When Kurt Cobain wrote Smells Like Teen Spirit, he probably didnt imagine his song would be in a Hollywood musical. Sting probably felt the same way when he wrote Roxanne. But both songs can be found in Baz Luhrmanns latest effort, Moulin Rouge.
In the current climate of film, musicals are dead. However, as Moulin Rouge proves, there is still hope that musicals will go on.
Luhrmanns style and his ability to barrage you with images is striking. The film comes at the audience like MTV for the first 20 minutes. Theres a constant flickering of images, with pop music blaring and a cast of odd and quirky characters peppering the film.
The story is about writer Christian (Ewan McGregor), who moves to Paris at the turn of the century. He falls into the Moulin Rouge crowd - which includes painter Toulouse Lautrec (John Leguizamo). Lautrec and his friends convince Christian to become involved in the stage musical they are attempting to produce.
Christian agrees, of course, because hes trying desperately to become a bohemian writer. That night, he accompanies his new friends to the Moulin Rouge, where he falls in love with Satine (Nicole Kidman) - the star attraction (and courtesan). Satine wants to be in the show, but they need a financier - and heres where the plot turns.
The Duke of Worcester (Richard Roxburgh) agrees to give the money to the Moulin Rouge for their production, but he wants Satine all to himself. The problem grows when Satine falls in love with Christian.
The Dukes effect on the film shouldnt be underestimated. He seems harmless during the first portion of the movie, but he becomes an evil monster by its completion.
Luhrmann went beyond expectations in creating the world of the Moulin Rouge. Its vibrant style is always jumping out from the screen. Musicals often look too staged and fake, but Moulin Rouge has a life of its own.
But as good as the film is, there are drawbacks. First, the most obvious part of the movie is the music. While audiences will be amused or entertained by the pop hits the cast sings, it can be too much.
The problem isnt that its bad, but its distracting. Especially when two middle-age men sing a musical version of Like a Virgin - sometimes creativity goes too far.
Another problem is the visual style. While its amazing, at times it can be too overwhelming, but the problem with this is Luhrmann has done it all before.
Remember his direction of William Shakespeares Romeo + Juliet in 1996? The visual style that is the essence of that movie can be found in Moulin Rouge. The story sometimes imitates Romeo + Juliet, but never obnoxiously so.
Moulin Rouge should be seen if only for its visual effects. The film could be watched on mute and would still be startling. And unlike most movies in theaters right now, the plot is good, too.