Moulin Rouge (2001)

3 out of 4

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Richard Roxburgh, Jim Broadbent, John Leguizamo

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Time: 126 mins

The movie Moulin Rouge has been a long time coming, with reports of production troubles and delays due to an injury to star Nicole Kidman. Now that it's here, was the wait worth it? The answer is: Yes! Moulin Rouge is a dazzling experience, a musical that challenges the conventions of the once-popular genre. Director Baz Luhrmann has imbued it with all the visual artistry he is known for, combining the exuberance of his 1992 crowd-pleaser Strictly Ballroom with the style of his 1996 adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. That it falls great of shortness is due to a melodramatic midsection that goes on a bit too long, but overall the film is an invigorating, energetic and unique experience.

The story is set in Paris in 1899, when Christian (Ewan McGregor), an English writer, arrives to explore the bohemian society that lived in Montmartre during that time. A chance encounter with Toulouse-Lautrec (John Leguizamo) lands him his first job, that of writing the story for a full-scale musical production to be held at the Club Moulin Rouge. First, however, he has to win the approval of the club's owner, Zidler (Jim Broadbent), and star performer (and courtesan) Satine (Nicole Kidman), as well as secure the financial backing of a rich Duke (Richard Roxburgh). The Duke has an eye for Satine, however, and will only provide support if Satine sleeps with him on opening night. Trouble ensues when Satine and Christian fall for each other, and Satine is struck down by an illness.

Movie musicals are almost extinct these days, except for the occasional animated film from Disney et al that usually contains one or two showstopping numbers. But even animated musicals are becoming less and less common, as evidenced by the Mouse's latest, Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Moulin Rouge is a musical, to be sure, but it's almost unlike any other musical filmed. For example, even though the film is set in 1899, several 20th century songs are employed as production numbers throughout the film. A couple of hits from Madonna, one from Elton John and The Beatles, and even Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend are used. While initially jarring, the fact that these songs are so familiar makes the experience very enjoyable and even hilarious. The lyrics to Elton John's Your Song (and others) are even used to tell and advance the story at certain points. Also, the opportunity to see stars like Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor (Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace) break out into song is rare and not-to-be-missed.

The toe-tapping music aside, the film is a visually arresting spectacle. Bright, gaudy, and with frequent explosions of brilliant colour, your eyes will never be wanting for something to look at. The editing, especially during the first half, is a whirlwind of quick cuts and breathtaking camera movements. For once, however, the style suits the film rather than overwhelming it, like Michael Bay's Armageddon (1998) did with its dizzying, non-stop motion. The only downside to Moulin Rouge is that the first half is so energetic and full of visual and aural delights that when the dramatic portion arrives, it's a bit of a letdown. The pace slows, the songs are more in the vein of stage musicals like Les Miserable (and, hence, not as instantly catchy), and the film assumes the gravity of a Shakespearean tragedy. The film does pick up again for the final production number, which provides a reasonably rousing finish.

Though this is only his third film, director Luhrmann has already shown he has an innovative style. This is no more evident than with his unique introduction of the 20th Century Fox logo and fanfare at the start of the film. His stars also provide likable performances. While Kidman is the notional headline actor, it's actually McGregor who impresses with his portrayal of the writer intoxicated by love. His singing voice is surprisingly good, though it's obvious he is not a professional singer. Kidman is stunning in a variety of costumes and has a capable voice (though it sounds like it has been digitally enhanced or processed). It's also fun to see her engage in some typical musical tomfoolery, such as in a riotous number with McGregor, Leguizamo and others as they try to convince the Duke of the viability of their new project. Of the remaining cast, Jim Broadbent is boisterous and suitably over-the-top as the club's owner, and Richard Roxburgh (who starred with Nicole's ex-husband Tom Cruise in last year's Mission: Impossible 2) projects enough bad vibes to make us hiss at him. The sequence involving him and Broadbent in a rendition of Madonna's Like A Virgin is hilarious. Australia's pop music favourite Kylie Minogue is also featured in a quick cameo.

This summer's releases, from The Mummy Returns in early May to last weekend's A.I., have been fairly mediocre if not downright poor. The exceptions have been Shrek and now Moulin Rouge. Moulin Rouge is not a perfect film, and it may not be for purists who don't like its style, but its first half, at least, is one of the most joyous and entertaining experiences in a long time. Give it a try.

(c) Joe Wong (4 July 2001)