Amazing.
Baz Luhrmann – one of the most talented writers of our generation, and long-time collaborator Craig Pearce have co-written this spectacular show. They make an outstanding duo for this film in particular. His previous film successes, including Strictly Ballroom and his mind-blowing interpretation of Romeo and Juliet all prevailed in that they hit the cinemas, made records. They were loved. However, this time around, he’s noticeably took this incredible film to completely new levels, incorporating his very own fantasies.
To incorporate characters from within the indelicate and Bohemian time of the given century breaking into melodies of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”, admittedly ever so briefly, to comedic effect, is something not too many other film-makers would make a run at. Consequently, I congratulate and acknowledge Luhrmann’s remarkable success! Five years of planning and preparation for this film sure paid off.
It’s apparent that Luhrmann’s melodramatic style in writing – and directing suits this theatrical performance perfectly. They couldn’t have found a more desirable match, and possibly the most significant thing: he was willing to take a risk, a very big risk, at that.
‘Bright, bold and busy colours make this film so visually exciting and innovative’
Bright, bold and busy colours make this film so visually exciting and innovative, whilst camerawork captures all elements of each scene at intriguing angles, with a constantly roving camera. The editing is truly mesmerising, with rapid and precise cutting. I could personally only describe the way in which the camera is used as like a bat out of hell! With wild and wonderful dancers leaping around the stage together with vibrant costumes - everything’s blurred, distorted and so sophisticatedly eccentric!
Although there are a few clichés innocently floating about the dialogue, where phrases from popular songs are craftily fixed into the dialogue as the characters are speaking to one another, they are astonishingly entertaining. Modern day musical numbers seem to be in great favour, as opposed to the typical timeworn love song.
Christian, the writer and dedicated Bohemian Revolutionist is certain to have any girl strenuously stuck to the screen. The Bohemian Dogma: freedom, truth, beauty, and love – a perfect life. Whereas stunning seductress Satine’s motives are far from perfection by any Revolutionist’s view. She’s a material girl... no love. His love for her clearly becomes unstoppable, forbidden, and obsessive. Both character’s melodramatic acting really convey their love for one another, even allowing their own voices for the soundtracks. It’s essentially ‘just another old love story’, but amazingly padded out with the most extraordinary scenery, cast, costumes, acting along with camerawork.
This thrilling, Oscar nominated film puts into action tonnes of thought-provoking techniques, the considerably atmospheric tension created when moods change - pathetic fallacy, intensely influences our empathy for the scene in general, notably the use of the colour blue when the mood dampens. The use of Christian as the narrator also does this, enabling our full understanding of the love story, even with singing! The use of the opening song reinforced on the type-writer signifies the work of the Bohemian Revolution after Christian arrives in Paris as a naive and idealistic writer, and falls in with a group of Bohemians. How Luhrmann has fundamentally incorporated this long lengthy flashback, with clips of dear Christian writing up and narrating this story is oh so refreshing!
‘All 127 minutes erupt with first-class renditions and theatricality!’
I find it so interesting how sensational a film can be made with just a few specified dramatic devices. In one romantic scene, heart-shaped windows hidden in flamboyant scenery assist the main storyline and dialogue. All 127 minutes erupt with first-class musical renditions and theatricality!
More atmospheric than your local football stadium - just as the winning goal is scored? I think so. The superb Moulin Rouge is really that incredible. You couldn’t ask for a more thrilling, more exciting, and above all more enjoyable film – worthy of the two Oscars it’s nominated for! Definitely worth a visit to the cinema; you’d be absolutely insane not to. You’ll be left buzzing... for days. Amazing!
Verdict:
‘Electrifying’
