Moulin Rouge

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from "Moulin Rouge" when I saw the commercial. I was confused by the "Lady Marmalade" remake in the background mixed with shots on Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor entangled with each other. I then saw the myriad of positive reviews of the film, and my curiousity was even more peaked. Finally, on June 1st, I entered the theater to see "Moulin Rouge" and was blown completely out of my seat. Like the recurring line that goes throughout the film, "This is a story about Truth, Beauty, Freedom, but above all...love". Yes, there have been many films that have been about love...but none of them have done so in a way that could light a match to "Moulin Rouge".

The story of "Moulin Rouge" stems from an Orphean myth where a young poet/writer (Christian played by Ewan McGregor) goes deep into the underworld (here created by the glamarour and gaudy nightclub scene in Paris around the turn of the century in 1900) to find the true and ideal love. Nicole Kidman is that ideal love as she portrays Satine, the Sparkling Diamond, star of the Moulin Rouge and the city's most famous courtesan. Satine is caught between the love of the young writer Christian and another man's obsession. Christian (McGregor), finds himself plunged into this decadent world where anything & everything goes - everything except falling in love.

I missed director Baz Lurman's first two films "Strictly Ballroom" & "Romeo & Juliet", but after seeing this film...I don't think I'll ever miss another. Moulin Rouge is a musical opera that tugs at the very core of the heart. I love good musicals, but this is a great musical. A great musical that uses the camera angles and special effects of Hollywood, and turns them into great tools to further implement grandure, mystery, and a creation of an entirely new world. The constant moving camera may come off as wierd to some people, but for me it shows me angles, thoughts, and new ideas that wouldn't have been possible had this musical been done on stage.

Then there is the use of music as a language. Never before did I think that music was so powerful until after seeing this film. But the music that is sung and danced create such a wonderful chemistry between Kidman and McGregor. A chemistry that I've NEVER seen from any on screen duo in my 19 years of existance. Kidman uses her sensual beauty perfectly, while McGregor has show me an entire new side to his acting ability. A man who is so madly in love, that he will do anything to get the woman.

Another great point to this film, is the use of contemporary songs like "Like a Virgin" , "Roxanne", and many others to further move along the story seamlessly. This tounge & cheek behavior added even more pizzaz to a film that ended with Vigilante holding back a tear in his eye and utterly speechless.

I hate to give away the third four and half rated film here at Gyeah.com, but if any film deserves that accolade. Moulin Rouge is definately one of them.

Rating: 1/2 out of four.

-Now that you've read something, he's written. Wouldn't you like to find out more about Vigilante? Here you go.