I saw the film once, several years back, but I didn't quite appreciate the intricacies of the film as I do now, after watching it a second time. The film editing is really intense, at least in the beginning scenes. It reminds me of Scott Pilgrim. Then the first time I watched it, I thought the film creators were being silly by just taking other songs and adapting them into this movie-musical. I guess it must be that I recognize more of the song samples now, and I can also appreciate quality singing. Ewan McGregor. Wow. Guy can sing. The film's cover + his performance of "Your Song" by Elton John: niiiiiice. Nicole Kidman has a great voice too, but I was more impressed by her acting in this film compared to her singing. Once again, I can see how her performance was Nominee-worthy. Her character just shines, through and through. I think I'm starting to like her as an actress.
I also didn't know Moulin Rouge was nominated for several Oscars during its year, besides Kidman's nomination. It won Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Costume design. I think the costumes were amazing. So diverse, so fitting for each character. Some of Satine's costumes were just gorgeous, depending on the scene. I think it's also interesting that this movie was nominated for Best Picture, because a musical had apparently never been nominated for Best Picture in 22 years prior. So, kudos to them.
Also, the director Baz Luhrmann also did William Shakespeare's Romeo+Juliet (1996), which I think is interesting to know. I don't remember much from that film, as we only watched parts of it in class during 9th grade, but I do remember some of the stylistic elements present in the film, and I can kinda sorta recognize those same touches of Luhrmann in Moulin Rouge. Then I also found out he's apparently doing The Great Gatsby, slated to open in 2012. And it evidently stars Leo Dicaprio as Jay Gatsby and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway. I'm not sure what to think of this so far, as it's still pre-production, and whenever I think of Gatsby I'm reminded of 11th grade AP Language/Composition. Hm. Should still be interesting though.
Let's see. Luhrmann directed Moulin Rouge, but also did Australia (2008), both starring Nicole Kidman. He directed Romeo+Juliet, starring Dicaprio, and now he's doing The Great Gatsby, which will also star Dicaprio. Hm. I find Director-Actor(s) pairings to be interesting, is all.
"We are creatures of the underworld. We can't afford to love."
~Harold Zidler, from Moulin Rouge (2001)
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