen Hughes (Email address withheld) writes:
THE BEST MOVIE EVER MADE!!!
I cant get over how wonderful this movie and soundtrack was! I have watched it around 7 times. if you have not seen it, it is a definate must!
Beverly Muraski (bbmura@aol.com) writes:
I so loved this film. And I really enjoyed reading all these reviews.
Dittos, dittos!
Katie Downes (Downes_Katie@hotmail.com) writes:
Hi people,
Im looking for someone who has quite a bit of information on Angus Strathie or Catherine Martin (Moulin Rouge costume designers). If not then information on Moulin Rouge itself. If you do have any information please could you e-mail me at the above address.
Many thanks
Katie Downes.
Laci (Email address withheld) writes:
Words cannot describe the way I feel when I watch or think about Moulin Rouge. I just get the chills, and I am obsessed with it more than I have ever been with anything. Baz Luhrmann is the most brilliant director and person. I literally eat, sleep, and breath Moulin Rouge. If severe obsession with something is a disease, well, my days are numbered.
My favorite part of the movie, the most captivating and chilling in the film, is the tango. They recreated "Roxanne" wonderfully, and it sends chills up my spine each time I hear it. The can can is another great scene, with quick, flashy eye candy. I am so obsessed with this that I am going to be China Doll and one of my mates are going to be Arabia for Halloween! Well, what else can I say? I've seen it 8 or 9 times, and plan to watch it more!
(Email address withheld) writes:
I have never been so amazed about a film in all my life. I loved it so much that I have all the merchandise.
I have watched all of Baz Luhrmann's films and loved every one of them!!!
I have even started watching a lot more Australian movies!!! They are fantastic!!! For all those who have not seen Moulin Rouge GO AND SEE IT!!! it is the best film ever!!!!
sarah Jane leadbitter (Email address withheld) writes:
Moulin rouge what can i say I am obsessed with the film.I have seen it once at the cinema and i have got the video which i have seen 26 times. I give it alot credit as there is nothing bad about it, the songs are great and the actors { nicole and Ewan } you will regret it if you don't get to see it. If it's a love story you want it is a luv story you'll get. It's brilliant go and see it.
Kay (Email address withheld) writes:
I decided to watch Moulin Rouge to find out what all the Oscar hype was about. I had been forewarned that if I got through the first 30 minutes, it would be love or hate.
It started out slow & strange for me, especially when Ewan McGregor sang "The hills are alive, with the sound of music...". But when he belted out "Your Song", I was hooked. There was such energy and pure fun between McGregor & Kidman, that it was impossible not to fall in love with the film. I read one review that said the performances were so brave and committed, that you believed in these characters and their story. Thank you Baz.
Jordan (Email address withheld) writes:
My sister was the original one who rented Moulin Rouge and made me watch it with her. I had never really seen anything with Nicole Kidman in it nor heard much about Ewan McGregor. This film totally blew me away. It was hilarious and happy at one point then sad and tragic the next. I especially enjoyed the singing, and Nicole and Ewan's chemistry ignites the screen. I have never cried so much in one day! Moulin Rouge will definitely be one of my all time favorites...GO SEE IT IF YOU HAVEN'T!
Sarah Thompson (Email address withheld) writes:
I am just wondering, who is the actor that 'saves' Satin from the Duke during "Roxanne"?
Olivia (Email address withheld) writes:
I have seen Moulin Rouge 3 times at the movies, I got the video and have seen it 26 and a half times,(all together) I have both the c.ds and my computer is set in a moulin rouge theme, all my friends think Im obsessed,(i probably am)and It has to be my most favourite movie of all time. Its really good.
erin (bluegrasgrl@netscape.net) writes:
I can not say anything bad about Moulin Rouge. I was dragged into the theater thinking it was another horrible pointless love story. I was completely dazed and put into the bohemian world the minute it started. I'm even looking for a similar dress of one that was shown on DISK 2! I can not find any pictures on the net, of any costumes from the second disk! If you're possibly more obsessed than I and do have information---please please please contact me!
Erin (Email address withheld) writes:
I totally loved this movie! Nicole Kidman as usual is fantastic!I think she has the best voice in the movie!Also, Baz did a great job with every aspect of this amazing film. For any fans of Nicole Kidman or any of her co-stars this is a must see flick! Thanks! and good luck to Nic in the future!!!
Hailey (OddnUnique2988@aol.com) writes:
When Moulin Rouge first came out I thought it looked like a "stupid" movie and I always made fun of my friend for watching it and singing the songs from it. One day at school she brought me the dvd and let me borrow it overnight and I ended up keeping it two days and then buying over that weekend. I LOVE IT! It is such a great movie and so powerful. I think Baz Lurhmann is a VERY TALENTED and creative director. He has huge ideas that seem silly until he takes them through to the filming and they have the outcome of millions of fans. I've come to realize Moulin Rouge is either a "LOVE IT" or "HATE IT" movie. Either you love it or you hate it. Although I've realized almost everyone that has seen it loved it. I have watched it a million times atleast (okay maybe I'm exaggerating like 100) and I still cry almost everytime at the end of the movie. I think I withdrew from crying twice. Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, John Broadbent & Jim Roxburgh are a wonderful cast and I think they were what really made the movie great; because the cast became so close on set and they could work with eachother so well (I watched the dvd stuff). If you haven't seen it, I recommend it. It is my FAVORITE MOVIE! I love the character Toulouse-Lautrec and all the Bohos. All the characters are so BIG and you can relate to little things they all go through and the whole idea of the movie; LOVE. This movie is a MUSICAL SPECTACULAR!!
Abbie (abbie0927@netscape.net) writes:
When Moulin Rouge first came to theaters I really wanted to see it but I just never got around to seeing it. One night my friend Shannon rented it and we watched it. I liked it but I really didn't remember anything about it(we watched it at like 5 in the morning I think I slept through some of it) Then this past summer I was at Target with my Aunt. I went to the movie section because I wanted to get Harry Potter 2 and I saw in the clearence area Moulin Rouge for only $6 so I figured what the hay! and I bought it. I watched it that night and fell in love.I burned the soundtrack from my friend. I am known to have these weird obsessions (Chris Kattan, SNL, Night At The Roxbury, and Aladdin) and I usually suck ppl into it. Since becoming obsessed with Moulin Rouge I have gotten 2 ppl into it and 1 person back into it. I have burned 2 copies of MY burned CD for the ppl I have "converted" I am very proud of my accomplishments and I love Moulin Rouge...Ewan and Nicole did such a great job with acting!(and singing) and Baz...man o man you have to give it up for Baz he is the man! haha! My all time fave songs are Come What May, Elephant Love Melody, Your Song, Roxanne. Me and my best friend Leah always sing those songs back and forth to eachother! I love MOulin ROUGE!!:-D
Rah (Email address withheld) writes:
Moulin Rouge is the most PATHETIC movie I've ever seen. the music is totally irrelevant to the time and setting. the whole thing doesnt make sense!!!!
I've seen tragic romantic movies before but this is a JOKE. i honestly laughed when Satine died...
jennifer (jennys18@hotmail.com) writes:
the moulin rouge was the best i ever seen i can watch it at any time i want on dvd. ewan was the best singer then i am. my dad said i sound like so so when i sing. i wish i can sing like him.
maximilian gan (Email address withheld) writes:
outrageous to spectacular and dramatic!!!
3 words for my best choice of words
only if satine did not die that it will be more loving
anyway,i watch on DVD
i was confused over the first half hour
too many frames of pictures made me headache
something like watching "nightmare before christmas"
after the second half i began to understand and link the pieces up
finally the finale completed the jigsaw
and it was a picture made of a thousand words
cheers!
john (jcyall2001@yahoo.co.uk) writes:
a superb breathe of fresh air to the music/film industry!
A thoroughly enjoyable fairy tale story that grabs you from the first scene. Powered by great songs RELEVANT to the plot and sung with passion and above all else Love! AWESOME!!
Nicole Kidman is stunning and Ewan McGregor shows us a voice that Obi Wan Kenobi can be proud of!!
5/5 One for every DVD collection!
Lorna (shloopy_shloopy@hotmail.com) writes:
ive always loved the film and i intend to go to a stage school since i have been dancing and singing since i was 3 so i loved the music and now i attended an audition for a show which is based on films and includes the moulin rouge and chicago and i got the part of satine so i get to wear all of her costumes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tyler.D. (Email address withheld) writes:
The only part of this film I loved was the costumes. The songs were a rip-off. Nicole Kidman annoyed me. And that wierd mousey man singing 'Like A Virgin' made me cringe. I heard someone say 'you either love it or hate it'. And it seems most people love it. But if you want true romance watch Amelie. If you want a musical see Cabaret. Oh god, and Kylie was in it... Wasn't that part supposed to go to Ozzy Osbourne? I would have liked it then...
Sandy Peters (Sandy1033@yahoo.com) writes:
This movie was as visually delightful as it was musically enjoyable. Ewan McGregor's solid singing coupled with his romantic expressions and boyish charm played perfectly to Nicole Kidman's impossible choice between survival and love.
Laura Smith (Email address withheld) writes:
Although LotR will forvever-more be my favourite film of all time, Moulin Rouge is an amazingly close second. Getting dragged into the theatre by a friend who wouldnn't stop ranting about it, I expected no less than the usual crap up on the big screen- no plot, a little humor, just an excuse to watch pretty girls dancing around. Currenytly ranking as he best surpise I've gotten in a long time.
Love. So often in the new cinema world just used as something to move the story along. The writer can't thik of anything better to move the pot along, so s/he makes the two main characters fal in love. One of the best love stories I've ever seen. THis movie is purelyabout love. Just expanding on the many splendours of love. It's truly amazing.
And in term of musicals, it is my all time favourite. This beats out Les Miserables, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof and so many others. The voices of Nicole and Ewan blow me away evey time!!! Needless to say (but I sould probably sum this up) Moulin Rouge is a simply amazing movie. A story about a place, a story about a people, but mot of all a story about love.
Jade (Email address withheld) writes:
I have watched it about 8 times now and i still cry at the end!! It is such a great film. Just the best if ANYONE hasn't watch it they MUST! I go on and on and on about it. I even got moved in maths because I was singing the songs from it to liven maths up!! lol I HAVE GONE MAAADD!
katherine (Email address withheld) writes:
This movie is absolute genius. Everytime I watch it...I learn something new. It seems like everytime I figure out another one of the hidden things they put in the movie, I love it even more. Has anyone ever noticed how they show flashes of scenes that haven't happened yet? When Satine is first introduced and sings the line, "The french are glad to die for love" they show a scene of her dying for a split second. Or that the songs are exactly in line with the story and tell you exactly what is going to happen in the end? Satine's signature song..."One day I'll fly away" (which really does happen) And the bird in the cage that is always shown. And in the end it shows the birdcage right outside of Christian's window. During the song "Spectacular Spectacular" Christian and Satine sing to each other,
"The courtesan and sitar man are pulled apart by an evil plan
Satine: But in the end she hears his song
Christian: And their Love is just too strong".
Those few lines tell you exactly what happens in the scene of "roxanne".
Those are just a few things I noticed while watching this absolutely spectacular movie!! Its not just a basic plot with the same boring ideas. This movie is captivating and keeps you in the story. I loved this movie and still do. I actually watched it last nite. Nicole and Ewan are perfect for the roles. Not only does the movie make you feel like your in love, but it makes you laugh, and cry. Simply amazing!! If you haven't seen it...sit down and watch it a few times. You wont regret it.
Tiffany (Email address withheld) writes:
I love this movie. It's the kind of movie where you can watch over and over again without getting tired of it. In fact, I get withdrawals if I don't see if for a few weeks. It's that addictive. It's a pure cinematic and musical masterpiece. Ewan McGregor's voice and singing is amazing, I couldn't believe an actor can sing that well and not become a professional singer. This movie is my favourite movie of all time.
samantha weise (softball_brat08@hotmail.com) writes:
the first time i saw the moulin rouge i cried alot because it was the best movie in history ive ever seen !!!!i love the way ewan sings it blew me away. my favorite song is "your song " and "roxanne".
katexxx (chocolatechump@hotmail.com) writes:
what can i say, there's just no words to describe moulin rouge.From the senery and costumes to the magnificent lights and colours but above all things the story about LOVE is the most spectacular thing of all. i crave moulin rouge, i watch it over and over again just never getting enough of it.Nicole Kidman and Ewan Mcgregor... FANTASTIC!!! id hadent seen much of them b4 moulin rouge but now im obsessed with them, i day dream obout them and moulin rouge. i can recite the whole script because i watched it at least 100 times and im not joking. i think my family and friends think im weird or got a few screws loose but all it is, is a riddiculas obession with love and moulin rouge. i loved reading all of your comments because i relate to you all so well.lol. except those people who critised it, well just hope i never find you!!!!!! bye
the sparkling diamond* (Email address withheld) writes:
All i can say is Nicole, you are the sparkling diamond of us all, and Ewan you are the gorgeous hero. (even if you are penny-less). Nicole is such an outstanding and brilliant actress who always manages to capture this kind of incredible beauty which we all strive for! Shes never ugly, never tarnished and truly does embody the "sparkling diamond of the Moulin Rouge". SATINE suits her so well, and i love the hair! not only because I also am a red head, but the wig looks brilliant! i couldnt even tell! also, i hate the evil duke! kill him! kill him now!
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