‘Moulin Rouge’

This fanciful, farcical return to the infamous Paris nightclub flaunts its special effects and anachronistic references.   [PG-13]

By: Kam Williams
   Often, historical drama tells us more about the times we are living in than the era explored by the movie. That’s certainly the case with Moulin Rouge, a bombastic extravaganza with more bells and whistles than you can shake your can-can at. Writer/director Baz Luhrmann, who last graced us with an audacious interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, is back with an equally outrageous re-creation of the Moulin Rouge, the glamorous Paris nightclub synonomous with decadence and indulgence.

"Nicole


Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor star in the visually stunning Moulin Rouge.

   Though the film is set in the Summer of Love (not 1969, but 1899), Luhrmann shows limited restraint when it comes to complying with the cultural or technological developments of that era. As a result, this space-age production freely flaunts its anachronisms, almost daring the viewer to disagree with the incessant assault of the malapropros.
   For instance, the Moulin Rouge score features not only that infernal remake of Patti LaBelle’s "Lady Marmalade," presently in heavy rotation on every pop radio station, but such oldies as Elton John’s "Your Song," Madonna’s "Like a Virgin," Nat King Cole’s "Nature Boy" and the Beatles’ "All You Need Is Love." The only authentic song from the period is the "Can-Can," which the young might recognize as the Shop-Rite Supermarket jingle.
   This easy-listening soundtrack also revives familiar favorites from hit musicals such as Marilyn Monroe’s "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend" from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Julie Andrews’ Sound of Music title song.
   Granted, all of the aforementioned tunes have been remade for Moulin Rouge, but they are just as jarring when performed afresh by the likes of space oddity David Bowie, androgynous freakazoid Marilyn Manson, metalhead Ozzy Osbourne and gangsta’ rappette Lil’ Kim, because neither the melodies nor the sound were around in 1900.

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Moulin Rouge was filmed on five sound stages in Australia and then substantially enhanced by groovy computer graphics.

   This musical situation comedy stars Nicole Kidman as Satine, a coquettish courtesan with a heart of gold but, unfortunately, tuberculous lungs. A triangle of Orphean proportions is set up when Satine becomes torn between Christian (Ewan McGregor), a struggling writer, and the Duke of Worcester (Richard Roxburgh), a wealthy benefactor willing to jumpstart her acting career in exchange for sexual favors.
   Like your typical TV sitcom, the plot is predicated on a simple misunderstanding that could be cleared up in an instant with one honest declarative sentence. Rather than straightening things out, Satine opts for layer upon layer of lies. John Leguizamo, as Toulouse-Lautrec, leads a Greek chorus that observes and comments on the goings-on at a safe distance.
   Moulin Rouge was filmed on five sound stages in Australia and then substantially enhanced by groovy computer graphics. The finished product looks worlds away from turn-of-the-century gay Paris.
   Personally, I felt more assaulted than entertained. But teens might be better equipped to endure the historical mish-mash and the cattle-prod special-effects that never allow the audience to relax.
   Rated PG-13. Contains mild profanity and a wanton "anything goes" decadence.